Liquid Politics

'We've played in 64 countries on 6 continents," says Liquid Blue singer/songwriter Scott Stephens. "The Stones have played in 39." I take his word for it. The band does seem to be almost always abroad, perhaps explaining how they signed a distribution deal with Shanghai Audio and Video, the biggest music publisher in China. In 2002 they played before 65,000 people in China during a televised music festival. Says Stephens, "Our lyrics show we are an American band thinking about world issues...[we] focus on issues like human rights, seeking peaceful solutions to conflict, the rape of the environment, finding inner peace, etc."

Liquid Blue is made up of seven members: Stephens (former pro Roller Derby skater for the L.A. Thunderbirds), guitarist Michael Vangerov (who has his own Neal Moser signature guitar), bassist/singer Rocket Rodriguez (also plays sax and DJs), drummer Kris Marshall (the new guy), and three dancing and singing "BlueGirls" who front the band with Abba-esque enthusiasm (Layla Loxa, Nikki Nova, and Alex Woods). Catch them between continents at Boar Crossin' in Carlsbad on Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6.

WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER?

Scott: "Green Day, American Idiot. These guys can rock and talk at the same time."

Michael: "Peace Not War, with various artists including Jane's Addiction, Ani DiFranco, Sonic Youth, Paris, and others. Has my vote for CD of the Year."

Rocket: "The Dave Matthews Band, Stand Up. It was worth the wait. 'Everybody Wake Up' is a personal fave track."

Kris: "System of a Down, Mezmerize. Amazing how these guys can be so original and different, yet so popular."

Alex: "Nelly Furtado, Folklore. Reminiscent of Sam Phillips, even better than her debut."

Nikki: "The Cranberries, No Need to Argue. 'Zombie' is profound and chilling."

Layla: "Rolling Stones, Let It Bleed. The band of the living dead."

WORST TV SHOWS EVER?

Scott: "Fox News. 'Fair and balanced' -- you've got to be kidding!"

Michael: "The O'Reilly Factor. This guy is the epitome of how one-sided and mean-spirited the media has become."

Nikki: "American Idol. It doesn't represent real cutting-edge indie talent."

Layla: "The Jerry Springer Show. Made for idiots."

ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO SCOTT WEILAND?

Michael: "A second chance in another great band. Ignore the media and just rock! And, uh, keep your nose clean."

YOUR THOUGHTS RIGHT BEFORE PLAYING FOR 65,000 PEOPLE?

Everyone: "Oh, shit!"

WORST GIG ABROAD?

Scott: "We were booked at a college in Ibarra, Ecuador...we were shocked to find only a single power cord leading to the stage with a pair of indoor disco speakers expected to fill a soccer field. By the time we found adequate power, we were several hours late and most of the crowd had already dispersed. The sky had filled with clouds, and after just a few songs we got hit with a downpour and had to stop the show and save our gear. "

BEST BAND NAMES?

Scott: "Keith Richard's Dealer"

Layla: "The Strap-Ons"

Nikki: "The Dead Kennedys"

Michael: "Rage Against the Machine"

Rocket: "Smashing Pumpkins"

WORST PICKUP LINE EVER USED ON YOU?

Alex: "Do you work for UPS? I could have sworn I saw you checking out my package."

Nikki "Hi, I'm a virgin, so you don't have to worry about catching anything."

Layla: "You might as well sleep with me because I'm going to tell everybody we did it anyway."