The White Octave (Lincoln is second from left) Visit The White Octave's page at Deep Elm Records, read Splendid's review of Style No. 6312 or buy the bugger at Insound.

What is your definition of a "good person"?

Lincoln Hancock: In light of the recent electoral fiasco, I think this question might not be so pointless. I'll answer in this context: a good person wants to bring the truth into light; conversely, a bad person wants to keep the truth in the dark.

What is the dumbest fashion trend of the last hundred years?

Lincoln Hancock: The brand-name apparel phenomenon in its decade-traversing manifestations, from alligators and Polos to Nikes and Tommys. Stop chaining the kids to these posts.

What book (or books) that you read as a child has most influenced your life as an adult?

Lincoln Hancock: The Choose Your Own Adventure series. Really? Was I a child in high school? Then I'd say THE FOUNTAINHEAD, which I now see in a more tempered light, but at the time really helped me get my shit together.

What is the most important trend/cultural paradigm shift of the year 2000?

Lincoln Hancock: The long overdue release of the first white octave record. Or maybe the intraweb.

What's your favorite video/computer game? Don't have one? How about board games?

Lincoln Hancock: The great underdog board game of my youth and today has to be STRATEGO.

If you could elect to never, ever, ever have to kiss one particular person now living, who would that person be?

Lincoln Hancock: I don't think you know her.

What's your position on gun control?

Lincoln Hancock: The late Ronnie Van Zandt said, "Handguns are made for killing. Ain't no good for nothin' else." I'm with him. Rifles can't fit in a backpack or be shoved down your pants, however.

What album or albums in your music collection would you have to replace immediately if they wore out, were stolen, etc.?

Lincoln Hancock: I own so much great music that I usually quickly find replacements for my favorite albums, but theoretically I'd quickly replace Exile in Guyville if it were lost. And the new Silkworm record, Lifestyle. And the newest Joel Phelps record, Blackbird. I'm also currently looking for a replacement copy of the Faces' Ooh La La, which wasn't lost so much as lent to someone who needs to keep it.

Do you use Napster (or any of its variants)? How often? For what? If not, why not?

Lincoln Hancock: I sometimes sample streaming music clips, which give me what I want without having to steal.

You are able to get away with murder once, and only once. Who, if anyone, do you kill?

Lincoln Hancock: I have to admit to once directing some very negative vibes at Senator Jesse Helms when he was sitting next to me at my younger brother's high school graduation.

Paper or plastic? Why?

Lincoln Hancock: I choose many personal amenities based on their relative choking hazards, so I'd have to say plastic.

If you could make a rock 'n' roll porn movie, who would be your two co-stars?

Lincoln Hancock: Britney Spears and Bill Wyman. You know why.

What's the most evil thing in the world?

Lincoln Hancock: Self-deception.

What is/was the "most wanted" item on your holiday wish list?

Lincoln Hancock: My two front teeth.

After two years, The White Octave released their first CD, Style No. 6312, late last year. Lincoln plays bass, with Finn Cohen on guitar, Robert Biggers on drums and ex-Cursive guitarist/vocalist Stephen Pedersen rounding out the lineup.