Back in 2008, I met with singer / guitarist Jim Ward of At The Drive-In / Sparta fame. Ward at the time was out on the road supporting the new album from his solo project, Sleepercar.

It was interesting re-visiting this interview years later because at the time, Ward was avoiding all ATDI talks or reunion possibilities. I went into the interview not anticipating even talking about that but it sort of just came up.

ATDI would eventually reunite in 2012 for a brief run before disintegrating once more.

I met with Ward before Sleepercar's NYC debut at the Mercury Lounge over a beverage and a loud jukebox at The Library Bar.

A lot of people think Sleepercar is your new band but it's been your project for a couple of years. Why was it on the backburner for so long?

Jim: At the time, I had been figuring out how to do this. Initially, I was just going to start a country band. I didn't want to mimic what I liked. I wanted it to be infused in what I am and how I write. It took me six years me to learn how to sing the way I wanted to. It has to be a slow progression. It's like learning how to play an instrument. Your first band is never the best one.