Band name: Murder By Death.

Hometown: Bloomington.

Genre: Dark cowboy rock 'n' roll.

Musicians: Adam Turla (who answered our questions) on vocals and guitar; Sarah Balliet on cello and keys; Matt Armstrong on bass; Dagan Thogerson on drums.

What has the past year been like for you?

We toured the U.S. a few times, Canada and Europe. We also spent two months at home writing a new album and perfecting the art of BBQ.

How has your life changed as a heavily touring act vs. your start as a local band in Bloomington?

As soon as we got a record deal five years ago, everything changed. Our lives became that of the band.

Is being a working musician everything you had thought it would be?

It's both better and harder than I expected.

How did you create your band name?

Got it from a Neil Simon play and the murder mystery comedy that came out in '76.

What steps do you take to prepare to rock?

First I oil up my pecs, then I dance a little jig.

What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played for?

(There were) 8,000 at the Sturgis bike rally this year and three the first time we played in St. Augustine, Fla.

Why should I go to your show?

Because maybe you'll meet that special someone there and you didn't have any other plans that night that included drinking and rock.

What would Pitchfork rate your album (and why)?

They'd rate it badly, because I think Pitchfork is poop, and they'd probably think the same about me.

Do you have what it takes to be the next American Idol?

Not with this haircut.

How many groupies do you have?

How many do you want me to have?

Fill in the blanks: If my band were an animal it would be a __ because ____.

(A) hippo because when they poop they spin their tails like propellers and the poop flies all over the place.

What is your lucky clothing item to wear onstage?

Pants. Any pants will do.

What's the funniest thing that has happened to you so far as a musician?

Getting paid to be a musician.

Like, do you have any cool tour stories?

I will introduce you to the bed taco. It's a classic tour maneuver. When someone is laying in a hotel bed, you run up to them yelling "bed taco!" And you roll them up in the mattress.