The San Fransico quartet- vocalist Stephan Jenkins, guitarist Kevin Cadogan, Bassist Arion Salazar and Drummer Brad Hargreaves - made a huge sonic splash with "Semi-charmed Life," the first single from their self-titled debut. Since then, the guys have traveled the globe,bringing their emotionally charged, big-rock sound to countless fans. We got a chance to talk with fully-charmed frotman Stephan, 28, just as the band set off on THE BONFIRE TOUR, which runs through November.

Did You expect to be so successful with your first abum?

We feel very blessed, but we didn't have expectations beyond wanting to make a record that was satisfied us.

You wanted to make something personally rewarding, yet it's touched so many people.

Instead of it making you feel like a big rock star, it makes you feel humble, like we're all in this together.

Have you been able to get to know your fans at all?

The most significant thing is the personal connection we've made with fans. When we're onstage, I really look into the eyes of the audiance, and after our shows, we sign autographs.

What kind of effect do you want your music to have?

We want people to step outside the conflicts of their minds and be with us in this world that we create. That sense of community is what THE BONFIRE TOUR is about - a bonfire draws people together toward this warmth and a sort of secret gathering, like tribalism.

How do you handly roadburn?

I quit smoking and I eat well. I try to eat the biggest steak I can find before every show!!!

Does your music relate to where you are from? Our music has an eclectism - a lot of differant things going on at the same time - and San Fransisco is a place where people come to be free and have a wide-open sensability.

You were a lit. major in college. What is your recomended reading list??

I think that every teenager should read Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road' - it's a life-changing book, it opens up so many possibilities - and the best book I ever read is Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.

Where do you see the band in the future???

We're going to keep touring, make more records and trying to figure out what Third Eye Blind is.

written by Nina Malkin Teen Magazine, September 1998