Off the top of your head, could you name four things about York, PA? I could mention Sheffer Beer Distributors, Brenn's Pub, it's Amish country and it's located near the Susquehanna River, but this is meaningless if you don't know the area of York county.

However, I think it's safe to say most people are familiar with four musicians who hail from York, PA and are known as the rock band LIVE. At age 31, after 16 years of playing together, and plenty of number one hits, lead singer Ed Kowalczyk, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer, guitarist Chad Taylor and drummer Chad Gracey have just released their sixth studio album titled "Birds of Pray", and Patrick took some time to talk about it before leaving for their European tour.

I also asked Pat to name four things about his hometown York, PA, since LIVE has returned to their roots on "Birds of Pray." His answer was "York High, Harley Davidson, Peppermint Patties, and Penn Park." Though many people may not know it, the famous candy, famous motorcycle and famous band all come from York, PA, however, I do think we all know about the sensation of a cool summer breeze when opening a Peppermint Pattie.

As for musical influences while growing up in York, Patrick mentions, "Initially Don Carn. He was our music teacher and mentor, and I used to take private lessons with him. He talked us into doing a talent show and opened our eyes and ears to the possibilities of music as a career because we enjoyed it."

Whether their families were always supportive of their career choice, Patrick says "My parents were a bit disappointed when I walked in and said I was not going to college, but I was gonna be a rock'n'roller. But they're very proud.  At the time they were being parents and were concerned, but they've always been very proud."

Except for one member of the band, LIVE are now parents themselves, and "Birds of Pray" includes songs that Ed wrote while waiting for the birth of his daughter. With plenty of spare time and no pressures of touring, the album distinctly portrays LIVE's typical anthemic songs and crashing guitars.  "We knew we wanted to get back to guitars, bass & drums. We touched on that energy." says Pat "The shows improved, and the energy between us--musically it's what we wanted to rely on."

Prior to recording the album in Santa Monica with producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank), LIVE rehearsed their new material at Javelina, a Nashville studio where Elvis recorded some RCA hits. "Most of the songs were written in Nashville, but a couple of songs were written before that.  Nashville is a small town, but there was so much going on." says Pat "There was so much energy. We started taking in the town and writing music."

The lyrics to "Heaven", the first track on the cd, clearly show Ed is no longer on a spiritual journey and has found an answer with the birth of his daughter. "I don't need no one to tell me about heaven. I look at my daughter, and I believe.  I don't need no proof when it comes to God and truth.  I can see the sunset and I perceive."

"Ed's lyrics were so prolific" says Pat. "He came in with these chords and melodies.  We banged them out.  He was writing all these songs, and we didn't want to stand in his way."

The song "Lighthouse" makes clever use of nautical references in describing a relationship with a woman. "Taylor came in with this guitar riff and Chad Gracey and I just dropped in.  Ed just came up with these words that worked.  He had to get the right terms for some things, but it all just fell together."

LIVE grew up near the Susquehanna River, and some of their prior songs refer to water and rivers, so it's only appropriate to find a song titled "River Town" on their sixth album.  "To me, "River Town" is creepily, strangely autobiographical." says Pat "I heard it, and I felt it was about the four of us setting out in the world.  Yeah, I felt it was strangely autobiographical."

LIVE definitely goes back to their original guitar rock format on "Birds of Pray", and it can be heard on songs such as "Like I Do", "Sanctity of Dreams", and "Life Marches On."  In the ballad "Run Away", the strings are prominently featured, and Pat describes the song as "probably one of our best ballads." There is also 4-song DVD (limited edition) of LIVE's show in the Netherlands included with the "Birds of Pray" cd.

Because LIVE is known for their symbolism, the "Birds of Pray" cd cover created a debate as to whether the color blue (like water) and the birds (one has bells around its neck) have any hidden meanings.  Pat says, "There is no symbolism.  The one bird is just an icon.  The bird with bells around its neck -- our friend Jesse did it for us.  We gave him the record and the title, and he shot it. It was actually one of his first pieces of work. We were all blown away by it."

The members of band now reside in four different states (two on the East coast; two on the West coast). "We try to talk to each other weekly, you know to stay on the same page." When they regroup as LIVE, Pat says, " It's not so much magical as it is second nature.  We've known each other so long.  It's old buds getting back together. It's just second nature for us to be creative together."

LIVE will be leaving for their European tour at the end of May and will also be playing at the Delaware State Fair on July 19th.  Whether he is excited about going on tour again, Pat says "Yes & no.  I had to say goodbye to my kids yesterday, so that was hard.  But we're anxious to see what kind of feedback we get."

Unlike many bands that only have an original member or two left, LIVE continues to be the original set of friends who entered a school talent show 16 years ago.  Pat's feelings on whether LIVE will still be together at age 50 or 60 was a definite: "Yeah, if we're still alive."