Matthew Lemons= Front man.
Mike Lawler=Guitar. Brian Olsen=Guitar.
Anthony Thede=Bass.
Tracy Munger=Synth/Samples.
Aaron Plaskas/AP=Drums

Tracy and Mike began making music together years ago after meeting at Maytag in Newton where they both worked. I have been friends with Thede for many years now, and while observing a show of Thede's former band, I was introduced to Mike. It was at that time that he spoke to me about conceiving a band. He sent me a rough demo and I thought it was the best out of the half dozen other demos i received. I tried out, I got it. I had just moved back from Phoenix but was planning on moving to Florida in the next few months. I did move, and after a year in Orlando, I returned to form TCD. I contacted Tracy and Mike. Thede had left his band, so he was in. Thede then introduced us to a drummer, AP, and after months of try outs, we found Brian. Thus, The Cassandra Disease was born.

4. What other bands have you or other guys in the band played in ?

Everybody in the band is very excited about where life has lead them, into The Cassandra Disease.

5. People may not be aware that you went to school to be an audio engineer. What area of audio engineering do you plan to excel in ?
What tools and knowledge do you see as important to doing this ?

I obtained an Associates of Science Degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail in Orlando, FL. This is the most hands-on institution utilizing unparalleled equipment and professional instructors coming from all around the world.

My direction is into studio production as an engineer. I also have the mind state for pre-production, capable of being a producer. All the tools, and all the knowledge you can obtain can only make you better.

6. Most people in audio engineering head to the cost (east or west) or Nashville , what brought you back here to Iowa ?

I wanted to live out my artistic life before pursuing a career on the other side of the glass. Plus I spent all my fucking money on school and couldn't support myself in LA or NY. Go figure.

7.How are the roles of singer /songwriter / band member and audio engineer an asset ?
Is there any liability.

Very much an asset. I have a lot to offer the band. But I really try to give the band what they need to feel that they are just as important to the group as I am. The singer is always the egotistical asshole of the group, I hate ego. (that just leaves the asshole part!) I'm usually a very kind man. Usually.

On the local scene, live sound quality is a dream. The only way to maintain continuity is to hire your own sound man. No offense to the sound guys around here, but there are too many bands and too many drinks to choose from to always get the best sound for every band every time. Plus we have six members. Studio sound transferring over to live sound is always tricky. We have Tracy(synth/samples) which helps, but for low budget bands there is only so much you can do.

14. You may have answered this in part (#5) but what are the best and worst aspects of being in a band in Central Iowa?

This question could get me in trouble. The best........um........the worst.......after moving around the country, I see that Iowa wants to be "cool" like other cities, but when you try to do something different, or be something different, just the word different doesn't get much attention around here. Just think if Iowa wanted to be...."extreme!".....shit!

20. Where should be be looking to see Cassandra Disease next ?

Throughout the Midwest. We don't want to keep playing Iowa for a long time. The sooner we can go out there and fail, the sooner we'll learn.

Anything else you care to add ?

Thank you for you time and interest. Not to be rock starish, but come see our show. Whatever your fancy is, you'll at least see a passionate, theatrical product.