When you’ve got a taste for clever indie rock based in Philly, the East Hundred will fill your rock-hole with gusto. The band came as a natural evolution from singer Beryl Guceri’s film school roots when Brooke and Will Blair (guitarist and drummer, respectively) joined up to score one of Beryl’s film projects. The trio’s natural chemistry came together as Beryl’s voice filled out the Blair brothers’ sound. The East Hundred’s self titled EP and newer Copper Street Performer EP are the quintessential soundtrack for all of your high-minded activities, with new material just waiting to be released. This fall, they’ll swing by and pick up Dave Sunderland (bass) and Susan Gager (on the keys) to tour up and down the east side. We caught up with them to have a few words about themselves, their tour and what we should all be listening to. READ ON!

CS: What’s on the collective mind of The East Hundred today?

Brooke and Will: I think we're all learning to focus on one day at a time, while keeping the bigger picture in mind. The bigger picture being, making a living with our music. But on a day to day basis there is so much thats involved. We're about to tour, and we need to get right into Promo Turbo Mode. We're doing it all ourselves, from booking to promo. We also have brand new recordings near finished, and so a new EP is what we have to plan on wrapping up in the winter. Finally, we have a new song we're crazy about, and theres no vocal melody for the pre-chorus. We have to finish that tonight. Theres something to be done everyday.

CS: Is Beryl still interested in a career in film-making, or just focusing on music these days?

Beryl: I always thought of filmmaking as something that could open the door to music for me. And it did. Music is definately my focus for now...but by all means, I would love to work in film again, and hopefully marry the two. In addition to all the goals Will mentioned, we're planning a video shoot for a new song, and I plan on being "hands on" in the film aspect of that production.

CS: Your music seems to present a vulnerability rarely seen in Philly artists, and without going off the emo deep end. What makes you different from the prevalent hardcore scene in Philadelphia?

Will: Well for starters...Beryl has a very beautiful voice that doesn't lend itself to screaming. I'm not saying we don't feel tension, and release that through music...but the core of our songs (like many other bands) do deal with relationships, fear, anxiety, and struggle. The difference may be we like the themes to remain subtle and melodic.

CS: With the TLA’s mystifying name-change, do you think it can still keep some cachet, or will it earn the permanent scorn of indie kids far and wide?

Will: If one of the few great Philly venues loses credibility, because of a name change, then Philly has taken things for granted. Per capita, there are not that many mid-size/large venues in this city, and we should be thankful for every place to play and see bands. If there is a boycott of sorts, I guarantee its forgotten as soon as everyones' favorite band rolls into The Fillmore/TLA whatever.

CS: Do you have a favorite venue in Philly?

East Hundred: We love the Khyber, We love the Northstar. We'd love to see what Johnny Brenda's is all about. Johnny Brenda's Booking , if you're reading....please check your email.

Brooke: World Cafe was a really cool show for us, we've only done it once though.

CS: The new tour kicks off on Halloween. What kind of costumed hijinks can we expect?

Will: I don't know if hijinks is the word. "Ridiculousness!" That's whats planned. I'll say there will be full costumes, and a costume-appropriate cover song, smoke machines, and maybe fake blood. But probably not. Good friends Cowmuddy (who hosts a halloween show at The Fire every year) and Crooked Looks are joining in the festivities.

CS: What music will you be listening to on the road this time around?

Beryl: Right now my head is wrapped around the new Interpol. They put on a great show at the Tower last week.
Will: I'm looking forward to Frank Black's new solo record, under his Pixies moniker, Black Francis. Its described as the most "Pixies-esque" of all of his solo efforts.
Brooke: Interpol, Doves, Oldies, Camera Obscura, and NPR.

CS: Who do you like for album of the year?

Beryl: It's close between Interpol's Our Love To Admire and Blonde Redheads' 23.
Brooke: Same picks as Beryl. She beat me to it.
Will: I'm waiting for Black Francis before I make up my mind.

CS: Are there any other Philly artists that you think deserve attention lately?

East Hundred: Again, Crooked Looks are a terribly entertaining, great band. Also, our good friends Illinois, finally seemed to be getting long-overdue attention. They deseve it. And we've played with Like a Fox once, and can't seem to keep up with them. They're like a mysterious, but prolific and busy Philly band, that's so good, you're not sure if they even exist.

CS: In 100 words or less, describe the impact of REO Speedwagon on modern pop music.

Will: Simple, when you name your band after an old pick-up truck...you're setting an automotive band name formula that works. It really works. Without them, there may have never been The Cars, or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or even The Derek Trucks Band.