Ume singer/shredder Lauren Larson took time out from recording the band’s follow-up to answer 20 questions:
1. Best sushi in Austin: Musashino
2. Ever driven successfully with one eye closed? Maybe on my bike
3. Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood? Tay Tay
4. Pacman turned 30. What will you get it for its birthday? Shorts
5. Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit? Trivial Pursuit
6. Who plays you in the movie of your life? Ha, I always imagined Uma Thurman “Kill Bill” era, but I’m not nearly that tall… our drummer said Dakota Fanning 
7. You’ve been compared with Prince. What would your symbol look like? Hmm … three L’s intertwined amongst ume flowers around a guitar coming out of the mouth of a flaming dragon with a kitty on its back
8. Preferred brand of nail-polish remover: I haven’t used nail polish or remover since around middle school … then it was probably Sally Hansen
9. Cream or sugar? Cream
10. Latte or mocha? Soy Latte
11. Worst interstate: I-10 through Houston (coming back from tour, we were once stuck there 4 hours in the middle of a sewage tanker spill)
12. Do you think Texas will secede? I grew up in a small town known as the “first capital of the Republic of Texas” … not wishing for another Republic
13. Jaywalking: Pro or con? Pro “looking both ways,” then crossing even if it’s jaywalking
14. Three “desert island” songs. Don’t cheat: Carole King, “So Far Away.” Weezer, “Across the Sea.” Pink Floyd, “Wish You Were Here.”
15. Currently reading: Lonesome Dove Trilogy
16. Currently eating: Zucchini and jalapenos from my garden
17. Ever studied martial arts? Brazilian jujitsu for a couple weeks, but I opted for the guitar over UFC-style combat
18. What is it about Shiner Bock? Shiner has a nice, full-bodied flavor that’s not too hoppy … though I prefer Lone Star
19. Name one bad habit you’ve picked up in the last five years: I have a few more anxieties
20. One good habit: I’m more appreciative and try to take less for granted
Ume’s limited edition EP Sunshower on 10” gold vinyl is available now from Karate Body, ear X-tacy, Waterloo, End of an Ear and nationwide through NAIL Distribution.
