Q + A: Band with attitude Thinking C.A.P. Trio

NORFOLK'S Thinking C.A.P. Trio is "electro acoustic experimental dark pop" - which means "it's acoustic driven with digital effects," says singer/songwriter/guitarist Charlton Phaneuf.

"We each have different approaches, and the band has a certain amount of improv when we play live." The songs are "never the same."

Completing the trio are bassist David Mills and drummer Joshua Birch. The guys played their first gig May 10 at The NorVa in Norfolk, opening for The Cory Daniel Band.

Phaneuf and Mills have known each other for 12 years. They met through musician Michael Mulder, who then lived in Hampton Roads but now is based in Los Angeles. Mills brought Birch into the group six months ago.

"I've had a handful of songs that I've been doing for a while that I basically just presented to them," Phaneuf said. "Dave has such an awesome ear.... Josh as well."

"Spoon-fed Hed," their five-song EP, is due in the fall; Rich Mossman helped with the production. The trio has been getting airplay on Max FM's Locals Lounge, but you can catch them live tonight at Steppin' Out in Virginia Beach. Here's how the guys answered our questions.

How much original music does the band play?

Seventy percent originals. It depends on the night. If we're like the Blues Brothers - playing behind chicken wire fence and dodging beer bottles - then we might have to play some covers to survive the gig.

How often does the band play in a week?

Throughout the summer, we've been playing about twice a week.

What are your day jobs?

Phaneuf: freelance doing stagehand work and production work for Virginia Opera. Mills: government employee with Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Birch: chef at Olive Garden.

What's one thing people should know about the band?

We will play something you know, but sho'nuff something you don't know. In other words, we're not a cover band. We're definitely a band with attitude.

If the band could write its own headline, what would it be?

Put your thinking caps on and feed your "Spoon-fed Hed."

Patty Jenkins, (757) 446-2298, patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com