Last year’s self-titled album from Wild Flag – a band formed of members of The Minders, Sleater Kinney, Quasi, Autoclave and Helium – has always been near the office stereo ever since it was released back in September. When we’re close to ending it all (not our own lives, but that of the stereo) due to too much dross, on goes the Wild Flag and everything’ right with the world again. It’s hard to believe we’ve waited so long to chase them down for a Call Back, but, you know, bloody Christmas got in the way. Janet Weiss supplied us with some answers.

Bowlegs: Which album has been a major influence in your life, and why?
Janet: Oh wow, how to choose just one … I suppose I will mention a record I first heard at a crucial time in my life. I was 15, and like most 15-year-olds, was searching for meaning that my family couldn’t provide. The music I listened to at this time shaped me in ways I probably don’t even realise. The Clash’s London Calling consumed my imagination. The musicians became my heroes, and the songs were the soundtrack to my daily life.

Bowlegs: What was the last album you bought?
Janet: I bought a pile of used records on tour, mostly in Athens, GA, including the second Pylon record, and a 7″ of the Blasters’ cover of the Little Willie John song, I’m Shakin.

Bowlegs: Which bands have you been listening to this week?
Janet: John Coltrane, Flying Burrito Bros., Thee Oh Sees, The War On Drugs, The Supremes.

Bowlegs: Name an up-and-coming band Bowlegs should look out for?
Janet: Crock.

Bowlegs: What was the last gig you went to?
Janet: Last show of tour. Wild Flag and Drew Grow and the Pastors’ Wives.

Bowlegs: Who is the best band you have ever shared a bill with?
Janet: Three of my favourites … Elliott Smith, The White Stripes, The Gossip.

Bowlegs: What was the first gig you ever went to, and who did you go with?
Janet: I attended my first concert with my two older sisters and my best friend in the fifth grade, Darcy Baker. We saw David Bowie at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

Bowlegs: What made you realise that being a musician was the career of choice?
Janet: I knew pretty fast I wanted to play music as much as possible. To have it be my career, however, resulted from my working really hard and getting lucky. I’ll be in a cover band when I’m 70. Music isn’t a choice as much as it is a necessity.

Bowlegs: What is your favourite music documentary?
Janet: Don’t Look Back, the D.A. Pennebaker film about a Bob Dylan tour.

Bowlegs: What was the last film you saw, and was it any good?
Janet: Last night I watched two Terrence Malick films. His first, Badlands, which is very good, and his most recent, The Tree of Life, which is an incredible let down. Malick has only made five movies in his over 40 year career. Four out of five of them are incredible.

Bowlegs: Name three great books Bowlegs must read?
Janet: Here’s one: Ask the Dust by John Fante.

Bowlegs: Name a song that takes you back to a certain time in your life?
Janet: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John.

Bowlegs: What is your favourite album cover of all time?
Janet: Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin. It’s like a pop up book.

Bowlegs: What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
Janet: My dog, Mac.

Bowlegs: Do you think music videos are important and do you like making them?
Janet: I don’t think they’re important. Making the two for the Wild Flag record were a blast, however.

Bowlegs: Are albums still important or is it more about individual tracks?
Janet: Albums, albums, albums. An album is a journey – it can change a person forever.

Bowlegs: What do you have planned for the next six months?
Janet: A few Wild Flag tours, England and a little Europe, Australia, some US cities. I’m also working on a new Quasi record with my (going on 20 year bandmate) Sam Coomes.