Was the fusion of sounds something you planned from the get-go or did it just kind of happen? Did you start as one type of band and then gradually add the other elements as you went along ?

From day one, the whole thing kind of just happened. Our very first jam session was Liam [Cunningham], Greg [Landfair Jr], Nico [Segal], and J.P. [Floyd]. We were just messing around and playing whatever we wanted. I was really getting into the sound of hip hop bass at the time, so we’d have situations where I would be noodling and start playing the bass line from Outkast’s “So Fresh, So Clean” and then Nico (being the jazz head that he is) would play some jazz tune over it and then J.P would pick up on it and all of a sudden Liam is singing something over it and playing guitar. I guess that’s kind of the genesis of the whole thing.

Many believe the Chicago music scene has splintered off into different sub-genres over the past decade or so. Do you believe there’s a unified scene, or is it difficult to define?

I think the Chicago music scene is ridiculously diverse and rich, which is why it’s hard to define. I’ve heard a lot of great things about New York and I’m sure I’ll spend some time playing music in New York eventually, but Chicago has always kept me with a feeling of satisfaction and also a feeling of discovery.

On the same note, do you guys feel like you’re a part of that scene? That is, are there bands you feel a direct kinship to? Are there local venues you frequent? Or have you always gone at it alone?

We’ve definitely played at a few venues multiple times but definitely nothing regular basis/long-term. One band that we’ve been really tight with is the O’Mys. We’ve played a bunch of shows with them. They’re definitely one of the dopest young groups. Nick [Hennessey] and Maceo [Haymes] put an insane amount of their soul into that music and it really comes through on stage and on their recordings.

Has the band always had the same lineup?

It’s always been the same line-up since we fully assembled.

You all are young. You’re fresh. You’re up and coming. Do you have any rival bands in the same age/experience bracket, whether it be healthy competition or genuine enemies? Have you and The Smith Westerns ever duked it out?

As far as I know I dont think we’ve ever had “beef” with another band. If we did, I think that would most likely be super lame. The Smith Westerns are dope. Hopefully we’ll get to say what’s up to them at Lolla.

What other bands are you excited to catch at Lolla?

The number one band I’m looking forward to seeing at Lolla is Fitz and the Tantrums. Straight up.

Are there any bands at Lolla that you look up to as mentors?  Has Dave Grohl ever said, “Hey, you kids are alright”?

I wouldn’t say there’s a specific band I really look up to at Lolla, but after going like three years in a row when I was little and seeing bands like the Flaming Lips and Rage Against the Machine and Lupe Fiasco, it really just creates an insanely amazing feeling for me.

You can catch Kids These Days at CoS’ Official Lollapalooza Pre-Party tonight, August 3rd, 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Hall alongside fellow Chicago natives The O’My’s and Nick Miller & The Neighbors. All attendees will have the chance to win a pair of Lollapalooza tickets and two Windows Phones. Grab your tickets and see you there!