Keith Murray from We Are Scientists joins you this week for a sharp, hilarious, and revealing ride. From joking about being background extras in cult films to the story of meeting Chris Cain at a Dawson’s Creek viewing party, you’re reminded that sometimes saying yes to everything really can lead to magic. Keith reflects on 20 years of With Love and Squalor, the way nostalgia feels different than expected, and how the band has thrived through bullheaded persistence and genuine friendship. Along the way, you’ll hear about balancing rock with comedy, learning when to bail, and embracing the butterfly-of-chaos moments that turn near-disaster into beauty.
You’ll also get insights into the We Are Scientists ethos and how building fan connection went far beyond music, from early multimedia websites to zines and weird videos that built a “true fans” culture before it was cool. Touring is still about competing with people’s couches, but the band’s vibe keeps fans engaged like they’re part of the hang. The big takeaway? Whether you’re on stage, creating content, or just navigating the chaos, the key is to Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 497 – Monday, September 1st, 2025

Guest co-host: Keith Murray from We Are Scientists


00:01:18 It’s It’s Qualifying Miles…not Qualifying Minds
00:02:20 September 1st: National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day
00:03:36 Wanting to be a background player in a Final Destination film, or the Anaconda series

Butterfly of Chaos


00:06:51 Seeing Oasis in Toronto…Separately!

Deciding Not To Find Things Objectionable


00:13:18 We Are Scientists at Emo’s with Bill Murray in 2010
00:20:18 Qualifying Miles, the new album

It’s more about wondering why I’m not more nostalgic?
It’s been 20 years since With Love and Squalor came out
Revisiting those moments from the past…but noticing that they matter less than we anticipated


00:25:00 Chris Cain and Keith met at a 1997 Dawson’s Creek viewing party

Pomona College in California
Say yes to everything


00:29:14 On being part rock band, part comedy act
00:35:56 Is the crowd rooting for you, or scrutinizing you?
00:39:46 At the Precipice of Disaster but Delivering Beauty like a Butterfly of Chaos
00:42:45 Knowing when to bail
00:44:04 Why is We Are Scientists successful after 20 years (and counting)?

One reason…Bullheaded persistence: we still want to be doing this!
We are still best friends. We still would be hanging out regardless of the band.
Another… the vibe of WAS is pretty good. Our fans feel like they’re doing things with friends.


00:48:05 How do you engage with your fans between shows?

Even in 2002, the website was not all about music. It had fiction writing, weird videos
The website was a media concern built to be serving their “true fans”


00:52:34 The Twin Town Gazette: Chris and Keith

Dave Eggers – MacSweeney’s
We Are Scientists have always been a multimedia concern…even before the band was formed


00:57:52 Getting meta: discussing interview styles
01:02:12 We Are Scientists on Tour in US, Canada, and UK this fall

Competing with the couch!