Olospo – strange name, serious music. The Dallas band that came together to form olospo three years ago creates music so fresh, alive and powerful that many journalists have coined it an “Austin-based band.”

Less than three weeks ago Britt Morris, Chris Holt, Nick Ramirez and Tom Bridwell quit their jobs to pursue full-time music careers. Olospo will return to Dallas Saturday night after weeks on the road.

Never heard of them? Still aren’t sure you know enough about them? Here’s an exclusive interview with Britt (keys) and Chris (guitar) to teach more about an up-and-coming band.

Q: Who are some of your musical influences?

A: Chris – “I was really into the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd growing up and later into Phish and Wilco. I try to listen to everything now.”

Britt – “Anything that is unique and has a different perspective on things that are usually clichéd. I like bands that try to find a unique way to describe everyday situations. I also listen to stuff that makes you move. Nick [the bass player] knows every single song from the ’70s no matter how obscure.”

Q: What’s the best thing about playing live?

A: Britt – “The crowd energy, playing and making people move is incredible. Playing and getting things right when it counts gives a lot of gratification.”

Q: How is your new album, This is the Pagoda different from your first album?

A: Britt – “I think the first album sounded like half Chris and half Britt but the newer one sounds like olospo – the styles are all blended together.”

Chris – “We looked at the album as more relaxed, more mature and funky. We were more focused; everyone was putting their two cents in.”

Q: How do you choose the covers you play at shows?

A: Britt – “It just kind of happens randomly, sometimes it’s because we were screwing around at practice. But we usually aim to do songs that other bands don’t play.”

Chris – “Britt has the smallest bladder on earth and at some point during the three-hour show he has to take a piss. At that point we usually play a Led Zeppelin cover, and there you have the Zeppelin piss break.”

Q: How seriously do you think people in the music industry take you guys?

Chris – “We would love to be taken seriously, but not really though. More than anything we just enjoy playing music and the idea of doing it for a career. It takes a long time to grow into making a great album. We’re still learning to play together.”

Q: Most fans would call olospo a jam band, is that an accurate classification?

A: Chris – “I don’t necessarily classify ourselves as a jam band. We definitely jam on certain songs but not on every song. The band as a whole focuses on songwriting. Our goal is to go beyond that. Listen to bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish – the bigger picture of their catalog is surrounded by arranged music.”

Q: Do you have any other thoughts on the subject?

A: Chris – “A lot of times people in jam bands don’t listen to jam bands. Some of them have the most off-the-wall influences. It’s just an observation I’ve noticed over the years.”

Q: What is the best part about retuning to Dallas after being on the road?

A: Britt – “The one common denominator for bands on the road is that they have a home base that loves and supports them. It’s amazing that we have that in Dallas especially because it’s not known as a live music town.”

Chris – “The best part about coming back to Dallas is that it?s where all of our family is and our original fan base is. Part of the reason we decided to take a chance and do this for a career is because of their support and encouragement.”