Since first emerging from Portland, Oregon in 2003, the unrepentantly whimsical folk outfit Blitzen Trapper have self-released three albums and two with Sub-Pop, each winning critical acclaim, including the Pitchfork tip of the top-hat for 2007 Best New Music.

Brandon Deroche sat with Blitzen Trapper to discuss volunteering with the School of Rock and why even its laureates struggle to succeed today.

CC: Are there any causes that you guys, as a band, are passionate about?

Michael VanPelt: In a broad sense, I think, feeding ourselves has been the biggest cause for us.

Marty: [laughs] I think it comes down to, ultimately, whether you’re doing this because it helps everybody’s quality of life out, you know – the crowd, and us as musicians, and the other people who are benefiting from us in different ways, or whether you’re looking at it as strictly a money-making venture. And so, I think our cause is music. That’s what we do and that’s what we love to do, and whether or not we can make a living off it, we’d still be doing it. And hopefully, you know, helping bring people together on whatever small scale we’re able to.

Read the full interview by visiting Causecast.org/music