If the name Suckers sounds familiar, it’s because chances are you’ve seen them in D.C. at some point over the last year. Opening for established headliners and more of-the-moment buzz bands, Suckers skirts the line between artful meaning and playful irreverence. The quartet stayed true to their new-wave roots with poppy jams that more than once threatened to drain packed audiences of all their energy before the headliner could take the stage.

Now, the boys from Brooklyn are working on a follow up album to Wild Smile and taking a detour through D.C. to play a benefit show for Common Good City Farm at DC9 tonight as part of Monument Music & Arts Festival‘s concert series. We caught up with co-frontman Austin Fisher ahead of tonight’s show.

You’ve made your way through D.C. three times in the last year, supporting Menomena, Local Natives and Mates of State. How did those three shows compare, crowd-wise?

Each has their own crowd. I think Mates of State had the most mixed crowd, since they’ve been around the longest. Local Natives had the most screaming girls. Menomena had the most music nerds.

What bands would you like to perform with that you haven’t yet?

Tears for Fears!

Do you approach shows differently based on whether you’re opening or headlining?

When we’re opening, we give it 80 percent. When we headline, we give it 100 percent.

Do you or your band mates have any pre-show rituals?

No. We’re pretty casual backstage. No one gets super nervous, and no one prays and no one throws up.

You’re one of two lead vocalists. How do you and Quinn divvy up songwriting responsibilities amongst the two of you, and Pan and Brian?

The band writes as a group. We usually just improvise in our studio. Then, usually, Quinn or I start singing and whoever comes up with a vocal that best fits ends up singing the song. Sometimes I do just the chorus and he does verse, or vice versa. There isn’t a conscious dividing of duties.

How is the new album coming along? Any hints on what we can expect?

We’re about halfway through the recording process. We’re headed right back into the studio after the D.C. show. I think the record will be a bit more stripped back compared to our first one. Also, there’s probably way more guitar solos.

With all these shows in D.C., have you had time to explore the city at all?

Yes, we’ve spent some time hanging out. Our great friends that run Durkl, the D.C.-based clothing brand, usually show us around.

The band used to incorporate face paint and costumes into some of your live shows. There’s been less of that lately. Any chance costumes will make a comeback tonight with Halloween coming up so soon?

There’s always a chance. I think a bunch of our friends might show up naked and covered in fake blood. That might be enough costume for everybody.

Suckers headline tonight at DC9. Rewards opens. Doors are at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. All proceeds go to Common Good City Farm.