{image1}It's one thing to make a record that sounds like something from the '80s. It's a completely different animal when it sounds like an eight-ball of '80s techno cut with modern dance pop, electronica, melancholia and dreamy, hard-hitting lyrics.

Such is the case with New Sense, the emo-esque offspring of Camden and The Promise Ring's William Seidel and Ryan Weber. The group recently released a seven-song EP and OMC caught up with Seidel to ask him a few questions.

OMC: So, how many projects are you involved in currently?

William Seidel: I am currently active with two: New Sense and Decibully. On the side I am working with Chris Rosenau (Pele/Collections of Colonies of Bees) on a few tracks and I'm tackling some solo material.

OMC: How do you find the time to make so much music?

WS: It's what I do. When I quit school to play music full time I didn't think that a shooting star twinkled and cemented my fate. I know that it takes a lot of work and dedication just to get five people to a show so no matter what happens I'm giving it all I got. Besides what else is there? It sure beats watching reality TV every f-cking night.

OMC: Is there any one project that you're the most serious about?

WS: That's like asking a split personality if there is one identity that they think is most real.

OMC: Touché ... Did you purposely set out to make an "'80s sounding" record or did that just happen?

WS: We all grew up in the '80s and listened to tons of pop music but it wasn't intentional. We thought we were making an after-club, chill-out record like Everything But The Girl but with guys from the Midwest.

OMC: What bands did you listen to in the '80s?

WS: Top 40 Sunday Morning Countdown, Wings, Michael Jackson, Run DMC ... everything.

OMC: Who are the members of New Sense and what other projects are they involved with?

WS: Ryan Weber plays bass, he's also in Decibully. Kristian Riley is the guitarist from Citizen King, Jason Todd plays synths and keys -- he's from Def Harmonic, Innerstance Beatbox and Vanishing System. We are currently juggling two superb drummers: DJ Brooks and Gintas (Janusonis) who are involved with a million projects between them. Old Man Malcolm is still rocking strong behind the scenes.

OMC: Where did you record this EP?

WS: We recorded at the Old Bionic when it was still above the Miramar Theater. It has since moved.

OMC: Who produced it?

WS: Kristian did the bulk of work, Ryan put in time and I engineered the couch.

OMC: Is it officially released?

WS: Yes, on Brilliante Records from Chicago. They are a creative collective of artists who put out records of bands they love.

OMC: Where did you grow up?

WS: I grew up in Racine, spent a year in Japan, and moved to Milwaukee at 18.

OMC: When did you first get into music?

WS: I have been "into" music since I was a baby and my dad would sit me in front of the stereo and play Stevie Wonder over and over. I have been playing in bands since I was 15. My first band was started with Ryan Weber and Biju Zimmerman (from Carolina).

OMC: Where is the ideal venue in Milwaukee for New Sense?

WS: The Cactus Club is home. You can't beat it. Onopa has also been great.

OMC: What about anywhere in the world?

OMC: We would love to hit Europe. I think we could shake some serious Euro-ass.

OMC: OK, so what's next for you?

WS: New Sense is recording a record right now of songs we have been trying to outlive.

OMC: Is Milwaukee responsive to New Sense's style of music?

WS: I think so. The shows keep getting better and better. I believe we are doing something unique in this city and that people enjoy it. We take all the things we love about indie rock, Top 40 and dance music and turn it into original style that has a pretty wide appeal. You tell me.