You may have heard of the band The Willknots mentioned on KWOD 106.5 FM, or maybe you have seen flyers for an upcoming show in Sacramento. Either way, this band is worth seeing!

The radio-friendly, upbeat quality offers a pop punk Blink 182-like sound. (Some members of the band agree on the comparison and some don?t.) It?s the kind of music that makes you want to jump around. Not the way you would at a ska show, and not the way you would at a punk show, it?s kind of a “happy punk.” The lyrics aren?t political or opinionated, instead the lyrics are fun and enjoyable.

The Willknots have been around since 1997. They have been lucky to receive support from KWOD 106.5 FM, one of Sacramento?s leading alternative rock stations.

Last year, their song “Crush” began airing on KWOD with big success, in fact that?s how I heard of them. Curious to know more about the band, I spoke with a friend of mine who at the time was a staff member for KWOD, and he made me a copy of their CD. I liked the sound and have been listening to The Willknots ever since.

Members of The Willknots include Doug Deibel, lead vocals and guitar; Eric Fox, bass; Eddie Luke, drums; and Danny Dinh, lead guitar and vocals. This is what Doug and Eric had to say:

Kat: Who are your influences?

Eric: Doug.

Doug: Eric! Our influences are punk music but mainly modern music. I am always craving something new.

Eric: Fountains of Wayne and Quicksand.

Kat: What are your intentions or motivations?

Doug: I don?t want to work at anything else! I just want to pay the bills and rock while I do it!

Kat: Where would you like to see The Willknots in five years?

Doug: Releasing our third album.

Kat: In 10 years?

Eric: I want to be retired. To be together would be an overwhelming success.

Doug: To still be involved in music.

Kat: What genre of music do you consider The Willknots to be?

Doug: We fall somewhere between pop rock and pop punk, with a twist.Kat: What separates you from other bands?

Eric: Our mesh of musical influences. A sort of melting pot I guess.

Listen for The Willknots? new single, entitled “4 AM,” on KWOD 106.5 FM today. Or check them out on their Web site at www.Willknots.com.