Bandchat correspondents Amelia and Jay went to the 30 Seconds to Mars show at Stubb's in Austin and got a chance to interview drummer Shannon Leto. Here's a taste of what went on.

AMELIA: so what does 30 seconds to mars mean?

SHANNON LETO: there are several different elements to what it means, but it's like the exponential growth of technology plays with the human element. it's moving at such a rapid rate. it's ludicrous. we're in a constant state of projection. it's almost like we're 30 seconds from mars.

A: and the glyphics. what do they stand for?

SL: the glyphics represent different levels. all will be revealed in time.

JAY: i noticed that you did the photos from the album liner.

SL: yeah. we come from an artistic family in the sense that growing up we did artsy fartsy things like painting. photography came naturally.

J: did you ever study it formally?

SL: no, i'm self taught. in photography and on drums. school wasn't for me. i didn't see the point in sitting for 45 minutes, having the teacher explain to me what i could read faster on my own. it's the same regurgitated information over and over. but i read alot on my own.

A: how did the band get started?

SL: jared and i would jam out. write 12 minute songs for ourselves. then we started playing with mutual friends. we shared writing and performing. we started performing under various names in l.a., santa barbara, and all along the west coast. we wanted to share the music with people.

A: your album just came out not too long ago.

SL: creating is a long process. we were signed in 1999. it's been worth the wait. time is good. don't rush. let things come naturally. don't get caught up in the machine.

J: i've read that the cd was recorded on a 15,000 acre ranch in wyoming.

SL: yeah, it's what the music needed. space and privacy.

A: your music is really original. i think you did a great job and creating something new and interesting.

SL: thank you. our music is something different to think about. it's open to individual interpretation. lot of times meanings are force-fed. the process of creating music comes naturally. it's important for people to discover and to dig a little deeper. go to hawaii by yourself. take 10 days by yourself to discover and interpret things on your own. self interpretation. it's very refreshing. something different. as opposed to going with people and interpreting everything as a group.

A: what are you plans for the upcoming year?

SL: edge of the earth is the next single. it's coming out the 3rd week of january. then we plan on doing more touring. by the end of january we will have played 165 shows this year.

J: as far as touring goes, who would you like to tour with?

SL: i have no idea. you know depeche mode? they toured by themselves. not opening for bands, just touring by themselves. and they had enough of a following that they could do that.

A: the 30 seconds to mars fans are already lined up outside for the show. you seem to have a nice following.

SL: yeah. our fans are the greatest. they do the coolest things. they have glyphic tattoos, make clothing to follow the whole scene. they're different, fresh, and unique and think for themselves. they're unreal and amazing.