With the recent signing of A Place to Bury Strangers to Mute Records we have seen this much lauded band come to what many bands would consider the finish line after a long run in the music business on an independent level.  But APTBS has already accomplished what many bands seek a major label contract for.  They've released an album to good reviews across the board from bloggers, critics and fellow musicians.  They've opened many big shows here in NYC including Jesus and Mary Chain and gone on tour in the U.S with Nine Inch Nails as well as touring Europe.  With their custom built guitar pedals, putting them in touch with many larger acts, they have reached many levels leaving many people to wonder if they even need the support of an outside label.  Their recent showing at Monolith also put them in the company of other huge independent acts currently making waves (including TV on the Radio and Vampire Weekend, also NYC groups that have recently signed over to majors).  With a new video out for “My Weakness”, APTBS heads back out to Europe for more dates before finishing their 1st album for Mute.  Below is a Q&ampA with head stranger Oliver shortly after the announcement that they were signing to Mute went public.  Future releases for their own label, touring and the new album were discussed.

What was your 1st reaction after Mute contacted you and said they we're going to sign your band?

My first reaction when signing to Mute is that I was blown away. There are so many great bands on that label and that have been on that label it is really one of the few labels I have admired their releases for so long.  

So what are the current plans with the new record and will you record again at Death by Audio?

Yes, we are recording the new record at our own studio and then I am working with an outside engineer, Andy Smith, to take the sound to places that I really don't have the capability to do. Things have been working out really great and we are almost finished. But that being said I think that it will take a while to get everything together before it is released.

Any idea of a possible release date?

I think it will come out this year if that helps as for a release date.

Feelings on going back to Europe on Tour?

I am psyched to come back to Europe. I love to travel and I love to play rock and roll, so it should be fun.

Now what of your own label at Death by Audio what Future Releases do you plan on putting out?

We are working to get some of the releases off the ground and I think once we start getting these initial releases done then I think we will be able to take on more projects in the future. We are working on a split between Sisters and Jeff the Brotherhood, a No Age live at DBA, and the Muggabears 7 inches.

Last Question-What you plan to do when you finally get a break from touring?

I plan to build more pedals and make more music.