Forming back in 2009, the sextet The Damn Choir is heading to CMJ, but first will be performing at the CMJ CHicago send off at Ultra Lounge this Saturday, October 15th. Gordon Robertson (vocals & guitar) and Katy Myers (cello & vocals) from the band were kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Deli: How did the band start?

The Damn Choir: We (Gordon and Katy) met at Underbar, very very late at night. Within three months of meeting, we both dropped out of school and started recording, "Faithful Fools." For a year or so, it was just the two of us. The band as it is today is fairly new, but feels the most natural and connected it ever has.

Deli: Where did the band name come from?

The Damn Choir: We started off as "Gordon and Katy" for lack of a band name, but always hated it. There were a few maybes, including St. Supery after Gordon's favorite vineyard, as well as some really really bad ideas, but Gordon came up with The Damn Choir one night while we were recording our first album, and it clicked for both of us right away.

Deli: What are your biggest musical influences?

Gordon: My biggest influence is Nick Drake. Pink moon really changed my song writing a lot. Also frightened rabbit has played a big role in my writing. I love the honesty and sadness from their second album, Midnight Organ Fight. Pedro the lion has also been a big part of my life. I think David bazan has a beautifully dark way of writing about religion, which is something I try to portray.

Katy: For me, bands with cello players I admire have been big: Cursive, Murder By Death, Cloud Cult, Ra Ra Riot, and Margot and the Nuclear So and So's. Also, all the bands I've been in before TDC have had a lot to do with my current sound: Gaberdine, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Tomorrow Music Orchestra, Dialogue, and The Minneapolis Henrys were the big ones.

Deli: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?

The Damn Choir: Two bands we can't seem to stop listening to are The Head and The Heart and local Chicago artist Brendan Losch. Also Lanterns on the Lake, Paleo, Devendra Banhart, Hank Williams, The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, Maps & Atlases, Fleet Foxes, The National, Arcade Fire, Beirut, and Bon Iver.

Deli: What's the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?

Gordon: First concert was Audio Adrenaline, first album was Super Tones - I was only aloud to listen to christian music growing up.

Katy: My first concert was Boyz II Men in 4th grade, first album I bought myself was the Lion King soundtrack.

Deli: What do you love about Chicago?

The Damn Choir: It feels like the music scene here is about to blow up. There are just so many good bands in this city right now. It's great to be a part of, and it really keeps you on your toes. Oh, and it's pretty great that there are bars open till 4am.

Deli: What do you hate about it?

The Damn Choir: The winter. And people on bikes getting hit by people in cars.

Deli: What are your plans for 2011?

The Damn Choir: Release our second album, "You're My Secret Called Fire," and rid Gordon's apartment of mice.

Deli: What was your most memorable live show?

The Damn Choir: The most memorable for us was probably a talent show type thing we played in Winona Lake, IN last year. There's a guy there who teaches "rock lessons" to kids and this was their showcase. Each kid (ages 6-18) played at least one song and then we played a set at the end. It was a pretty conservative town (the flyer called us, "The D*** Choir") and the parents weren't so into some of our darker lyrics, but the kids loved it. They had us take pictures and sign CDs and they were just so freakin cute.

Deli: Can you name a few other local bands you feel particularly close to on an artistic level?

AP: All the bands associated with our management company, Wine From the Moon, especially Paper Thick Walls and Briar Rabbit. We call it the Wine From the Moon family, and it actually feels that way, both musically and personally. Others would be Brendan Losch, Wooden Wing, and Dastardly (although that one's more of a musical crush from afar than a close relationship... for now)

Deli: What's your favorite thing to get at the deli?

Gordon: Roast beef, extra mayo, extra cheese

Katy: Um... a 40?...