Will Sheff formed Okkervil River after making the most important decision of his life: To be a total failure. Since drawing the line in the sand, he's gone on to record four full-length albums, including their most recent release, the grin-inducing and totally autobiographical, The Stage Names. Now, this six-member gaggle of guys is headed on a must-see national tour that will bring them through your town. Click here for the dates, and read on for our exclusive interview!

Do you have any guilty pleasure fast food favorites?
Travis Nelsen, drum: I never eat fast food at home. I do have to say that if I'm hungry I enjoy a Burger King cheeseburger, plain and dry. No coke, no fries. It's the extras that make you feel really bad.

Do you raid gas stations for snacks instead?
Patrick Pestorius, bass: Most gas station food is inherently disappointing. However, we all like to believe that somewhere out there, a super-chip awaits. Finding that brand of chips is my guilty road stop pleasure.

When you're stuck in the van, are you writing new material?
Will Sheff, singer: I don't even get a chance to touch my guitar unless I'm on stage. It stays buried in the back under all of the gear. It's frustrating at times how much the touring schedule can run counter to creativity. When it's time to write a record, I go away somewhere secluded for a couple of months to do it. I find that I have to clear my schedule, make time, and set a date for my writing. Sort of like a marriage.

Do you ever shop for new music on the road?
Scott Brackett, trumpet and keys: Yes, and finding a great record after two months of living in a van with five dudes can be very refreshing. Even in the iPod age, getting a new album can entertain the van (or segments of it its population) for hours.

Speaking of entertainment, any favorite band road-trip games?
Brian Cassidy, electric Guitar: Other than the occasional chess game on a laptop, there aren't too many games played in the van. Most rest stops, however, involve some serious soccer or Frisbee competing.

So how do you beat boredom?
Jonathan Meiburg, keys and guitar: Bring books. More of 'em than you would think. After we've all read everything we brought, we start feeding on one another's libraries. Then it starts to get ugly. Some of us aren't above sneaking a peek at a book somebody else is reading while they're getting coffee at a truck stop.

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