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Like most musicians that defy classification, Bedouin Soundclash have a way of unexpectedly rearranging what you thought your musical tastes consisted of and twisting them into vague recollections. Their recent release, Sounding a Mosaic, was produced by Bad Brains’ Daryl Jenifer, so it’s safe to say that a hybrid of reggae and rock are in the mix—but that’s only for the benefit of those who feel the need to categorize. Personally, we just dig their music, and we’re especially keen on frontman Jay Malinowski, who went along with the backstage kidnapping with little more than a few kicks and screams.

Let us explain. It’s difficult to snag bands for interviews. We know this because it’s part of our job (please don’t feel sorry for us). However, our secret to success more often than not involves tackling bands backstage. In fact, we’ve found this technique to be extremely useful. Lucky for us, we pulled this trick at the Warped Tour and managed to lure Jay into a nearby tour bus, just long enough to talk music, dogs, and monkeys. So, while we may have snagged him in between stage and catering in a vast field in the middle of nowhere, we felt we had no choice. Talking about monkeys on a tour bus at the Warped Tour with Jay of Bedouin Soundclash is an absolute necessity, and it would be a disservice to you, our readers, to withhold such information from you. So, without further ado, here’s what we uncovered ...

Your music has been described as everything from dub to a combination of Sublime, The Police, and Bob Marley. How would you describe your music in your own words?

We are closer to The Police or English Beat or The Specials than the So-Cal scene like Sublime. We are a reggae/punk/soul band with world influence, without any distorted guitars.

How did you feel at Toronto’s Warped Tour last year when Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman walked onstage and asked you to extend your set?

It was a moment for the band that we can go back to and pinpoint something that has tangibly changed our careers. You don’t have a lot of those. There was a really good vibe in the air for the show, and to have been embraced by someone like Kevin after being told our music was unidentifiable by the industry at large during that past year—despite underground success—was really rewarding.

Is there a particular animal-related issue that’s especially important to you?

Being a dog owner, I do think it’s sad to see dogs that are bred for fighting and raised to be vicious. A few months ago, a girl in my area was attacked by a Rottweiler who had obviously been mistreated. It’s too bad that the serious psychological problems of maladjusted dog owners like that are then burdened onto their dogs.

Tell us about your dog. Any fond stories you’d like to share about him or her?

My dog is a Shih-Tzu named Cato; she’s 14 years old, and she’s about 8 pounds. I don’t think I have to say that she gets respect through intimidation. A few weeks ago, we were at our family cabin and she chased off a group of deer that were on the property. She was very proud of herself after they fled, and I think it’s something she would want publicized.

PETA gets dozens of complaints a week regarding people who chain their dogs in the backyard with no shelter or attention. What would you want to say to someone who treats animals so poorly?

I’m not sure why they have a dog ...?

Good answer. PETA recently revealed some really shocking footage at a Covance laboratory. What do you think the penalty should be for people who abuse animals this way?

If the person is a trained vet, it sounds like malpractice, and I’d think—like any doctor—they should have their license reviewed.

What can kids today do to help improve the lives of animals?

They should fully research groups like PETA and other organizations and find something that they can get behind.

If you witnessed Jay’s kidnapping and you wish to dish the dirt, head to our message boards. You’ll also find all sorts of ranting and raving regarding this summer’s Warped Tour, as well as gossip, gossip, gossip on all your favorite animal-friendly bands.