Marc Brownstein, bassist for the Disco Biscuits, describes the band’s relationship with fans as a journey taken together. This weekend, the Disco Biscuits will be traveling to Urbana as they continue their 2009 “Planet Anthem” tour. On Sunday, the band will be playing the 25th show of their fall tour at the Canopy Club.

Since hitting the road in September, the band has played in 21 cities across the United States. With a new album to be released in January, the Disco Biscuits are hoping to surprise long-time followers and attract new fans with a new sound.

Compared to many bands, the Disco Biscuits’ music is unique. They are exciting to the jam band scene as they use a variety of electronic elements.

“We play with a lot of different styles,” Brownstein said. “A lot of electronic bands stick to one beat, but we play classical, rock ‘n’ roll, slow electronic, hip hop, house music; we have a good mix of everything.” —linebreak—The new album will be released in a much different way than previous albums. Rather than releasing all of the songs at one time on one album, it will be released in separate EPs, each with special bonus features. The first of four EPs, “On Time,” was released in October. Among the new songs are “On Time” and “Loose Change”. —linebreak—Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the next three EPs and finally the entire “Planet Anthem” album. Each EP includes bonus features such as videos of performances and music videos. —linebreak—“All of the artwork for the EPs and album was done by Storm Thorgerson, the same artist who did the Pink Floyd albums,” said Drew Granchelli, coordinator of media relations for HeadCount and its partner bands, including the Disco Biscuits. “Each one is unique, which adds to the collectors’ item aspect.” —linebreak—The Disco Biscuits attribute Pink Floyd, the Greatful Dead, Phish, and other jam bands as some of their greatest influences, not only in music, but in the spirit of the band.

“It’s a long story that fans love to follow,” Brownstein said. “They want to know what they played, when they played it, where they played it, how they played it; the Disco Biscuits have the same excitement.” —linebreak—Another aspect unique to the Disco Biscuits is their annual festival, Camp Bisco. With over 10,000 people attending each year, it’s the one of the largest electronic music festivals. —linebreak—“The band started the festival because they wanted to play what they wanted, on better stages, in better time slots and for as long as they wanted,” Granchelli said. “They also wanted to invite other acts to the festival that not only they enjoyed, but their fans enjoyed … the band is very in tune with their fans.” —linebreak—The Disco Biscuits are excited to perform in Urbana, as the Canopy Club is one of their favorite venues.

“Last time we played there was a Sunday night of a five-night Midwest run,” said Brownstein. “The show was just energy central and the Canopy Club is a great place to play.” —linebreak—On Sunday, fans can expect a great show from the Disco Biscuits. When performing live, the Disco Biscuits sometimes play their songs inverted or backwards, an aspect that sets them apart from other live performers. The band also brings with them an exciting energy, often contagious to fans. “Fans can expect that we’re going to get up on stage and bring the heat,” said Brownstein. “You can’t always be at your peak performance … but you can bet that we’re going to get on stage and try our hardest to give these kids the best time they’ve had all year.”