Matthew Caws

Nada Surf, They Might Be Giants and Charles Bissell (of the Wrens) play Music Hall of Williamsburg on Tuesday, October 28th. The show is entitled Raise the Roof: a Benefit for the Northside Town Hall Community and Cultural Center, and 100 percent of ticket sales go toward the cause. Nada Surf will close the show with a full-on electric performance, and in an effort to get out the word, the band’s singer and guitarist, Matthew Caws, took the time to answer five questions for The House List.

Which band have you seen play live the most often (excluding bands you’ve toured with)?
Probably Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians. When Fegmania came out, I’d already been turned into a fan by my sister, so I went to every area show for a few years. So maybe 18 shows? Then friends’ shows: Tom Beaujour (Communist Manifesto, Soulcraft, Shake Appeal, True Love), Phil Yanos (the Accidents, Dangaru, Driver X), Lianne Smith, Marykate O’Neil and Chavez.

Which band (or bands) that you listened to growing up do you still listen to?
The Beatles, the Velvet Underground, the Ramones, David Bowie, Talking Heads, R.E.M., Elliott Smith and Fugazi. Those last couple were in my 20s, but we’re still growing up then, aren’t we?

Do you have any crutches when writing a song—are there certain words or styles you feel you lean on too much?
I keep accidentally lifting Brian Eno melodies. OK, two so far, but still, I gotta stop.

Your after-party is at Hi-Fi, the Avenue A bar known for its endless jukebox, and The House List gives you a buck. Which three songs are you playing?
“Kamloops,” by Flin Flon, “Glow Girl,” by the Who and “The Puppet,” by Echo and the Bunnymen.

It’s 4 a.m. and last call has come and gone. What’s your next move?
It’s not over until the deli guy sings, and he never does. That being said, at 4, I’m probably headed to bed or at least seriously considering it. —R. Zizmor

Try to win a pair of tickets for a great cause and a night of killer music. Just fill out the form below, listing your name, e-mail address, which show you’re trying to win tickets to (Raise the Roof, 10/28) and a brief message telling us why you want to go. Eddie Bruiser will notify the winner by noon on Wednesday, October 28th. Good luck.