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Formed in 1999 on the Mennonite College campus that outlawed dancing as recently as the 1980s, Philadelphia electro-jam-rockers Lotus have emerged as one of the leaders in the live dance music scene. Built on long, patient instrumental improvisations and tension building progressions, Lotus's beats tickle the same nerve as Sound Tribe Sector 9. You won't be surprises when you see spinning hippies, techno junkies and baseball cap wearing rockers all bumping to the jazz-colored grooves or funky guitar-led jams, but when you see the hotties up front taking off their shirts and kissing you might blink an eye. But hey, that's life on the road and you can catch Lotus on tour now, dates available here.

Name: Jesse Miller
Band(s): Lotus
Instrument(s): Bass, Sampler
Nicknames: Occasionally "J Money"
Place You Call Home: Philly
Album you always take on tour: Dungen - Tio Bitar

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus?

Talking Heads - Speaking in Tongues can always be found in the van, as well as more phone/iPod/laptop/GPS/camera/power adaptors than imaginable - they need a seat to themselves.

What supplies don't you leave home without?

As for essential supplies, enough socks to change three times a day (possibly more satisfying than a shower).

Audiences come in all shapes and sizes. What's the screwiest fan encounter you've had?

There was a fan that made an entire album that consisted of an early Lotus CD overdubbed with him singing, and playing harmonica, and guitar. He made his own cover art and may have been trying to sell copies.

What's the strangest thing you've seen from the stage while performing?

Lately, there has been a rash of attractive women making out with each other and removing articles of clothing while dancing in the front row. But I guess that falls more squarely in the category of a welcome distraction than a strange sight.

What's the first thing you like to do after a show?

Drink a beer and then get to work.

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a (fill in the blank) because (fill in the blank).

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a studio engineer/producer.

(Fill In the Blank) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

I don't know that I have ever uttered the phrase "baddest motha," but if I ever do it might come out as: The Frequency are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your bandmates will often reveal strange things about themselves during a tour. What stuff have your fellow musicians shown you that took you aback or delighted you?

I have found members in the band and crew sleeping in the strangest places and positions, including one member on top of a stainless steel kitchen shelf, in some sort of yoga position with his head between his knees and his face next to a dog. Also, sleeping on some incredibly small couches and chairs in green rooms and airports.

Name a few things we'd find on your rider.

Hummus, juice, socks.

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