It’s hard to escape the Plain White T’s. Thanks to Radio 1 and just about every 13-year-old girl with a mobile phone, you can’t avoid Hey There, Delilah right now, whether you want to or not.

Cynics and critics might be waiting for the band to disappear into obscurity as soon as …Delilah fades from the Top-10. The truth is though, this lot have a little more behind them then most would expect.

The Plain White T’s were founded in back in 1997 by vocalist Tom Higgenson. Originally a group of friends banging out cover versions in a Chicago basement, the band soon began to evolve into something a little bit special.

Before long, founding members Tom and Dave Tirio began experimenting with song-writing, and produced their first EP in a friend’s home studio - humble beginnings for a band who’ve since worked with the likes of Ariel Rechtshaid (We Are Scientists, The Hippo’s) and Johnny K (Disturbed, Simple Plan).

Despite numerous line-up changes, the Plain White T’s gained a solid reputation in America, and over the last ten years they’ve secured spots on the legendary Vans Warped Tour with the likes of Jimmy Eat Worldand AFI, as well as recording numerous albums and EPs. Their latest offering, Every Second Counts, will be their first release this side of the ocean, scheduled for release on September 10th.

En-route to their show at Manchester Academy, amid a frenzy of rehearsals, in-store signings and radio appearances, bassist Mike Retondo talked to us about touring, Reading and Leeds rivalry, and Britain’s polite musical nature...

You seem to be cramming a lot in at the minute... festivals, tours, appearances, promotions… how’s it all going?
    “It was kind of an early morning this morning, but we’ve had a great day today actually. We’re doing radio shows at the minute, so we played a few acoustic songs, which was cool and then signed some stuff this afternoon. It’s a lot of fun. Tiring, but a lot of fun.”

You played the Lock-Up Tent at the Carling Weekend last week with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and King Blues. How do you think it all went?
    “I thought Reading and Leeds went great for us. We had a great bunch of fans at both nights…”

Which gig was better, Reading or Leeds?
    “Honestly? [Laughs].  Honestly? Reading. Well for us, Reading was better, I don’t know about anyone else. Everyone always compares the two festivals, don’t they? But they’re both awesome. The shows were actually bigger than I thought they’d be, though.
    "I didn’t think anyone over here even knew who we were, so it was great so many people came to see us. And the reaction at both shows when Tom [vocals] started up Hey There Delilah was just crazy.” 

Did you get any down time while you were there to check out some other bands?
    “Yeah, I saw a whole bunch of bands. Kings of Leon were probably the highlight, they were really fucking awesome. And I finally got to see The Sounds too. They were really great. I’d never seen them before even though they’re one of my favourite bands, so it was cool. They put on an awesome show.”

You toured here back in January, and the Carling Weekend has kicked off your second tour of the UK this month. How do the shows here compare to the ones you do on the other side of the Atlantic?
    “The only real difference here is that people clap… [Laughs] It’s a very British, polite thing. We play and the crowd clap along to the beat… we’re not really used to it. But it’s cool, I like it. I like playing anywhere so long as there’s a good crowd. At home it’s pretty much just everyone sings along, but I like the quirky British habits.”

Speaking of touring Stateside, you’ve just announced your place on the Young Wild Things Tour with Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and Cute Is What We Aim For…
    “I know! I’m really excited, I think that’s gunna be a great tour. It’s kind of an epic deal; we were so pleased to be asked to be a part of it. It’s only in the States which is a shame, but Fall Out Boy and Gym Class (Heroes) were just here a few weeks ago so... and we’re touring right now too so I guess everyone has a chance to see the bands here if they want to.”

And what about the tour here?
    “This tour at the minute is just getting underway. It’s all a bit… I don’t even know where I am right now; we’re all over the place. But it’s Manchester tonight, and then Birmingham tomorrow. I think I’m looking forward to it… [Laughs]."

Every Second Counts is being dubbed your new album, but it’s been around for a while. When can we expect some really new material from you?
    “Yeah, even though it’s been out in America for a while, we’re only just releasing Every Second Counts here in the UK so we’re promoting that. I guess we’ll finish up this tour, and then go back home to do our thing with Fall Out Boy in the fall, and then we’ll hopefully start recording a new album and put that out. We’re still writing and still trying to figure things out. We haven’t got any set plans right now.”