Imagine this: a group of grown men waiting for a Hot Pocket to heat up or baking their own bread every day. It may sound odd, but these are common practices onboard the tour buses of Motion City Soundtrack and Chiodos.

Magic City Music Hall in Johnson City will welcome both bands on Sept. 25. Release had a chance to speak with Jesse Johnson of Motion City Soundtrack and Brad Bell of Chiodos before their upcoming tour for an inside look on their views of the music industry, being on the road and playing shows.

Release: Where did you get your start?

Jesse Johnson, moog synthesizer and keyboard: We started in Minneapolis, Minn. Josh and Justin had been playing together for a while. In 2002, myself and Tony and Matt joined the band and we’ve been going since then.

Release: Who are some of your major influences?

JJ: Originally, a lot of ’90s alternative rock like the Pixies, Weezer, That Dog, Jawbox.

Release: Has your music changed with the time and the audience?

JJ: At the core of the music, it has remained the same. As we’ve made more records, you get more comfortable. You realize that you can go a little further. Maybe use some instruments you’ve never used before. We try to expand what we can do, but we try to keep so we can play it live at a show.

Release: What do you think about the state of the music industry today? Do you feel it is harder or easier to be heard?

JJ: Easier to be heard, but it’s harder to make a living. Most of the music that’s made these days, it costs more money to make. The majority of people listening to it download it for free. It’s easy for people to find out who you are via the Internet and download it for free. This might create a larger fan base and get more people to come to shows.

Release: Do you have any advice for someone that is trying to start a band?

JJ: Make sure you’re actually good at what you do before you start recording it and putting it on the Internet. A lot of people are going to hear that right off the bat. Practice and make sure you’re actually doing something you believe in before you put it out there.

Release: If you could play with one artist, who would it be?

JJ: Elvis Costello.

Release: Who has been one of the best artists you have played with so far?

JJ: The Roots — blew us offstage and then we had to play after them.

Release: How do you feel about games like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band?” Do you think people should just play real instruments?

JJ: I have never played either of them at all, but it’s kind of a double-edge word because it might get younger kids interested in playing guitar. It also might get them to just play “Guitar Hero” and they might never pick up an actual guitar. It just depends on the person.

Release: What are you listening to now?

JJ: I don’t own any music right now. Someone stole my iPod a few weeks ago.

Release: Do you prefer smaller or larger venues?

JJ: Smaller venues can be a lot of fun because you get a lot of interaction from the crowd, which is awesome. A larger venue — you have better sound, a better stage. It can go either way depending on the evening.

Release: What is a staple on your tour bus?

JJ: Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets.

Release: What kind of TV do you guys like?

JJ: We’re excited for the new season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” We also like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Scrubs.” We like comedy.

Release: Does it still feel the same now as it did when you began?

JJ: Shows are the best part of being in a band. Shows are the fun part. You get to see people and interact with fans.