Since the late '90s, Mates of State have been a staple of the indie rock world. The husband-and-wife duo consists of Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner, who combine keyboard, drums and vocals to create energetic harmonies. Over the past 14 years, the Lawrence, Kan. natives have released seven albums and played with bands such as Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab for Cutie. On Tuesday their travels will take them to The Ottobar, where they will perform songs from their most recent album "Mountaintops." Here Kori gives us her take on high-waisted pants (a no-go), the Beiber movie (she cried) and more.
Worst pet peeve? Headaches, and also people who complain about waiting in lines while they are waiting in a line.
What's on your iPod? Tune-Yards, Kanye, Twin Sister, Suckers, Twin Shadow, Robyn, Neil Young, Joanna Newsom, The Vaccines, Band of Horses, Amanda Blank.
What song are you hating/loving right now? "Hang with Me" [by Robyn] is my favorite song at the moment. Great song to run to.
Last gig you went to? Just saw Peter Hook from Joy Division play some hits and it was pretty rad.
Your worst habit? Picking my nose in public — really, anywhere — it doesn't even faze me, but everyone I know says it's becoming a problem.
Trend that has exceeded its natural lifespan? Reality TV — especially "Jersey Shore" (horrible).
Favorite bands? All-time faves — Fleetwood Mac, Ida, Neil Young
Any guilty pleasures music-wise? The Dixie Chicks and also Shania. Justin Beiber (only because I cried when I watched the Beiber movie).
Last movie you liked/disliked? "The Hangover" was not good — why did everyone think it was so great? Just saw "Blue Valentine" — pretty good yet slightly depressing — it features another one of our current favorite songs, "You and Me" by Penny and the Quarters.
Last video that made you snort with laughter? Whenever I'm in the mood for that kind of laughing I just check out damnyouautocorrect.com or I search funny dance videos on YouTube. Quick fix for laughing —and usually involves a snort or two.
TV shows you can't get enough of? I really miss "Friday Night Lights,""Sons of Anarchy," "Breaking Bad" ... Together we are watching "Everest," and it's technically a reality show — a very compelling-for-the-right-reasons one.
Favorite book you recently read? Just read "The Help" and retold the whole story to my 7-year-old whom I've been having great social-injustice conversations with ever since.
Last great meal you had? Just ate some Massaman curry #imsofull.
Favorite place to get a drink? My fridge.
Favorite and most-loathed fashion statements? I personally think I should just wear things that look good on me and not try to follow any trends because, for example, high-waisted pants make me look pregnant and I'm not (just for the record).
Favorite way to relax? Naps, mediation, martial arts, running.
Source of inspiration? Surrounding myself with positive people. Authentic music.
Best thing about Baltimore? Is "The Wire" real? OK, I like the Ottobar. That's what's best.
AS TOLD TO LAURA LEFAVOR, B
If you go
What: Mates of State
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Where: The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., Remington.
Tickets: $15.
Info: theottobar.com