Sure, it's more fun to say Slanty Math. But the correct pronunciation of Slainte Mhath is, of course, Slawncha-va. And it's Gaelic for "Good Health to You." The members of the popular high-energy Cape Breton quintet include Boyd MacNeil on mandolin, fiddle, guitars and percussion, Ryan MacNeil on keyboards, Brian Talbot on drums, John MacPhee on bagpipes and Irish flute and Lisa Gallant on bodhran, fiddle and step-dancing. Lisa took some time to chat with me about the band's plans for their new album, VA, including a tour that will take them from Scotland to Mexico and all the way back to little ol' Port Hawkesbury.

Where are you right now? Sitting behind the computer in Little Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia.

What are your current fixations? Eating dessert after every meal and in between.

What is your favourite cause to rally behind? Stop polluting water.

What is your favourite song of all time? Ok, that's really hard to answer, too many to choose from.

What is your favourite book? See answer to question 4.

What has inspired you most during the last 24 hours? The sun.

What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself? Let's not go there...

When you think of Atlantic Canada you think of... Umm... Carla's Corner... ummm... pretty trees... ummm... home!

What has been your career high and low? Career high would be recording our new album, VA and our career low would be paying for it!

If you weren't a musician, what would you be? Stressful question... can't answer!!

Where's your favourite place in the world? Cape Breton, of course.

What is the last thing you bought? A & K Lick a Chick last night at quarter to eleven.

Tell me about a hometown issue you'd most like to see resolved? The tar pond sludge.

What's the best thing about being a Maritimer? I must say, I like the people here and like that we find Maritimers everywhere we go.

On whom do you depend most and why? My family, I guess, because they're dependable people!

Check out Slainte Mhath at a pub near you!