September 7, 1996
-- originally called Solid State. Go To TheSugar Alter was hatched soon after and released on Deal's own label, Nice Records. Deal says it was about "the journey, not the destination."

Deal was also aided by The Grifters' Dave Shouse and Jimmy Flemion, of Milwaukee shock-popsters The Frogs.

The Frogs' obscure Racially Yours is scheduled for a February release on Nice Records. Deal is also hoping to put together a Frogs tribute album featuring avowed Frogs' fans like Pearl Jam and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Deal finishes touring at month's end and plans to return to the studio for two more albums -- one vinyl, the other a CD.

The sobriety thing is working.

"It's way easier than I thought it would be," she says. "I'm discovering that I can do stupid things like starting my own label. It's only through staying sober that these things have come to be. It's a good reward, if you will."