Over the last few years the Macpodz have become one of the mainstays of the local music scene, playing an infectious style of music incorporating funk, rock and beyond.

Macpodz shows are a highlight of the outdoor concert season, and this Friday finds the band returning to Top of the Park, the free component of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, on East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall. The Macpodz play at 9 p.m. as part of a great bill that also includes the remarkable blues/jazz singer and musician Gwenyth Hayes; rising local pop / rock talent Alejandra O'Leary; and accomplished hip-hop collective Tree City and Contraband.

Macpodz cofounders Brennan Andes and Ross Huff sat down with AnnArbor.com in the Roots Lounge area at Top of the Park on Wednesday to talk about the band, Friday's concert and the state of the local music scene. Here's what they had to say:

On the background of the Macpodz:

On recording plans and an (eventual) upcoming album:

On playing outdoor festivals as opposed to indoor club gigs:

On plans for Friday's Top of the Park show, billed as "The Macpodz and Friends":

On the health of the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti music scene:

For more on the Macpodz, check out the band's website, and check out past AnnArbor.com coverage of the Macpodz here.