Tag: south by southwest
Warning: Attempt to read property "post_id" on null in /dom375187/wp-content/plugins/enhanced-category-pages/classes/ecp/Enhanced_Category.php on line 143
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /dom375187/wp-content/plugins/enhanced-category-pages/classes/ecp/Enhanced_Category.php on line 232
SXSW 2015: Clean Bandit x Vinyl Mag
Clean Bandit prides itself on gracefully meshing house and classical music while collaborating with some of the best vocal artists and DJs in the world. Their smash hit “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne has been a huge turning point for the band. We sat down with brothers Jack and Luke Patterson, who play keyboard and drums respectively, to talk collaboration, US tours, and flashing the goods.
Vinyl Mag: Can you tell us a little bit about your time in Russia? Was it a conscious decision to blend house music and classical, or was it just a happy accident for you guys?
Jack Patterson: It was kind of an accident. The initial genesis of it was quite lucky. It was kind of circumstantial. Grace had a string quartet, and I was helping them out a lot; I was doing recordings for them and helping them promote their gigs.
Luke Patterson: You said that you lived above a house record shop?
JP: Yes.
LP: I wasn’t there at the time. You said you were self-consciously being driven to making more electronic, more “housey,” not commercial, but more popular music.
VM: Why did you guys choose the title New Eyes for the album?
JP: There’s a song on there that I really like called “New Eyes,” which is actually named after a place south of France called New Eye. That just kind of Anglicized the version of that name, and we just liked it. It seems to fit.
VM: Did you have any idea when you were writing New Eyes how many people would like it – that 300 million people would be dancing to it?
LP: No, I don’t think we knew. For the singles, for the songs, we definitely had an idea that that was really going to take off, but in terms of the album, no. We just find it really cool that we’ve made this body of work into so many different types of music. It’s really humbling to hear that people respect that and are embracing all of these different styles.
VM: Do you guys have certain singers in mind when you’re writing the music, or does that just come later?
JP: It depends, really. Some of the songs we’ll work on with vocalists, half of it is written with the person who’s featuring, the other half is written with other writers. We’ve got a couple of long-standing friends that we write music with. Some of it is all of our own material, and that stuff is probably not written with anyone in mind.
VM: You guys do sing sometimes, but it’s usually just smaller stuff? You try to have as much collaboration as possible?
JP: I’m singing on “Dust Clears” and “New Eyes” as well.
VM: A little birdie told us you guys might be collaborating with Marina and the Diamonds soon. Can you comment on that?
JP: Yeah, we did a session, and it was definitely like a track in the works.
JP: She’s fantastic.
VM: How many times have you been to SXSW?
LP: This is our first time.
VM: How many shows are you guys playing?
LP: Five.
VM: Do you guys work closely with the DJ’s when they do remixes?
JP: It kind of just happens. It depends. Some of the remixes just got sent, and we’re like, “Okay, cool.” Some of them we’ve tried to get ourselves. With Gorgon City, we’ve done really cool remixes, like with our song “Nightingale,” which we play live. It’s really an amazing interpretation of the track.
VM: Have you guys been in any flash mobs since your video for “Rather Be”?
LP: We had a flash mob in Japan.
JP: Luke likes flashing in mobs. He likes flashing to the general public.
VM: What’s the biggest difference playing concerts or festivals in the UK as opposed to the US?
LP: So much more up for it, for the US.
JP: We haven’t really done a lot of US festivals yet. This is our first, but the crowds are just really nice, really warm. It seems like they’re much more ready to let go in the US. You have to work a bit harder to get there in the UK.
LP: You have to really persuade them to have a good time.
VM: What’s next for you guys? Are you going to do more festivals here, or are you going to go back?
JP: Yeah, we’ve got a few more shows. We’ve been touring now for six weeks in the States.
LP: We got Coachella and Governor’s Ball.
VM: Who are you most excited to see at SXSW?
JP: Probably Marina and the Diamonds.
VM: Would you consider yourselves “food truck” people or “BBQ joint” people?
JP & LP: What’s food truck?
VM: Austin has trucks all over the city that sell unique types of delicious food. You need to try it, ASAP!
JP: Okay, sweet! I’m excited.
VM: Anything else you’d like to say?
JP: New single “Real Love,” check it out, our album, and a new video we just put out for a song called “Stronger.”
*You can check out Clean Bandits new video for “Stronger” below!
SXSW 2015: Parlour Tricks x Vinyl Mag
Made up of three girls and three boys, Parlour Tricks’ sound is every bit as balanced and effortless as their group dynamic. We caught up with Lily, Brian, Morgane, Angelo, DeeDee, and Terry during South by Southwest to chat about their upcoming debut album, Broken Hearts/Bones, changing their name, and some interesting pre-show rituals.
Vinyl Mag: Last year when we interviewed you guys, you were still Lily & The Parlour Tricks. Why did you drop the Lily?
Lily: I left the band! No, I’m just kidding. It was mostly just a practical trimming of fat move. We refer to ourselves as Parlour Tricks, or just Tricks, and so do other people. When someone asks, “What’s your band name?” and you say, “Lily & The Parlour Tricks,” inevitably they just get confused, so it just seemed like a natural move.
DeeDee: Another thing is that Lily is our bandleader; she writes all the music and all the lyrics, but we are a band. There are six of us, so it was nice. It felt unnatural and unnecessary.
VM: Having an even boy/girl ratio in a band is pretty rare; do you think that affects your dynamic?
Morgane: We actually say that’s one of the reasons we get along so well. We joke about it I think, but it’s also kind of true. The fact of it being evenly split allows there to be somewhat of an equilibrium, that’s magical and makes it easy.
VM: You guys put on a great show. Do you think your stage presence is a result of playing together for so many years?
Lily: Our comfort with each other has been there from square one, but I think it took time to understand. It’s still taking time; it’s an ongoing process. It’s definitely fun. Our main goal is to be enjoying ourselves on stage.
VM: Can you tell us a little bit about the writing process with the new album and maybe some themes that are going on?
Lily: It’s funny. This album was very personal, which is very, very new terrain for me. I used to write almost exclusively drawing from different stories or newspaper articles and stuff like that. It started with “Requiem” and “Love Songs” and “The Storm.” It was like a little game for myself. With other songs, our guitarist Angelo would call me and challenge me to write another song, and we would record that instead of what we were planning to record. It was an interesting challenge and fun, but it was personal in a way that I had not ever been comfortable doing before. I’m not an instrumentalist at all, but I got an omnichord for my birthday like two years ago, which Brian actually plays when we do acoustic performances. It has like eight chords on it, and it’s very limiting, but in a safe way for someone who doesn’t play an instrument. I began writing on that, and it became weirdly integral to the sound of the album. We don’t play it on the album, but it became a necessity. I would send very bare bones voice tracks with three part harmonies and a bass line to them and begin to put it together.
VM: That sounds like a process.
Lily: This was a very lengthy but relaxed process. The fact that it turned out to conveniently be an album of 10 songs was a bonus. We just wanted to be working on these new songs in a new way.
Brian: It was a different palette and approach to music; you start getting more textures. It defined how we approached and created the album. We were searching for a sound that felt like us. It probably took longer than we wanted.
VM: We heard you guys split a lemon six ways before going out on stage every night. What’s up with that?
Lily: Morgane was sick one time with a 104-degree fever and needed to wake up. We had to go out there, so we all sucked a lemon together. I don’t know if we gave it much thought. It’s just like a slap in the face when you bite the whole thing and eat it.
VM: Being from New York, how did it feel to be named “Best Pop Band of 2014” by Village Voice?
Angelo: It was a really great feeling. If it was our moms voting it would be like, oh…but it’s the Village Voice – more than just our moms.
VM: Is getting so much positive press before your album drops more scary or satisfying for you?
Lily: I think it’ll be interesting. I have absolutely no idea what people will think about this album. None. It’s encouraging to hear people have responded well to the two songs we put out from it. I have no idea if it’ll lead to more press. Strong reactions are what we’re going for.
VM: You’ve performed a lot at festivals in the past year. How is SXSW different?
Lily: The first time we played at SXSW, we did like nine shows in four days, so this is kind of tame. SXSW is such a different animal; it has to be approached differently. Parking is the only really bad thing and having to navigate with all our gear.
Morgane: There’s something about SXSW. We know what to expect; we know it’s going to be crazy, and everyone’s going to come prepared.
VM: This is your third year at SXSW. Do you feel like every year you’re gradually seeing more opportunities as a result of playing here?
Brian: Every time we’ve come, or almost immediately after, we’ve seen a direct effect. In our minds, it’s totally worth it. We have a great time doing it.
VM: What’s the best thing you’ve eaten at SXSW so far?
Lily: We ate at this legit little diner called Magnolia Café. It was so delicious and out of the way.
VM: Who are you excited to see this year?
Morgane: Stromae! He’s a Belgian rapper. We also want to see some of our friends.
VM: What’s next for you guys?
Lily: Taking a nap. We’re playing a fun show next weekend at Rough Trade in New York with Bright Light – Bright Light from the UK. We’re going to be releasing “The Storm” in the spring with a video and then preparing to release the album.
*Check out Parlour Tricks perform their new single “Storm” at Austin’s Riverview Bungalow for Paste Magazine.
SXSW 2015: Melanie Martinez x Vinyl Mag
“Cry Baby is…like a pretty pink cake with rainbow sprinkles, but you open it up and there’s a gooey dark chocolate middle.”
Melanie Martinez may have gotten her start singing Britney Spears covers on NBC’s The Voice, but she’s proving to everyone that she has a unique and evolving sound. In addition to releasing the EP Dollhouse earlier this year, her single “Carousel” was featured on American Horror Story: Freakshow, and she’ll be gracing us with her presence at SXSW 2015. Martinez keeps things interesting with her signature half dyed hair, bright colored lipstick, and jewelry made of baby doll appendages. You do you, Melanie!
Vinyl Mag: How many shows will you being playing, and where will they be at SXSW?
Melanie Martinez: I’ll be playing six shows — Waterloo Records, Neiman Marcus, BMI, Perez Hilton, and the KAMX and KPEZ/KHFI radio shows. It’s gonna be fun!
VM: What was the best part about creating an EP like Dollhouse, which showcases your signature style as an artist?
MM: Dollhouse was the start to the whole childhood thing paired with the adult situation thing that I stuck with for the album. I was able to do three tours off of the EP, and I’m so stoked to put out the Cry Baby album so people can hear the new songs I’ve been working on for over a year.
VM: Did you write “Carousel” specifically for AHS: Freakshow?
MM: I didn’t, but it definitely fit this season perfectly. I wrote it like two months before I found out about the new season theme and sent an email to my manager, and we didn’t hear back from anyone for a year basically, and two days before they aired it, I got an email saying they were using it for the trailer. I was super excited.
VM: Can you tell us a little more about your upcoming album Cry Baby?
MM: Cry Baby is basically a giant pack of 13 story books. Each song is an individual story in this girl (Cry Baby)’s life and what she goes through. All of the songs have a childhood theme but are all paired with a mature/dark situation. It’s like a pretty pink cake with rainbow sprinkles, but you open it up and there’s a gooey dark chocolate middle.
VM: How do you think your time on The Voice has influenced your path as artist?
MM: I think it helped me with getting over nerves when I’m in front of a camera and under pressure in live show situations. I definitely feel more comfortable on stage, and I also learned a lot about behind the scenes TV stuff.
VM: What was the hardest thing about being in situation where you are not only judged by famous artists but also by an entire nation?
MM: Well, I never really focused on the fact that people were watching at home. It was harder for me to feel comfortable singing cover songs, because I’m a songwriter and just wanted to play original music.
VM: Can you play any other instruments with your feet besides the tambourine?
MM: Nope haha. I wish!
VM: Do you ever get sick of people focusing on your age?
MM: Usually people don’t focus on my age. Most people actually don’t know how old I am. So not really haha.
VM: Who are you most excited about seeing at SXSW?
MM: There’s so many people playing, I’m just excited to walk around and hear new music.
VM: Would you consider yourself more of a barbeque joint or taco truck gal?
MM: Definitely BBQ! Love me some ribs!
VM: What’s next for you after SX?
MM: Some more promo stuff, putting out the album, and just writing.
SXSW 2015: Bright Light Social Hour x Vinyl Mag
Bright Light Social Hour are returning once again to the South By stage this year after the recent drop of their new kick-ass album, Space is Still The Place. Known for their heavy touring, BLSH has gained quite the fan following – to say the least.
Their music, for those who haven’t caught the BLSH bug, is meant for the dance pop rock people with a psychedelic mind.Their sound is clean, wet, and bluesy but consistently driven by effects. Curtis Roush’s vocals consist of a beautiful falsetto but so drenched in reverb that you can trip on his voice alone. The only words I can write for Jack O’Brien’s bass mind is that he has an absolutely amazing talent, creating fills that are just so good you will get chills. Edward Braillif’s guitar handling is the washiest and cleanest of all the instruments included. Joseph Mirasole completes this foursome with his Strokes-like drum banging as he highlights their pop tones while also staying true to their bluesy vibes.
Be sure to check out Bright Light Social Hour at SXSW this year. For more info about their new album, their advice for navigating SX, and what is next on their agenda.
Vinyl Mag: Congrats on your new album, Space is Still the Place. I read that the concept of “Future South” sparked the creativity behind the album. Who coined that phrase? What inspired you guys about it?
Jack O’Brien: Thanks. Curtis did; it kinda summed up a lot of vibes we’d been bouncing around.
VM: I see you have been on quite the tour route through the southern side of the US. What was your favorite city you’ve played? And why?
JO: Personally, I love playing New Orleans. It’s just gritty and sexy and so much cross-dressing. It’s pretty future.
VM: When on tour, what’s the one thing you miss the most about Austin?
JO: Fresh jalapeños and family.
VM: I saw that you guys have recently affiliated with the non-profit Adopt A Star, giving away free downloads of “Infinite Cities” to those who adopt a star and win the contents. What sparked y’all’s interest in Adopt a Star?
JO: We all just thought that was such a cool gift, to give someone a star and even name it after them. It’s so cool, and not to mention proceeds help fund internationally-collaborative space research.
VM: Who are your brother bands? As in the bands that you call your great friends and don’t mind touring with.
JO: Migrant Kids, Spaceface, Walker Lukens and the Side Arms, The Tontons, Megafauna.
VM: As a native Austin band, what local advice do you have for SXSW-attendees – any restaurant recommendations?
JO: Hydrate. Be love. Eat only beef.
VM: Are you barbecue or taco truck people?
JO: Brisket breakfast tacos forever and ever amen.
VM: Who are you excited to see at South By this year?
JO: Talk in Tongues.
VM: What’s your favorite memory of SX?
JO: Probably going in high school, not being in a band, and trying to sneak into parties.
VM: What is next for you after the album release and SXSW?
JO: Tour, tour forever.
SXSW 2015: Camilo Lara x Vinyl Mag
Fusion is the name of the game in Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and Toy Selectah’s new powerhouse collaboration record, Compass. The eclectic brainchild of the Mexican DJ/producer duo has been in the works for over a year and will feature unlikely but nonetheless iconic guest performances by artists from all over the world including Boy George, MC Lyte, Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello) and Nina Sky – just to name a few. Seriously, there are over 90 incredible collaborations on this album, making it a possible candidate for one of the best dance albums to have come along in a while.
Check out our interview with Camilo below!
Vinyl Mag: What was the inspiration behind this project?
Camilo Lara: Friendship…’compass’ means buddies in Spanish. I always wanted to create an album with Toy [Selectah]. This was a good chance to make it happen.
VM: How many artists were collaborating at one time?
CL: It all depends. There are songs that have nine, and there are others that have two or three. We created the songs before the collaborations, so we just looked for the perfect match for each.
VM: How did so many artists get involved?
CL: We’ve been producing and working with all sorts of artists for many, many years. So when the project was happening either we knew them, or they knew about the project. We sent some emails, made some calls, and suddenly we had 90 collaborators.
VM: What was the hardest trial in making this project?
CL: Well, everything has been a challenge. First, we had to contact the artists and set up recording sessions. There were long days of mixing and editing. Then, there was the legal side. It has been a lot of work. Toy and I (as well as the whole team) experienced a real-life Master’s degree in music business.
VM: What should fans expect when listening to this album?
CL: I guess it has the flavor of Toy and I, with some other spices. We tried to create a truly global album. The dance floor is the same for reggae, cumbia, punk rock, or hip hop.
VM: How many songs are going to be featured?
CL: I guess the album will end up with 15 or so.
VM: What was your favorite city to work in?
CL: We enjoyed LA a lot; it was like recording at home. Tons of people we know live there. Overall, I guess we really loved traveling to Jamaica and recording there. It’s crazy—we have lived with Jamaican music all of our lives, but when you’re actually there, it’s unbelievable.
VM: Could you go siteseeing in between working?
CL: Not really, but we knew most of the cities already.
VM: After seeing so many cultures, what would you say would be one common denominator you noticed across humanity?
CL: Rhythm… it’s in our hearts, and we all live for it. It’s universal, and it does not need explanation.
VM: I saw in the teaser that the artists have to come up with ideas on the spot. How do you guys help each artist behind the creative process?
CL: We have been producers for a long time. Actually, one of our latest productions is the best-selling album in the Mexican market for the last 15 years (Los Angeles Azules, Como te Voy a Olvidar). So we are pretty experienced in that area.
VM: What was the weirdest meal you had on your travels?
CL: Toy is vegetarian, so I guess he didn’t have very many surprises. I would have to say that some of the food in China was pretty wild.
VM: Who are you excited to see at South By?
CL: I really really want to see Centavrvs, which is a band from Mexico City, and Clubz from Monterey—both are kick-ass bands.
VM: Where should fans expect to go in order to purchase this insane album?
CL: We are still figuring that out. All I can say is that the vinyl is beautiful. We teamed up with well-known Mexican artist, Gabriel Kuri, and the fantastic, legendary designer Antonio Chavarin to do the artwork.
VM: What is next for this collaboration? Will you continue working together or keep finding new artists?
CL: Always! This is an ongoing initiative. As soon as we are done with the tour, we will work on volume 2.
Check out Compass at SX!
3/18 SXSW DayTrotter- Session (Compass Full Band)
3/19 SXSW Rhapsody- Do Media ShowCase (Compass Full Band) 6:30PM
3/19 SXSW Remezcla House Party (DJ Set Compass) 10:00
3/19 SXSW SBS- Half Step (Compass Full Band) 12:40AM
3/20 SXSW Latinworks Party (Compass Full Band) 4pm
3/20 SXSW QuantumCollective@Whole Foods (Compass Full Band) 7pm
3/20 SXSW Mad Decent – Iheartxomix Dj Set Compass) 10:00 PM
3/21 SXSW Official Latin Showcase at Lady Bird Lake (Compass Full Band) 6pm
SXSW 2015: ELEL x Vinyl Mag
Depending on what night you catch them, ELEL could have anywhere from six to eight members at a time playing horns, keys, drums, and guitars. This eclectic mix of pop, jazz, and soul that hails from Nashville was born out of true love. With their first EP – self-titled ELEL – dropping just a few days ago, we have a lot to look forward to during their showcases at SXSW 2015.
VM: How do you manage to coordinate schedules to collaborate and play shows with so many members involved with the band?
Ben Elkins: It’s definitely tricky, but it’s just so damn worth it when we get in the van together or hop on stage together. We’re all from very different backgrounds, so every tour is a lesson in flexibility and understanding. But it’s paying off. It’s just such a fun and special crew of people, and I think all of us are very glad we stuck it out through the beginning and now have become a tight knit family.
VM: Will all seven members be playing at SX?
BE: There’s gonna be six of us there for most of the shows. We have some horn player friends who might join us for a showcase or two, but mostly just the six of us. Fredrick who plays trumpet for us got scooped up by a fancy cruise ship gig. He’s getting paid really well and traveling around the world. Pretty much what we’re doing without the paid-really-well part! He’ll be back with us soon though, for summer touring thank goodness.
VM: How has coming from rural backgrounds – like Arkansas and Kentucky – combined with living in Nashville influenced your music?
BE: I guess the pace down in the south is just a little slower. People are generally more laid back. I love going to New York and LA as much as the next guy, but they both feel more frantic. Our music, though not at all country or soul music, has been influenced by the ease and slower pace of both those southern musical traditions.
Also, the fact that most of us grew up around hills and trees, playing in creeks, I think makes us very interested in the organic live performance. So much of recorded music is so fit in and perfected now-a-days that it’s got no soul. ELEL struggles to keep humanity in our music even though we all use computers to record. Humanity isn’t perfect, so why should our music be? I’m not saying that we’re messy on purpose; I just know that we prefer things sounding like they do when they’re performed rather than after they’re fixed. We can relate to them more that way.
VM: Why did you choose these four songs for your EP?
BE: So far, all that’s been out and available is our single “40 Watt” which stylistically is one side of ELEL, but definitely not the whole thing. I just wanted to show ELEL’s other side on this EP. The softer vibe of both “Geode” and “Cherokee” introduce that part of ELEL.
VM: Will you be playing other songs like “Eliska” and “Kiss Kiss” during your showcases and SX?
BE: Yes, definitely! Those are probably my two favorite ones to sing in our set. The melodies are both so bouncy and fun.
VM: Speaking of “Eliska,” how does she feel about being the spark that started ELEL?
BE: She loves it! Thankfully, she really likes ELEL’s music. She’s got very good taste in music, so it’d be a real bummer if she wasn’t into the band that she inspired. She helps me a lot behind the scenes when I’m first writing songs. Her influence is probably way stronger than anyone would guess.
VM: Who are you most excited to see while in Austin?
BE: Our good friends, Avers. We just got off tour with them last week and already miss them so much!
VM: Would you say you are barbecue joint or a taco truck person?
BE: Taco truck all the way. We’re staying a few blocks from Torchy’s, oh boy…
VM: Any chance your hit song “40 Watt” has any relation to the beloved music venue here in Athens?
BE: [Laughs] Well, I’ve heard about that venue a lot, but never been. Needless to say, I hope we get to play “40 Watt” at The 40 Watt someday soon. Will rainbows fill the room? Will everyone suddenly stop watching Fox News? I don’t know, but when that goes down, something good and magical will occur.
VM: We see you guys are quite busy touring across country through April. What’s next for ELEL once you return?
BE: We have a lot of work to do here in Nashville. There are some new songs that we want to finish, probably for release in early summer. Also, we need to shoot a bunch of videos. We’re hoping to release our full-length by mid summer, so there’s just a lot of prep for that. We’ll also be doing some touring around the region. Give us a call, 40 Watt. Let’s make the magic happen.
SXSW Schedule:
Wed 3/18 – Palm Door – SXSW Showcase @ 12am
Thurs 3/19 – Off-Site – House Show
Fri 3/20 – Brew Exchange – Beautiful Buzzz x Vitalic Noise Party @ 1pm
Sat 3/21 – Wonderland Austin – BirdDog Presents Party @ 2pm
Sat 3/22 – The Scoot Inn – Wild Honey Pie Party @ 6:15pm
SXSW 2015: Speedy Ortiz x Vinyl Mag
One of Northhampton, Mass. finest, Speedy Ortiz, will be hitting the stage this year at SXSW, giving fans the proper dose of straight American indie rock. Originating in 2011, Sadie Dupuis’s creative brain birthed her solo career at a creative writing camp. With the help of Mike Falcone on drums, Matt Robidoux on guitar, Darl Ferm on bass, and Devin McKnight on guitar, Speedy Ortiz formed.
The sound consists mostly of melodic grunge guitar and bass tones absolutely drenched in feedback and gunshot chords. The drums, on the other hand, are a pop lover’s dream, with tight rolls with every measure. Of course, Dupuis’s vocals are nothing but one-of-a-kind. Very clean with a touch of vibrato, she sings about sarcasm, the best subject around. Best for those who are absolutely bonkers for The Cranberries, Joanna Gruesome, and Parquet Courts. Fans, if you are at South By and miss this band, you truly are missing out.
Vinyl Mag: What does your song-creating process include?
Sadie: Usually, it starts with me playing guitar, or humming out some melodies. Then I’ll make a demo – sometimes just guitar and vocals, sometimes bass and drums and keyboards, too – and then the band will learn from that, adapting my parts or writing their own.
VM: Foil Deer, your new album, comes out on April 21; what is the concept behind the album?
Sadie: It’s about self-protection, growth, ditching the haters. And it’s about glitter, too.
VM: I see you guys are also playing Shaky Knees, whose lineup is awesome this year. You guys excited to play that festival as well? Who are you excited to see play?
Sadie: It’s always exciting seeing TV on the Radio live. I’ve seen them a half dozen or more times, and each show has been markedly different, which is something I admire in a band. And it’ll be good to hang out with our buds in Metz, Mitski, and Dr. Dog.
VM: Sadie, I saw the you are the new advice columnist for She Shreds; how has that been?
Sadie: I’ve clocked more hours listening to Dan Savage’s Savage Lovecast than I have listening to some of my favorite bands. And I read Dear Prudy religiously. So I feel like I’ve been training to be an advice columnist for some time. Plus, She Shreds is one of my absolute favorite publications, so I’m honored they tapped me for this column.
VM: You guys really associate with comics. I really liked the comic design Michael DeForge did for you guys on Pitchfork. Is there a comic you guys like the best?
Sadie: The comic I like best is Michael DeForge singing “Flavor of the Weak” at karaoke.
Seriously, though. My all time faves are probably Los Bros Hernandez (duh). Suzy Exposito’s “The Best Song Ever” made my heart swell while she was still publishing it. And Simon Hanselmann is unparalleled at making me LOL IRL.
Darl: I have to give a shout out to Michael DeForge for Ant Colony, but some other favorites include Like A Velvet Glove Cast In Iron by Daniel Clowes, Sleepwalk by Adrian Tomine, and Black Hole by Charles Burns.
VM: On your Facebook page it says you guys are snack rock and “illegally loud” – what does that mean exactly?
Mike: We’re on a mission to increase the snackage of all listeners. Science has proven that certain sounds may affect appetite glands. We have accordingly chosen our effects pedals and chord progressions based on what’s most likely to stimulate the hypothalamus. The sludge band Crowbar is also snack-rock.
We also occasionally overlook noise ordinance. Cops have shown up at shows to tell us something along the lines of “stop playing because you guys are too loud,” which is then sometimes followed by “the music was good though.”
VM: What were your favorite bands growing up?
Mike: A lot of the obvious stuff. The Knack, J. Geils Band, Gerry Rafferty, Gore Beyond Necropsy. And of course P.O.D.
Sadie: No Doubt. Mighty Mighty Bosstones. No Doubt covering The Clash.
VM: How did you guys form?
Darl: Through the dark web.
VM: You guys are from Massachusetts – what’s your favorite thing to do back home?
Mike: Chuggin’ Dunks. Also known as Dunkin D’s. Can’t get enough.
Darl: Listen to the Dropkick Murphys while drinking a seasonal Sam Adams and watching The Departed in picture-in-picture with a Bruins game.
VM: Are there any pre-show rituals you do?
Sadie: Sometimes, we put our hands in the center and shout “cash money” or “camaraderie” or something. Then we dump out a bunch of champagne into a sewer drain. Who drinks champagne anymore?
VM: Who are you excited to see at SXSW?
Sadie: TV on the Radio… Mitski… Metz… all my answers are redundant. Pile. Earl Sweatshirt (tryna wife him, always). Um…Alvvays. Screaming Females. Courtney Barnett. And the queen Brandy. Oh and we’re playing with Failure, which is like, a life goal for all of us. Major bucket list entry.
VM: What is next after SXSW?
Sadie: We’re gonna do a video for “Raising the Skate” and hope not to fall asleep in the middle of it since we have to fly home at like 4 a.m. after playing. It will involve a lot of fake blood.
*Catch Speedy Ortiz all this week at SXSW! Show details below:
3/16: 2:15 pm at Spotify Party, The Spotify House, 901 E. 6th St.
3/17: midnight at Ground Control Touring Showcase, The Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St.
3/18: 1:15 pm at Pitchfork Party, The Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
10:15 pm at FLOOD Magazine Fest, Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.
3/19: 4:20 pm at BrooklynVegan Showcase, Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.
11:55 pm at Carpark Records Showcase, Swan Dive, 615 Red River St.
3/20: 5:25 pm at Exploding In Sound Records/ Stereogum Party, HOLE IN
THE WALL, 2538 Guadalupe St.
11:20 pm Yahoo Showcase, Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th St.
SXSW 2015: Amason x Vinyl Mag
With most of its members hailing from some of the best bands Sweden has to offer, it’s no wonder that Amason is becoming a serious act to watch in 2015. Amanda Bergman of Idiot Wind, along with Gustav of Dungen, provide a haunting and downright sultry vocal collaboration, while Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow conducts a trance-like vibe on keys.
Amason also includes Nils Törnqvist of Little Majorette on Drums and Petter Winnberg on Bass. The supergroup’s freshly released full-length album Sky City is filled with vibrant yet tranquil melodies that take you on a sort of excursion of the senses; a staycation for the mind. Be sure to catch their NINE performances at SXSW this week. Details below.
Vinyl Mag: You just released your debut album Sky City – how has response been?
Nils Törnqvist: It’s been great! We have got much more attention than we thought, and not only from the hipster kids. Last week I got stopped in the supermarket by a old lady who said that she’s listening a lot to the album. Really fun!
VM: Can you tell me a little bit about the writing process for the album?
NT: We put up the instruments in the studio and see where it takes us.
Sometimes someone have a riff that we start with, sometimes a lyric, sometimes a rhythm. It’s a very loose and democratic process.
No egos.
VM: Who does the writing, or is it all collaborative?
NT: The lyrics mostly come from the one who’s going to sing it and the music from everyone.
VM: Do you have a favorite track on the album, or a favorite track to play live?
NT: My favourite on the album is “Moon as a Kite” but that changes all the time.
Live I will go for “Elefanten.” We have had guest guitarist friends who’s been helping us out with a never ending solo in the end of the song. It’s been fantastic!
VM: For having just released your debut album, you’re already lining up major shows at South by Southwest this year, including the Spotify House, Hype Hotel, and Blackheart. How did this come about?
NT: We have great people working with us! Management, Booking agency and record company. They are doing a fantastic job!
VM: NPR also included you on their Austin100 SXSW Preview (!) – how did that feel?
NT: We are very honoured!! Feels great!
VM: How many shows are you playing at SXSW this year/what are they?
NT: We are playing 9 or so, the ones that have been announced can be found at amasonband.com.
VM: Is it your first year at SX?
NT: With Amason yes, but we have been there a couple of times with other bands and artists.
VM: Who are you looking forward to seeing most at the festival?
NT: Looking forward to see a lot of good bands.
I don’t want to miss another Swedish artist that I’ve never seen live. Seinabo Sey. Love her music.
VM: Are you food truck people or barbecue joint people?
NT: Food truck lunch and barbecue dinner.
VM: What is next for Amason after SX?
NT: Gigs in Scandinavia and we will hopefully be back soon in the US.
Top 20 Acts to see at South by Southwest 2015
Running around Austin at hyper speed while trying to scarf down a taco can be daunting at best, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite acts you should take care not to miss this year. Happy Hunting!
20. Hey Marseilles
Hey Marseilles is a 7-piece orchestral band with folk elements not unlike that of The Decemberists. With a propensity for story telling through melody, Hey Marseilles could be perfect for those looking for adventure.
See them at Parish on Friday, March 20.
19. Thee Oh Sees
Less than a year after they released their album Drop, Thee Oh Sees have announced that they have another on the way. Mutilator Defeated At Last is not coming out until May, but surely we will be able to preview some of it at one of their many shows in Austin this year.
18. Gringo Star
Siblings Nick and Peter Furgiuele have earned the right to call themselves tenacious. Having appeared alongside acts like Best Coast and The Black Lips, Gringo Star has been creating indie melodies for years and is a fixture in the Atlanta community.
Check them out at The Pizza Loft (301 Chicon St.), March 20.
17. DeLorean
The feel good beats of DeLorean hail from Barcelona, Spain where, let’s be honest, they know a thing or two about dance music. Named after the time machine in Back to the Future, DeLorean has an uncanny ability to persuade everyone in the room to move their bodies. Unfortunately their shows haven’t been announced but no worries; where we’re going we don’t need roads!
16. Angus and Julia Stone
This brother and sister duo hit it big with their song “Big Jet Plane.” Their self-titled album Angus and Julia Stone is an elegant example of folk rock’s simplicity and candor. Catch them at various venues in Austin.
15. La Luz
Surf rock with an edge and a message. That’s what you get with La Luz, featuring vocals that channel Nico and an ominous organ.
Check them out at Hotel Vegas Patio (1500 E 6th St) Friday, March 20.
14. Ballet School
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why we love Ballet School so much. Perhaps it’s because they use the dreamiest elements of 80’s synth pop to transport us to a simpler time of trapper keepers and neon leg warmers. I digress. Be sure to check out their album The Dew Lasts an Hour and keep a lookout for them in Austin.
13. Charlotte OC
Charlotte OC’s vocals are haunting account of heartbreak similar yet unique to that of Banks or Kimbra.
We think this incredible artist is going places fast, so do yourself a favor and check her out at Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto) Friday, March 20. RSVP here.
12. Kelela
Kelela’s smooth vocals paired with interesting synth layers make for a unique ebb and flow sure to make for a great performance. She just announced the release of her new EP Hallucinogen in May so maybe we will get to hear a few tidbits in Austin.
11. Surfer Blood
Surfer Blood is everything you’ve ever wanted on that summertime mix tape you’ve been meaning to make.
Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a sneak peak of their new album 1000 Palms, due out in May, at their show at Lamberts (401 W 2nd St) on March 18.
10. Lois & the Love
Lois & the Love have been tempting us with singles for years but they are finally set to release in their first album this summer, aptly named Love is Louder. We suggest you take the opportunity to see their powerhouse performance before they really blow up.
9. Dry The River
Sure, Dry The River made waves with their 2012 LP Shallow Bed but an obvious shift to edgier lyrics and melodies can be heard in their newest album Alarms in the Heart.
But don’t take our word for it; see for yourselves at Buffalo Billiards (201 E 6th St) Tuesday, March 17.
8. Alvvays
What better way to celebrate the fresh spring Austin air than to let Alvvays’ sun drenched rock & roll wash over you like a rogue wave.
Molly Rankin infectious stage presence is not to be missed this year at Cheer Up Charlie’s (900 Red River St) March 19.
7. Palma Violets
If you happen to be the kind of person always looking for an album you can listen to all the way through without skipping a song, look no further than Palma Violet’s 180.
The Londoner’s psychedelic, garage-rock vibes will be on display at Parish Thursday, March 19.
6. Twin Shadow
Florida native George Lewis Jr. is bringing back 80’s inspired chillwave in a big way. His unique electronic melodies and his smooth vocals are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of show hopping.
His third album Eclipse drops right before his performances at Stubb’s BBQ March 20.
5. Courtney Barnett
Australian artist Courtney Barnett’s deadpan vocal delivery mixed with her folky-garage rock style is refreshing and just fun to listen to.
She’ll be playing her entire debut full-length album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit at Stubb’s BBQ on Wednesday, March 18.
4. Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels is the incredible brainchild of rappers Killer Mike and El-P. From their first self-titled album Run The Jewels to the sequel Run The Jewels 2, these guys don’t hold back and continue to blow us away.
See them at Stubb’s BBQ on Friday, March 20.
3. Odesza
Consisting of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, this electronic duo is sure to put on a good show. Their hit song “Say My Name” featuring Zyra is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
If it’s dancing you want, it’s dancing you’ll get at their show at Parish, Wednesday, March 18. RSVP here.
2. BØRNS
Garret Borns’ sweet falsetto croons are just what you need to get you into the SX spirit. It’s pretty difficult to listen to his EP Candy without getting inspired so we dare you to try it.
Catch him at Parish (214C E 6th St) Wednesday March 18. RSVP here.
1. Stromae
It’s fitting that Paul Van Haver chose to be known as Stromae, which means “maestro” in French vernacular. He’s been conducting entire nations to get out of their seats and dance to his hit song “Papaoutai”. Up until now it’s been pretty hard to catch him live in the States so we suggest you take advantage of this awesome opportunity.
Playing at Stubb’s BBQ (801 Red River St) Wednesday, March 18.
SXSW 2015: Lenka x Vinyl Mag
Despite what you think you know about SXSW, we’re guessing Lenka could teach you a thing or two. She has been a fixture of the festival for years and has a special connection with Austin that was written in the stars. That, plus her new single “Blue Skies” off her upcoming album, The Bright Side, has us anticipating just how crazy awesome her showcase this year will probably be.
VM: How many shows will you be playing at South by, and which ones are they?
Lenka Kripac: I’m playing two shows. The Aussie BBQ and ASCAP Presents, both on March 20.
VM: What is the general theme of your new single, “Blue Skies?”
LK: Optimism that things will be better. And um, the weather?
VM: Can we expect the same sentiments to be repeated in your upcoming album, The Bright Side?
LK: Yes, it’s a super optimistic album. I feel like that’s my biggest strength as a songwriter and communicator. Imparting a feeling of hope and happiness in our lives.
VM: You’ve had such an interesting and colorful career. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve experienced creatively as an artist between now and when you were in Decoder Ring?
LK: Not being in a band, means always having to form a band. I’ve employed so so many awesome musicians over the years. It’s a rotating roster, depending on people’s other projects and availability. It can be quite stressful making it all work. But creatively, of course, I’m free to explore whatever I feel, so that’s liberating.
VM: Who are you most excited to see play this year at South by?
LK: Marina and The Diamonds! I’ve always been a fan but never seen her live. Hope I can get to a show!
VM: You’ve said in previous interviews an astrologer once told you that Austin was the perfect city for you to live in. What attributes do you think you share with the city that people are trying so hard to “keep weird?”
LK: Well, I do like to surround myself with wonderful weirdos. I guess there’s something in my stars! Freedom to be weird is very important to me.
VM: Are you a barbeque joint or a food truck kind of gal?
LK: Both, either – I’m gonna eat it all. But I need a lot of veggies on the side, too, please!
VM: In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between making music in the U.S. and Australia?
LK: It’s very S L O W in Aus, I find. People are too wrapped up in living the good life maybe. My experience in the U.S., though sometimes still complicated, has been much faster. People are always ready and excited to work.
VM: The Bright Side is set to release in June. Will you be releasing any more singles before then?
LK: Yes, I hope so! Not sure which song though…
VM: Will you be playing any other songs from your new album during SXSW?
LK: Yep, a few more for sure!