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
A couple of years ago you would have found Rockaway Beach’s Lewis Del Mar busking on Austin’s street corners and playing in some guy’s backyard during SXSW. But that was then. Now, you will find this duo in great demand and performing in packed out venues such as Hype Hotel.
We met up with Danny Miller and Max Harwood, found a stoop (because that’s where cool SXSW interviews take place), and had a late afternoon chat about the sonic collage that is Lewis Del Mar’s music, best eats of SXSW 2016, and we tried, unsuccessfully, to get the release date of their upcoming album.
Vinyl Mag: Let’s talk about the EP that you guys just released… Describe the EP in three words for someone who’s never listened to your music before.
Danny Miller & Max Harwood: Bedroom, I think should be one. City. And, I guess we’ll say beach. Yeah, I guess ocean. Yeah, ocean is better. Bedroom, city, and ocean. Which I think are sort of the locales and time of the record.
DM: We recorded it in Max’s bedroom. And we live in Rockaway Beach. We actually recorded it in this bungalow. And I think Rockaway is sort of the coming together of these two disparate worlds.
MH: And it’s like city meets ocean.
DM: So we’re trying to convey that in what we do creatively.
VM: Absolutely, cause I know you guys made the move from D.C. to Rockaway, so what prompted that?
DM&MH: Such a long story.
VM: How’d you pick Rockaway?
DM: I think we came to pick Rockaway because we felt like it sort of embodied what we were already trying to do creatively with the project. So we moved from D.C. because we had an old group and it disbanded, and it was sort of Max and I at the home of it and we wanted to do something else creatively. We’re from D.C. so we could have moved anywhere in the world and I think it would have been more interesting. It was just sort of an idea of getting away from home. We moved to New York. We moved to a Spanish- speaking area in Brooklyn. And that sort of… it sort of started a lot. My father’s Nicaraguan… Max’s parents live in Panama now and we lived in Chile for a while we had very strong ties to South America, Central America. And it just sort to began to influence the music in a way we weren’t really expecting. And we started to tap into a lot of those things and I think that while I was tapping in to that part of my heritage personally and those influences musically, Max was sort of tapping into something else in moving into New York.
MH: Just sort of like the intensity of the city. In the old band I was basically just the drummer and it was just sort of like a regular rock-n-roll type of band, and we started this project and I got into production and sampling and hip- hop and all these different things. Now it’s just amplified like a thousand times when we moved to the city. You know there’s just so much humanity and you come face to face with so many experiences and cultures that I just started bringing in different sounds into what we were doing and starting sampling; sampling from vinyl, picking up sounds around the city with just a voice memo recorder.
DM: I think that sort of when we started to fuse those two worlds together we were kind of going out to Rockaway to surf, hang out with some friends there. It just sort of began to us to manifest itself into the more physical and locational properties of the music. So we just moved there. We sort of had to live in to make it come to life. And that was sort of the goal.
CH: If this sounds like a crazy collage of things, its because that’s exactly what it is.
VM: That’s great, that’s what helps make an album I think. All these things coming together to make one.
DM: Right, I think when we finished the other band we were looking for something different we were curious about other sounds so we just opened ourselves up to any and all influences and all these different things flooded in.
VM: So we are anxiously waiting on the new album. Do we have a date?
DM: Nothing we can say…This year.
VM: Can we expect the album during beach weather months?
DM: We can’t say. We’re finishing it right when we get back. All the songs are written. Everything’s been recorded. We’re just kind of fine-tuning it. We have sort of an excess amount of time on our hands so we’re just sort of taking our time with it and making sure it’s something that were really proud of as a first statement for our band. It’s been such a process of love and nurturing and learning for us because this is our first time making a full length album so it’s been really cool.
VM: Awesome, looking forward to it! So you guys have a tour coming up, some international dates. Any cities in particular you’re looking forward to playing?
MH: We’re excited to go to Paris.
DM: Really excited to go to Paris for the first time.
MH: Honestly excited to go anywhere in Europe. I feel like our minds were kind of blown when our manager started talking about sending us to Europe. We’re like oh my God, that’s going to be amazing.
VM:What are some things you guys like to eat on the road?
DM&MH: I just like Caribbean food I love lie coconut rice, and fried fish. On the road I feel like…We try to eat healthy but it’s not so easy. We like Thai. Mutual love for Thai food.
DM&MH: Yeah, Thai food is amazing.
VM: What’s the best food you have eaten at SX so far?
DM: I had really delicious Caribbean food. It was like sautéed pork over some… like oh it was crazy it was coconut curry bacon fried rice.
VM: Oh man! Where did you find this?
MH: It was like right around the corner.
DM: It was this taco truck.
VM: So is there anything else you guys want to share?
DM: I just want to say that this has been the most amazing thing, and as two kids that have known each other our entire lives…we’ve been making music together our entire lives. Like before this Max and I were traveling around in a station wagon and sleeping on floors and shit so to have anybody care about our music and to come here, and this sounds so stupid but to get a wristband to play at these showcases, like we were here two years ago and we were busking on street corners so…
MH: We literally played in some dude’s backyard two years ago.
DM: And there’s just not a second of it that’s just the most amazing experience and to be able to do it with your best friend is the greatest thing.
MH: Yeah, we’ve known each other since we were 9.
VM: I think remembering where you came from keeps you humble.
MH: And it gives you perspective. Its so nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and just like, when we have to make decisions that are sort of heavy, there’s someone there that you also feels like knows you sort of as well as you know yourself.
It’s been a couple of years since we last heard from Rooney, but with the hit single “My Heart Beats 4 U,” an absolutely memorable SXSW performance, and a new album, Washed Away, due to be released this May, Rooney is certainly back in our lives – and we couldn’t be happier.
We caught up with the face of Rooney, Robert Schwartzman, down in Austin and chatted about the creative process behind Washed Away and how he wrote, produced, engineered, mixed and performed all of the songs on the album.
Vinyl Mag: You guys have a new album coming out in May and we are really excited.
Robert Schwartzman: I’m excited for you guys to hear it. I’ve been waiting so long. I’ve been sitting on this stuff so long and I’m so happy to put it out finally.
VM: If you could describe the album in three words…
RS: Dangerous, Scandalous…..I don’t know how to describe it in three words…I hate to classify my own music as something but I feel like it’s rockin’, I feel like its energetic but also ill say mid-tempo.
VM: How long have you been working on it?
RS: I’ve been working on it well, it depends, a lot of these songs I’ve kind of had waiting to do something with for a while, but I kind of buckled down really last year and put the final touches on this record. I had some of these songs before that, I just wasn’t sure what I was gonna do with it. Like if it was gonna be a Rooney record or something else. But I like to spend a lot of time on the sonic quality of the album. I get really obsessive about the quality of it, so I’ll remix it a lot and I’ll master it like ten times. I get really obsessive. So I recorded it by myself. Produced it. And I mixed it with another friend of mine.
VM: What’s that creative process like?
RS: It’s cool, I feel like it’s kind of part of the process for me. I kind of mix as I record and I kind of write as I record so it all happens at one time. I don’t like just sit down, write ten songs and then go record them. I write and record like all at one time.
VM: So when you’re writing…I feel like there are two different kinds of people who are like I have to sit down, have set hours and write or some people are like it just came to me…
RS: I don’t know, I mean I try to make time for it. I go through phases where I record a lot and then I stop. Usually when I’m in this phase right now, like bringing a record out, I don’t really write a lot. But when I’m ready, when it’s been a little bit of time and the dust settles I’ll go back in the studio and just start writing. But I used to write more, like every day I was writing something but lately that’s sort of changed a little bit because I’ve become more hands on with other aspects of this process. Which I find equally as gratifying and creative as making music. Like I think marketing your album and coming up with your release plan and your artwork and music video…to me they’re all like part of the same process. Because it shapes who you are and what you’re trying to say. Because you could have a really good song but it could be misrepresented with how you bring it to people and then it changes the perception of that song, so to me every little piece really matters and you have to be careful with all of it.
VM: How do you balance your time with doing so many things going on such as working on movies as well…how do you balance all of that with your songwriting and the creation of an album?
RS: Well lately now I’ve been moving more into the movie stuff. For a while it was just full time Rooney but now I really want to be, I kind of want to diversify the thing that I like to do and be more hands on with all of it but it can be really hard because you really just have to carve out time where you can fully devote all your attention to this one thing, for this period of time. They will overlap, like right now they’re overlapping. Things I’ve been doing thus far over the hiatus and now with the return of the Rooney record, they’re all hitting at one time and it’s becoming a little bit challenging but if I want to live this life, I have to just do it. I just have to figure out a way, basically. That’s my solution.
VM: So what do you have going on with the movie aspect?
RS: The movie, I directed a feature film that I co-wrote and it’s a feature length film that will be at the Tribeca film festival in April. And we’re just gearing up with prepping the movie for Tribeca. But what’s cool is I got to write the score for it so music was a part of it. And then I wrote a song for the movie that’s in the movie. It’s on the Rooney record. So they go together.
VM: It all collides and right now your worlds are colliding. Do you have any involvement with the new Princess Diaries?
RS: Oh the third one? I heard about that. It’s interesting, it’s been so many years since that movie but it hasn’t really gone away because it plays all the time. I never knew I would be in that movie. I didn’t know I was gonna be in a movie that would be just like, this long-lasting, movie. I’m happy to have been a part of it. I think its cool. I love that people love it. Whatever gets people excited, is all that matters.
VM: Just like people are excited for your record!
RS: That’s true, That’s true.
VM: and we are excited!
RS: You can pre-order it. People should know they can order vinyl and CDs now. On the Rooney website. Rooneymusic.com!
VM: I know you have been sending new songs off the album to your fan club over email, how did you go about choosing those songs that you want those dedicated fans to hear first?
RS: Well, I think that when people give you their email address, I think its very cool, very personal. There’s a nice email list and it’s not technically a fan club right now but id like to turn it into a fan club. But I find sort of the people who are on our email list sort of get first dibs on new stuff. There was a free song sent only to email list people so it’s a way to reward people for just being apart of it. But I picked the song “Come on Baby” because I feel like it’s a new song, but it sort of to me sounds like Rooney. Like it sounds like what people know Rooney to sound like. And I think its good after all these years to give people a touch of familiarity before all this other new music comes out. And I want people to know that even tough it’s a new time for this band, it’s still the band everyone has liked for all these years. It’s still the same.
VM: So, SX really quick. You just got in, you probably haven’t seen much. What’s your SXSW plan?
RS: I don’t know, I don’t even know how to find shows. When it comes to SXSW, its always great to be here but I’m always here to do a show and I’m never in the mindset of seeing other bands.
VM: Finding shows is a full time job, I literally had a spreadsheet I had to make so I completely understand.
RS: Well I really just want to just chill out and enjoy being in Austin cause I really like being here. So I just want to have a little bit of down time. Maybe if there’s a good show. I’ve gotta get my badge. I don’t have a pass yet, I gotta pick it up.
VM: Do you have any favorite restaurants in Austin? Or food you’re looking to enjoy?
RS: The Salt Lick, I’d like to try to go. I went there once and I was like this place is awesome. I couldn’t believe it.
VM: The Salt Lick is like a cultural experience.
RS: It really is, there’s nothing like it.
***5% of all purchases of Rooney’s Washed Away made through the preorder page are being donated to The Pablove Foundation in support of their mission of helping kids with cancer live***
You may have first heard of this American EDM duo in 2014 with their chart topping hit “#Selfie,” but the Chainsmokers did not stop there. Over the past two years The Chainsmokers have released hit after hit and an EP titled Bouquet in 2015. If the EDM community wasn’t talking about Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall’s after all of that, the duo’s past two hits, “Roses” and “Don’t Let Me Down” have brought The Chainsmokers to a whole new level. Taggart and Pall are sitting on top of the world and ruling the music kingdom.
The Chainsmokers were down in Austin, TX, for SXSW to perform at this year’s MTV Woodies/10 for 16. The night before the Woodies, Taggart and Pall took some time after their soundcheck to talk to Vinyl Mag about everything from their music, to Fireball shots, to what they eat on the road and everything else in-between.
Vinyl Mag:Let’s talk about your music first. You have hit after hit and I’d like to call them very infectious. You could play them over and over again, and they just translate so well. Where does the inspiration come for these tracks? What does the creative process look like?
The Chainsmokers: Every song is different. We really don’t hold back on letting whatever we’re currently inspired by make it’s way into what we’re creating ourselves. We’re always listening to new music, and old music. I think whenever you hear a song from us it’s like a modge podge of what we were into that day. We make a ton of tracks, and only put out the best ones.
VM:The songs you are putting out are definitely the good ones. And you’re collabs and the vocals all work on these tracks. Is there any person/artist in particular that you have a dream to collaborate with?
TC: So many. It changes weekly. We’re relatively new, speaking, to the music community, we just moved to LA. Everyone lives there, it seems like, so we’re really pumped to be there and set up time to get together and meet with these people that inspired us. It’s so cool to be a part of the Woodies. Being on the stage with a lot of these artists that are on our Spotify playlists. There isn’t one person, there’s so many.
VM:If you could pick one right now.
C: We’d love to do work with Lukas Graham. And I want to work with Harry Styles, not One Direction just Harry Styles, cause I think he’s low-key, I really do. I’d also love to work with Bon Iver, that’s one of my dreams. And I’d love to work with Phoenix cause they’re my favorite band. That’s a good list.
VM:Yeah, that’s a great list. Do you guys have any pre-show rituals?
TC: Drink Fireball.
VM:Shots? Full glasses?
TC: Shots. I don’t think you sip fireball.
VM:Ok, so about how many shots?
TC: Uh, about three or four? But then we switch to something else.
VM:In a row?
TC: More or less, within the span of 10-15 min.
VM: Just to warm everything up?
TC: Yeah, exactly.
VM:What do you guys like to eat on the road?
TC: That’s the best part about this, is that we get to travel all over the world and try all these different cuisines. Sometimes its sad because we don’t have the time to go do these places, so you like go to a place and you only have airport options, but in Barcelona we finally had some really good bomb ass food there but we’ve been there like 10 times and only had like terrible food. So it really just depends.
VM:What exactly did you eat that was incredible, what did you have?
TC: Tapas. But we had like octopus, mussels, foie gras and steak and there was like this egg and potato thing that was so bomb. Yeah it was awesome.
VM: What’ s the best thing you’ve eaten while touring at a festival?
TC: There’s this barbeque chicken that I had at this restaurant in North Carolina that was like, I’m thinking about it right now and …Carbone in Las Vegas. It’s at the Aria hotel, but they also have one in NYC. Spicy rigatoni is a fuckin must. It will change your life.
VM: Change my life, that’s what I like to hear! Are you guys going to catch any artists while you’re in Austin?
TC: We’re going to the Disruptor showcase and Xylo is playing with Jocelyn Alice and they’re really dope so I’m psyched to see them play even though we’ve seen them before and obviously I mean every performer on the Woodies, but particulary Lukas Graham. Excited to see Travis Scott always … There are so many bands unfortunately we’re not really here long enough to see them but we’re lucky that we get to see the ones we do.
VM: Is this your first SXSW?
TC: Yeah.
VM: Well welcome to Austin and I hope it treats you well! Also, I really have to share that I’m a big fan of all of your tracks. I just came back from a girl’s weekend and my friends had them on repeat the entire time.
TC: Which one?
VM:All of them. Especially “Roses” and “Don’t Let Me Down.”
TC: What’s your favorite?
VM: I absolutely love the new one.
TC: “Don’t let me down?”
VM:Yes…that drop… it just hits you in all the right places.
TC: It’s the first track drop I’ve ever made and I made it on a plane. I didn’t think it was good enough but then I played it for my friend Emily and Scott who I wrote the song with and they were like fuck yeah bro. It’s funny, like a lot of producers overproduce their shit but I think what we’ve learned is that if it gets the point across, it’s good. Less is more.
VM: I love electronic music, but I think with many electronic tracks you can play it and you love it and then you play it over and over again and get sick of it. Honestly speaking, I just think there is something about your songs, and you can just not get sick of them.
TC: That’s so nice!
VM:And with “Roses,” it just hit me like a ton of bricks….In a really good way.
There’s no other place in the world like Austin, TX, especially during SXSW. And there’s definitely no other place to get your eat on than Austin during SXSW. We ate our way through SXSW 2016 and here’s what we chowed down on!
[/tps_header]
Topo Chico Mineral Water Festival Foodie Rating:
Move over coconut water, we have a new obsession to help kickstart our day. Bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, Topo Chico is legendary. It is said that this sparkling mineral water saved the life of an Aztec princess and for the past 121 years it has been making it into the hands of the public. If you couldn’t make it down to SXSW or find Topo Chico at a retailer near you, there is always Amazon!
We associate many things with Austin’s annual SXSW festival: music, technology, media, education, tacos, BBQ, day parties… While the list of affiliated foods, drinks, and entertainment goes on and on, it’s undeniable that there is one delectable treat that stands out. Over the past six years, SXSW attendees have come to crave Chi’Lantro’s acclaimed Kimchi Fries. This creation from Jae Kim has become a SXSW, as well as an Austin, staple.
This reinvention and fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines is unlike anything you have ever tasted and no line is ever too long to wait in for Chi’Lantro’s fare. After years of indulging on Chi’Lantro’s menu, we just had to chat with Kim about one of our most favorite eats of SXSW.
Festival Foodie: Chi’Lantro is reinventing traditional Korean and Mexican cuisine, where did the idea/inspiration for your food truck and restaurants originate?
Jae Kim: I started the business with 30k in savings and by maxing out a credit card to 30k. I didn’t have the resources, or an experience to start a restaurant, so, leasing the food truck provided an opportunity to serve Korean BBQ inspired menu. We grew organically and took out a loan to open a restaurant.
FF: It’s easy to associate Austin, and Texas as a whole, with traditional BBQ- Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork, the works. Over the years, Chi’Lantro has made its own distinctive mark on Austin’s BBQ and food scene with elements of Korean BBQ. Can you explain what makes Korean BBQ different and how are Chi’Lantro’s rib-eye and pork Bulgogi prepared?
Kim: I heard Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s BBQ talking recently and he said making Franklin’s BBQ is a like a science because timing, temperature, and quality has to be perfect. I think Korean BBQ isn’t as time consuming as Texas BBQ because weather doesn’t play into the factor, but we use over 20 ingredients to mix our thinly sliced meat, marinate them for over 24 hours, and cooked on a hot flat top grill.
FF: As a vegetarian option, Tofu is offered as a protein menu item. Is your tofu prepared in any particular manner?
Kim: It’s very simple, yet very good. It’s cubed and fried lightly to give it a slightly crunchy texture on the outside, then pour in our house made tofu sauce for taste.
FF: Where can attendees find Chi’Lantro at this year’s SXSW? Will you be partnering with any specific brands this year?
Kim: We are at Southbites, Austin Convention Center, Palmer Center, 823 Congress, 1509 South Lamar, and East 6th Street. We’ve partnered with multiple brands to give away food during Interactive and Music portion of SXSW. It will be exciting.
1. Austin Convention Center: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 2. Palmer Events Center: 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 3. 823 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 4. 1509 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX – Also find Chi’Lantro on East 6th Street!
FF: How would you describe those famous Kimchi Fries in one word?
Kim: Winning
FF: How did these fries become such a staple to SXSW?
Kim: Word of mouth. We do our best to give our customers quality and consistent food and service and it’s been recognized by our fans and customers at SXSW. We are humbled and thankful.
FF: In addition to your Kimchi Fries, what other menu items would you suggest to someone who has never had Chi’Lantro?
Kim: Our bowl is 2nd most popular item on our menu and we won’t disappoint you!
With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.
1. The Accidentals
Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.
When to see them:
3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)
2. Barns Courtney
With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.
Where to see him:
3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)
3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)
3. Beach Slang
In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.
Where to see them:
3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)
3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)
3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)
4. Cicada Rhythm
What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.
Where to see them:
3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)
5. Dilly Dally
Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.
Where to see them:
3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)
6. DMA’s
On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)
3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)
7. Japanese Breakfast
A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)
8. The Kickback
The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.
Where to see them:
3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)
9. Marlon Williams
New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.
Where to see him:
3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)
3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)
3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)
10. Mothers
Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.
Where to see them:
3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)
3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)
11. Moving Panoramas
Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)
3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)
12. Roomsounds
Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.
Where to see them:
3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)
13. Sunflower Bean
What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)
3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)
3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)
14. Sweet Spirit
The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.
Where to see them:
3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)
15. Saint Pé
After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.
Where to see him:
3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)
16. Spookyland
The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.
Where to see them:
3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)
3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)
17. T. Hardy Morris
For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.
Where to see him:
3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)
18. Tedo Stone
Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.
Musically, Roger Sellers is many things – talented composer, accomplished musician, aural experimenter, electronic/minimalist pioneer – he is not, however, a DJ. To clarify any misunderstandings of this fact Sellers has distinguished his electronic material by adopting the alias “Bayonne.” Seller’s debut as Bayonne, Primitives (March 25th, Mom + Pop), is a richly layered soundscape; an hypnotic electronic dream that takes you on a winding journey into another world. With SXSW around the corner and a US tour on the horizon, we sat down with Sellers to talk about the new album and get an inside look into Bayonne.
Vinyl Mag: This month you will re-release Primitives under Bayonne on Mom + Pop. How has the transition been in having your electronic/minimalist material be identified with this moniker while keeping your folk-based material associated with your own name Roger Sellers?
Roger Sellers: The transition has been pretty smooth so far, being that many of the songs in Primitives were written at a time I was also focused on more folk-based writing. The styles easily overlapped. I feel it all comes from a similar place, “Bayonne” is a way for the audience and myself to distinguish the two.
VM: You’ve said many of the songs on Primitives came from experimenting, what does that creative process look like behind all of the sound layering and experimentation?
RS: Primitives is largely based on loops and layers. I found myself purchasing a looper in early college and started experimenting. I liked the ideas I would come up with rather quickly because it wouldn’t allow for second guessing. I soon became very intrigued by this process and decided to put these loops into a live performance, which led to the record years later.
VM: What three words would you use to describe Primitives?
RS: Repetitious, dense, and melodic.
VM: The artwork for Primitives and that translucent turquoise vinyl, is stunning! How was this design and color palette created/chosen?
RS: Well, the way I imagined my environment while working on primitives was like being in a dark, but colorful crystal cave or something. The record and process had a very earthy feel to me so I did the best I could describing that to Rob Carmichael, the artist. The turquoise translucent vinyl worked really well with the color scheme and gives it a crystal effect.
VM: You have quite a few US tour dates coming up, are there any venues/festivals/cities in particular on this tour your are excited to play/visit?
RS: I’m really stoked to play SXSW as always along with Levitation this year. Outside of my home state Im very excited to visit Montreal and Toronto for the first time, as well as hitting the road with Small Black in April.
VM: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines?
RS: It depends on the show, but I’ll usually try to chill out as much as I can and conserve energy for the performance. Stretching is something I do close to show time, and I’ll usually jump around right before I go on to get the energy up after chilling.
VM: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
RS: There’s many artists that would be awesome to collaborate with. I’d love to do something in the studio with Wye Oak. I love the way they write and structure their music, and Jenn has the voice of an angel. They rule.
VM: What artists are you excited to see while at SXSW?
RS: It’s funny I just found out Wye Oak will be playing and I’ve never seen them live before. Plus they’re playing at my favorite venue, The Mohawk. Unfortunately I’m playing a set at that same exact same time.
VM: What do you plan on doing in Austin when you’re not performing?
RS: There’s usually little time between shows, meetings, practice, and press during SX to do other things. When I do have time I like to hang with friends of colleagues from out of town that I don’t get to see as often.
VM: Tacos and BBQ seem to rule the SXSW food scene every year. Being from Texas, if you could only choose one or the other as your favorite, which would you choose?
RS: Texas BBQ rules, and so do tacos in Austin. It really depends on what I’m in the mood for but I’d say this year I’ll be more on the BBQ side of things if I had to choose. I eat tacos ALL the time.
Catch Bayonne at SXSW 2016!
3/13 (Sun) Barbarian Group @ Mohawk (Outdoor) – 7:20pm
3/15 (Tue) Bayonne In-store @ Waterloo – 5:00pm
3/17 (Thu) Mom+Pop Showcase @ Container Bar – 1:30pm
3/17 (Thu) Secretly Group Showcase @ Barracuda – 8:15pm
