OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Star & Micey

Hometown: Memphis, TN

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Geoff Smith, bassist, vocalist and founding member of Star & Micey took some time out of his week to check in with OEB as the rootsy folk-pop band gears up for their fourth trip to SXSW next month.  Smith hit on a variety of topics, including finding their niche as they’ve grown as a band the past four years, the natural way hooks and melodies find their way into Star & Micey’s songwriting and the band’s incredibly busy dance card in 2013.

2012’s I Can’t Wait EP shows a nice growth for Star and Micey, especially with the additional layers of sound fleshing out songs like the title track and “No Pets Allowed”.  How do you view your band’s musical maturity since your 2009 debut?

I think the band’s maturity has grown extensively since that release. We started touring all the time, and trying new ways to reinvent ourselves, everything from a full band to a 3-piece. The first album was a solid pop record, but unfortunately we couldn’t represent it the right way because we didn’t have a drummer when it was finished! When Nick started to write songs for the band, the style of music started to take a new, different route which we all really enjoyed. We’ve grown so much and so well as a whole over the past 4 years. But now we think we have finally found our niche and we hope to continue this pursuit. 

The blending of pop and folk music has been ripe for exploration in recent years.  What are your thoughts on combining catchy hooks with the tenderness that often comes with acoustic-based music?  Is that a struggle or does it come naturally for Star and Micey?

It has never been a difficult thing for Nick and Josh to come up with catchy hooks and great melodies. It’s second nature it seems. As a whole, Star & Micey has always tendered to the songwriting and song structure of bands like the Beatles. Acoustic guitar has always been a part of this group, whether in a band aspect or solo. It has never been a struggle.

What’s on deck for Star and Micey in 2013?  I see the tour schedule is already packing out – is there any new music on the way?

2013 we think has a lot to offer us. We were on NPR’s World Cafe Live back in January. Also, we played Music City Roots with Leon Russell in Nashville. We are heading up to Toronto, Canada this month for the Folk Alliance which will be our first international endeavor yet. Also we will be going back to SXSW in March for our 4th year. These next few months will be very busy tour wise for Star & Micey. We are also excited to start working with Yep Roc Records out of Chapel Hill, NC this year. Those guys have a stellar reputation and not to mention they are super great people! We are scheduled to play Beale Street Music Festival this May, and the Harvest Festival in The Ozarks this October. This year just started and it’s already busy for us. Our manager, Curry Weber, has us all over the place! Not to mention he is also recording and mixing our new demos. But we all feel that something exciting and new is on the horizon and we can’t wait to see it.

Do you have any gigs lined up for SXSW yet?  As a performer year after year, what does SXSW mean to your band and is your viewpoint this year any different than years past?

SXSW is going to be crazy and awesome as it always has been since we’ve been attending. Our schedule is starting to fill up throughout that week which makes us happy, because the more you play down there, the more people are gonna see you. We will be posting our schedule for SXSW on our website soon as it gets nearer. Every year is different for us when we attend. We don’t know what to expect. But we are excited nonetheless.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are hoping to catch yourself while in town?

I’ve glanced at the schedule but not enough to really take it in. There is so many bands already playing, but I think the best way to discover new, great music at SXSW is by accident. It’s pointless to make plans down there. We found out about Shovels and Rope by accident last year. What an amazing group.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Rah Rah

Hometown: Regina, Canada

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Rah Rah is heading to SXSW this year along with an especially strong Canadian indie rock contingent to support of their latest record, The Poet’s Dead.  Rah Rah vocalist/guitarist Marshall Burns chatted with OEB last week to share some thoughts on breaking new ground in rock music, bringing together different musical backgrounds and what’s on deck for their busy SXSW.

Rah Rah fits right in with a powerful, indie rock sound that has come out of Canada in recent years alongside inventive acts like Broken Social Scene and The New Pornographers.  Does this national scene encompass bands that are pushing each other to break new ground within rock music or is there something else at play here?

Those two bands were both very influential bands that we certainly listened to but there’s been a lot of excellent rock music coming out of Canada in recent years. I think any band, in Canada or elsewhere, that isn’t pushing themselves to break new ground isn’t going to be a very interesting band.

So many elements come together fluently in Rah Rah’s music.  Is this a product of communal songwriting or do the songs start small and build from there?

We don’t have any set formula for how we write a piece of music. Sometimes someone will come forward with a song that is nearly complete while other songs have been written totally organically thru collective jamming. I think everyone brings their different musical backgrounds to the table. We try and let the songs showcase these varied influences and when we do I think that is when Rah Rah is most successful.

What’s on deck for Rah Rah in 2013?  Is this year a continuation of the touring cycle behind The Poet’s Dead or is there any new music coming down the road?

We have started to work on a few song ideas informally here and there, but I think the main focus is going to be on touring until 2014 comes around.

Do you have any gigs booked for SXSW yet?  As a repeat performer of the conference, what does SXSW mean to Rah Rah, especially in 2013?

We do! We are playing the Canadian Blast BBQ on the Wednesday, Friends on Thursday and the Sonicbids Day party on Friday. I am very much looking forward to the music, the margaritas and the good times that are SXSW.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are hoping to catch yourself while in town?

I saw Nick Cave will be there and I will be doing everything I can to catch that.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Simian Ghost

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

As of today, Swedish indie pop trio Simian Ghost is in the funding stages of their SXSW journey, trying to gather up enough resources to make their first trip overseas in support of 2012’s Youth and Autumn Slowmo EP and maybe even preview some new tracks in the writing stages as the hard working band eyes the next studio project for the end of 2013.  Simian Ghost frontman Sebastian Arnstrom took some time away from the pen to check in with OEB last week to discuss “dipping their toes in the water” of pop music, blending electronic and organic instrumentation and some of the artists he is looking forward to catching if they can make the trip to Austin.

While Simian Ghost has a dreamy and ambient nature to your music, there are moments of catchiness that separates you from bands that play in a similar fashion.  Is that a conscious decision or do the songs naturally grow that way?

It’s a bit of both I guess. We’ve all been doing less structured music for years, and to us working within the framework of traditional pop music presents an almost bigger challenge than going down that road. It’s what we’re into right now, but I mean, we’re just getting started. What we have done so far is kind of dipping our toes in the water, so to speak.

Your music also merges electronic and organic instrumentation, a relatively new area of exploration within the indie music scene.  Is this an area you see yourself as Simian Ghost breaking new ground?

Well I hope we will. I think our next record will be very interesting in that regard. We’re doing some stuff right now that I can’t wait to share with people. 

It has been about a year since Youth’s release. Does Simian Ghost have any new music set for 2013 beyond the recently released Autumn Slowmo EP?  Any other interesting plans for the year?

We’re going to release a new full length by the end of this year. We’re writing it right now and we’re going to record it starting next week I think. I hope we’ll get some nice gigs too.

Do you have any gigs lined up for SXSW yet?  Anything particular you are looking to get out of the trip to Austin this year?

The first thing we need to do is find the money to go really. We have a couple of shows yes and if we get there, I mean, I have never been to the US before. It would be great. Also, I have a huge crush on Paul Rudd, but I doubt we’d be seeing him in Texas though. But anything that brings me closer to Paul, you know.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are personally looking to catch while gigging through Austin next month?

There are so many bands, I haven’t really had a chance to look through them all. Lots and lots of interesting stuff. I know Action Bronson, Carsick Cars, Toro Y Moi and Youth Lagoon are playing, so we’d check them out for sure.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Seth Sentry

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

It was all the way back in early December that Nate first recommended Australian rapper Seth Sentry and he has increasingly become an favorite of the whole OEB crew as we move closer to the conference.  Nate was able to catch up with Sentry as he prepares for his first trip to the States and hit on topics ranging from the exciting reception of This Was Tomorrow, bridging humor and music and even a little gamer talk.

This Was Tomorrow is a really fun album to listen to, you don’t seem to take yourself too seriously and your songs use a lot humor. How do you approach writing songs? 

Thank you. Yeah, I guess it really depends on the song for me. But if there is an opportunity to try & make someone laugh I will usually take it. My approach to songwriting has gotten a lot more conceptual over the years. It used to be quite loose & I’d just go where the song takes me, writing about a lot of different things on the one song. These days though, I like to pick a topic & really try to squeeze every last drop out of it. 

There’s a four-year gap between The Waiter Minute EP and This Was Tomorrow. Does it feel different now that you have a full-length album out? How has the fan reception been?

It’s so different now. Being able to do hour-plus sets is great, I really used to do a lot of shit talking to try & fill up my shows but now I have to cut it right back (though there’s always time for shit talking). I’ve been so stoked with the way people have received this album, I really never anticipated it to do anywhere near as well as it has. It’s also enabled me to quit working at restaurants serving jerks soy, decaf and café lattes.

You’re a big gamer, what’s your favorite game at the moment? What’s your favorite game ever? 

At the moment I have been playing the shit out of the new Call Of Duty game. I have quite a competitive streak, so my mates and I all play online & we play to win. We all rock headsets & some of the post-game lobby arguments can be hilarious. My favourite game of all time is probably Fallout 3 though, that game had me completely trapped in my room for months. I still get flashbacks to the wasteland.

Will SXSW be your first visit to the States? Do you have any appearances lined up for SXSW?   

Yep! I’ve never been out of Australia before so I’m super excited. I’m all prepared, got my visa the other day & I took a few classes so now I speak fluent American. 

So far, I’m playing at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop at 12am on Saturday.

Have you had a chance to check out the band list for SXSW?  Are there any acts you are looking forward to catching yourself?

Yeah! I checked it out - it’s extensive to say the least. I’m really buzzing to check out Rudimental, Hieroglyphics, Dead Pres, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Papa Vs Pretty, Flume, Major Lazer, The Pharcyde, Roach Gigz & Vampire Weekend.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Jenny Owen Youngs

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Singer-songwriter Jenny Owen Youngs starts every album with the same question: “What is going to be different about this record?”  We dug into that inquiry with Youngs when it comes to her latest, 2012’s An Unwavering Band of Light, as well as hit on topics ranging from Exhibit, a series of songwriting explorations based on museum visits, letting go of perfectionist tendencies and a preview of the Revival Tour swinging through SXSW to close out Saturday night along with Hot Water Music’s Chuck Ragan and Jenny O., among others.

While An Unwavering Band of Light has some quiet moments, I was most taken with the electric energy of songs like “Born to Lose” and “Pirates”.  With such a diverse spectrum to play on top of, what type of songs do you connect to the most?

I connect as deeply to up-tempo thrashers as to delicate weepers. I love sloppy punk music and I love meticulously arranged acoustic ballads. At the beginning of the writing process, you’re dealing with a plain block of marble that could become anything. I love working to find something different inside every time.

This record also introduces some inventive rhythmic elements that we haven’t heard yet from you.  Where did that new sound come from?  Is it hard for you to stretch your music in experimental directions or is that your natural inclination?

When we started working on the album, I was listening to the Tom Waits albums Swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs like crazy. My longtime producer and cowriter Dan Romer was logging a lot of hours with Harry Belafonte records. I’d say those two gentlemen had a lot to do with where our rhythmic heads were at during the recording process. We focused on drums and percussion before anything else during the arranging sessions. Dan and I start every album the same way: by asking “What is going to be different about this record?” We’re always reaching.

I’ve been fascinated by your Exhibit series, creating songs inspired by NYC museum visits once a week.  Are these songs going to be part of your live rotation or is this an isolated project?  What have you learned about your songwriting since you started this in December?

Hey, thanks! It’s been a really fun project, and I’ve been so pleased with the songs that have come out of it. I’ve been playing some of them live and plan to work on fleshed-out arrangements for them as well. The most important thing I’ve learned from this project is that it’s possible for me to let go of my perfectionist tendencies and still write something that I’m psyched about. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I’m feeling preeeeetty liberated right now.

Do you have any gigs lined up for SXSW yet?  Especially since you’ve been touring and releasing records for years, what are you hoping to get out of the conference in 2013?

My main showcase is Saturday night with The Revival Tour, an acoustic collaborative musical event founded by Chuck Ragan (of Hot Water Music) that might best be described as a raucous hootenanny (copious whiskey consumption optional). We play SXSW then the tour heads out for six weeks. I’m also participating in a literary salon on March 12^th called Women of Letters with Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, and John Sayles.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are hoping to catch yourself while in town?

I’m SO stoked to see Dave Grohl’s keynote address!! I haven’t checked out the band roster yet, shame on me. But you can’t walk down the street at SXSW without stumbling on some awesome music, so I’m sure it’ll be an inspiring week!

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Social Studies

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

As Social Studies described it to us, their latest album Developer continues the band’s evolution into an “adult record”, a fully formed piece that is a great realization of what this inventive indie pop band has achieved since their debut.  Original members Natialia Rogovin (vocals/keys) and Michael Jirkovsky (drums) were able to further discuss the story of the band’s maturation with OEB as well as exploring space versus sound, their busy 2013 schedule and a preview of their Tuesday night official showcase along with some of their Antennae Farm label-mates.

After listening through Developer, I’ve been impressed with how your sound has matured since your debut, focused more on strong melody and rhythm.How do you see the band’s growth over the years?

Natalia Rogovin: Thank you! I think it’s incredibly important to always be growing musically as a band. I don’t want to write the same record year after year. Music is a craft and if you look back and don’t see growth, you’re doing something wrong. I sometimes think of the band as a kid that has grown up alongside us. Our first release, This is the World’s Biggest Hammer, had the rebellious and punk-rock core of a high schooler. On Wind Up Wooden Heart, we refined our sound and slowed down a bit, but we were still searching, trying things out, like a college student living on their own for the first time. I think Developer is our first adult record. We were so focused, and had a clear vision from the beginning, so the album knows what it wants and what it’s trying to achieve. Hopefully this doesn’t mean our next record will be geriatric…

While Social Studies utilize dense layering of sound especially for pop music, I still get a clear sense of space on Developer.  Is this where the songs naturally go or is your songwriting method a little more complex than that?

NR: Space was a very clear goal for this record. We’re always learning more about songwriting and arrangement, and I think our biggest hump for this record was achieving a balance between fullness and holding back. Learning when not to play, to really highlight sounds and textures and bring out the emotion of the songs.

What does 2013 hold for Social Studies?  Any touring planned in support of Developer?

In fact, we’re heading out on a two-month National tour next week! We also have plans for a follow-up tour later this year focusing more on the East Coast, so yes! Beyond that, we’re writing our next record, and have tentative plans for a 7-inch release in the meantime. Lots of awesome things brewing!

Do you have any gigs lined up for SXSW yet?  As repeat performers, how do you view the conference and what are you hoping to get out of your trip to Austin this year?

Michael Jirkovsky: Yeah, we will be playing Antenna Farm Records’ official showcase on Tuesday night at Valhalla.  We’ll be playing a bunch of other parties but the details aren’t available yet.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are going to try and catch yourself while in town?

MJ: I’d love to see the Zombies!  And I’m hoping to catch Metz too.  The funny thing about SXSW is it seems like we always end up seeing a lot of our friend’s bands and bands from San Francisco.  But there’s always the surprising discovery.  I’m looking forward to getting turned on to some new music.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Jeff Lofton

Hometown: Austin, TX

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Though there is no one on the OEB staff that would consider themselves a jazz expert, the classic and emotional sound of Austin instrumentalist Jeff Lofton went right for our heartstrings starting with our first preview last year.  Lofton checked in with us this week to further explore his wide range of influences from the old school greats and to share some interesting perspective on the role of jazz at SXSW, both today and in the future.

Your tone seems to pay a great deal of respect to the greats in jazz, focusing on subtly and emotion equally.  Where does your sound come from?

Listening to Miles mostly, but my tone changes depending on what sound I’m trying to create. The other thing is I’m missing a front tooth from a childhood accident and because of the space (and very high lung capacity) I can send a lot more air though the horn than most trumpeters. But my sound is a little of all the horn players. I like Sonny, Trane, Dexter and Prez, who have had as much of or more of an influence as Miles, Diz, and Brownie. I really listen to a lot of piano trio and singers and sax players not just trumpet. It’s very important to listen to everything in the ensemble and have an understanding of its role and how to make the best use of it.

An indie rock fan is randomly walking into one of your SXSW performances.  What should they expect at a Jeff Lofton performance?

To be highly entertained, to hear music performing in a way they have never experienced before, and to be swingin’ hard. Possibly even get a need to dance and a feeling of nostalgia for a time and place they never even knew. 

As a repeat and local performer at SXSW, what’s your viewpoint on the SXSW jazz scene and its influence on all the other genres of music being performed on stages all across Austin?

SXSW is an amazing opportunity for musicians and fans alike, and I believe it may be the single most influential musical event of the year. A couple of years ago I got to sit in at the HBO Treme Party with Dirty Dozen Brass Band. And Miles Davis’ son and nephew did a great event last year.

I’d like to see jazz showcases moved out of the basement and into the light of day at SXSW at a larger venue with a better sound system. I have no idea how many people were turned away from my showcase last year, and I heard that other nights were even worse.

Do you have any appearances lined up for SXSW yet?  Is there anything you’re looking to get out of the festival beyond a normal string of shows in town?

There are some things in development - details on at JeffLofton.com soon.

Have you had a chance to check out the artist list for SXSW?  Any acts you are looking forward to catching yourself?

I’m curious to see who Elias Haslanger plays with, after being in the Clarence Clemmons spotlight with the “Boss” last year. And I hear Hector Ward has two new back up vocalists. Bez from Nigeria looks interesting too.

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Midlake

Hometown: Denton, TX

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

I’ll start with the bad news.  As of right now, it looks like Denton-based folk rock band Midlake has removed themselves from the SXSW roster for 2013.  Optimistically, hopefully that speaks to the band spending more time in the studio working on a follow up to the excellent The Courage of Others.  Either way, Midlake’s Eric Pulido took a few minutes with OEB to cover some areas of note for Midlake in 2013, including the influence of the hometown of Denton on the band’s career, how they have been able to build a significant UK fanbase through Bella Union (and their beards) and bridging the past and present through the songwriting process.

How has Denton played a part in the career of Midlake?

Denton is made up of not only some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met, but some of the best people as well. Being amongst a community of folks like that is inspiring and encouraging to say the least. We’ve been lucky to be a part of this city and its musical community and love to see how it continues to grow. Not to mention, it’s cheap living here and we have the best sushi restaurant I’ve ever been to (Keiichi)! (I know…hard to believe, but it’s true.)

On the other hand, I think some of my European friends have claimed Midlake for themselves.  Why do you think there is such a strong connection for the band across the Atlantic?

Our record label, Bella Union, is based in the UK and they’ve done a great job of creating a second home for us there and in Europe. The various media outlets have been good to us and we’ve also been fortunate to spend a lot of time touring over there to continue to grow a fan base abroad. And I’ve heard they like Texas beards.

The Courage of Others drew on some interesting influences, notably the influx of traditional gothic-infused folk music.  How do you bridge drawing from the past and trying to create something new?

I’ve never heard the term gothic-infused folk music but I’m gonna start using that! Our influences have seemed to compound over the years as we turn over new stones, but we always want to try to pull from those sounds in a non-pastiche manner and try and make it our own. It’s hard to think that you’re going to re-invent the wheel these days, but we just pull from all the music we love past and present and then see what comes out when we press record.

Are there any artists you want to catch yourself while in Austin?

Yes, I think they’re called ‘BBQ and Beer’ :)

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Doe Paoro

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

I feel pretty confident that our interview with burgeoning singer-songwriter Doe Paoro is the only conversation that will start out with a discussion on Tibetan folk opera music.  These diverse influences as well as a wide range of topics including recording a new album with Lasse Marten in Stockholm (along with a track with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon), celebrating love through songwriting  and the exhaustive nature of SXSW are discussed as OEB hip hop/R&B writer Nate Headden was able to converse with Paoro this month.

You do some really cool vocal gymnastics on Slow to Love, especially on “Born Whole”. You’ve mentioned you studied Lhamo, Tibetan folk opera music. How did you discover Lhamo and what made you want to study it?

Chance. I was hiking in India when I heard someone singing this high-pitched wailing and I basically followed the voice till I found this school of Lhamo. I didn’t know the human voice could do that—it felt otherworldly. I’m entranced by the riddle of the voice…because it’s not something you can see, as a singer you have to learn it by feeling, and doing so forces you to occupy new spaces in your body.  Lhamo is incredible to sing because it’s just vibration on this level that is totally transportive when emanating that sound.

Your lyrics and the album seem to celebrate love though there’s also a strong sense of apprehension. How do your songs relate to your own emotions and experiences?

Love has been one of the strongest teachers I’ve known, and something that I’m continually mystified by.  When it’s real, it arises only to awaken every part of your being and then always eventually passes away till it manifests in another person. Not going to lie, I struggle with it—with the idea that you can’t hold love in closed palm, and for sure “Slow to Love” came off the heels of a long relationship where I was burned, so those songs are my biography.

Slow to Love came out in early 2012, is a new album in the works? What can fans expect in 2013?

New album is definitely in the works. I’m in Stockholm at the moment working with producer/mixer Lasse Marten (Lykki Li, Niki & The Dove) on the foundation for my next album, which will come out late 2013.  Justin Vernon is collaborating with us on one of the songs. In the meantime, I finished recording two singles for a vinyl on White Iris Records that will be released in June.

How did you like Austin and SXSW last year? Do you have any appearances lined up for SXSW?

We jumped full on into the SXSW vortex last year. I remember being in the line at the airport to go home and Grimes was behind me and behind her was one musician after another and everyone needed a nap. We love Austin and are hyped to be back -playing an official showcase Wednesday night at the Soho Lounge, the White Iris Records party before that, and one other show that we are still sorting.

Have you had a chance to check out the band list for SXSW?  Are there any acts you are looking forward to catching yourself?

I’ve been vibing to Angel Haze’s EP, so I’m going to try catch her set.  Rhye, Blood Orange and Kindness, too. 

OEB’s 5 SXSW Q’s – Swear and Shake

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Brooklyn’s Swear and Shake are a great example of a young and eager SXSW band, evolving their music not just year by year, but even month by month.  The songs from 2012’s Maple Ridge have already naturally been growing new leaves on stage and 2013 has quickly shown some personnel changes as Maple Ridge producer Ben Goldstein has taken a full time position behind the kit.  All four members of the band – Kari Spieler, Adam McHeffey, Shaun Savage and Goldstein – took a few minutes out of their week to share some SXSW thoughts with OEB concerning interpreting inspiration from the folk greats of the past, the visceral feeling of their first national tour and how SXSW will allow their music to reach “new audiences and new markets”.

For a debut, Maple Ridge has a huge sound, especially considering the folk traditions your music is steeped in.  Has that been the case with Swear and Shake from Day 1?

Ben Goldstein (drums, producer): Although I’ve been playing drums in the band for only four weeks, I’ve loved listening to Swear and Shake since the first bedroom demo. Adam and Kari’s songs have always had huge emotional impact for me, but the sound of the band changed a lot when Maple Ridge was recorded. You can attribute that to any number of things: the 150-year-old barn it was recorded in, the addition of yours truly as producer or the band’s natural (and hopeful) growth as musicians. There are new songs already, not yet released, that have the huge sound of Maple Ridge, but with the intimacy of the bedroom recording I first fell in love with. Stay tuned…

Folk rock in general has had a huge impact on the music scene in the last few years.  What is it about breaking music down to its raw elements that has been able to connect so widely as of late?  Where do you see Swear and Shake fitting into this movement?

Adam McHeffey (vocals, guitar): I think it’s the importance we put on the craft songwriting that connects us to the new folk insurgence. I never thought we were the folkiest band, but our writing is definitely inspired by the folk greats, and the way their songs are direct and clear and full of meaning. The songs are emotional, personal, somehow universally understood. All of our songs start with just an idea and a few chords on a guitar. I dare not compare us to Cash or Dylan or Guthrie or even Blind Willie McTell, but you think about the way that their songs get covered and reinterpreted over and over again. They can be built up, stripped down, and no matter how it’s performed it, the song will always be the song.

How’s the tour going so far?  Have the crowds been growing since the release of the record?

Shaun Savage (bass): The tour has been going great so far. G. Love’s fans have been very kind to us and we’re happy to be able to play to them every night. It’s hard for us to gauge how the release of the record has affected the size of our crowd since this is our first national tour, but I can say it’s an amazing feeling to look out into a crowd in a city we’ve never been to and see a number of people singing along to our tunes. We’re really looking forward to coming back to these cities on our next tour now that we’ve been sort of introduced and our record has been floating around.

Do you have any gigs lined up for SXSW yet?  Is there anything particular you are looking to get out of the trip to Austin this year?

Kari Spieler (vocals, guitar): We do have a few gigs lined up and have a few more in the works. It’s been a goal of ours to participate in SXSW since the band got together. Just like many bands going to the festival, we’re looking to bring our music to new audiences and reach new markets. Personally, I can’t wait to get hit with music at all hours of the day, meet new people and hear new music. It sounds like a big ole’ party to me.

Have you had a chance to check out the SXSW roster yet?  Any artists you are hoping to catch yourself while in town?

Adam: I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the artists that we’ve met over the past year. Austin is going to be a bit of a family reunion for us. I’m really excited for the sets of Tumbleweed Wanderers, The Last Bison, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, Haim, Pearl and the Beard and Ambassadors. Also, Shaquille O’Neal is speaking, and I’m stoked for that.