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 Qs – Rosco Bandana

Hometown: Gulfport, MS

OEB 2013 SXSW Review

Vocalist/percussionist Jennifer Flint of Rosco Bandana shared a few words with OEB this week to talk about the band’s past experience, excitement for SXSW and why the band is especially looking forward to crossing paths with Midlake in Austin.

Time to Begin has quite a weathered and mature sound for a debut.  Has Rosco Bandana been gigging together for a while to hone a tight sound right out of the gate?

Sort of. Jason, Barry and I have been a part of Rosco for over 3 years now. The group we have now has been together for 1 year. But Jason who is the main songwriter of our family has been working on these songs for years, so I guess that’s where the “weathered and mature” sound comes from. He’s an amazing songwriter. He inspires me.

There seems to have been a resurgence in artists transforming folk and blues into a modern sound.  Where does Rosco Bandana fit in within this new wave?

For us it’s just a natural style, that is. We want to be seen as our own creation. Even though our sound is in the latest trend, it is who we are.

Your tour is kicking off this week in Dallas. Any stops you are particularly looking forward to?

I always look forward to going to Austin.  It draws so many different kinds of folks. I try to get around while I’m there to see other musicians and of course shop in the awesome vintage shops.

Any SXSW appearances lined up yet? Anything you are looking to accomplish in Austin?  Given their recent support, I’ve got my fingers crossed for an appearance at Paste’s annual party.

Besides the show itself no, at least not that I know of. I hope to increase our fan base while in Austin, I love our fans, I will always be gracious and kind to them. They are one of the biggest parts to this process so they mean a lot. Oh, and to be invited to the Paste party would be such an honor. I hope it happens in the near future.

Any bands on the SXSW lineup you are looking forward to catching yourselves?

I am looking forward to seeing Midlake. They are one of my favorite bands. In fact, Rosco came from one of their songs “Roscoe” so we took it, dropped “E” and added Bandana behind it.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 39:

A pair of “10”s anchor this mornings set – a young, returning SXSW favorite and local heroes from my hometown of Denton.  Highlights:

Midlake (10) - Filled with gothic folk harmonies and sweeping choruses, the whole album was a real revelation for me in 2010 of where this folk rock movement could go.

The Milk Carton Kids (10) - They pull off so much soul with just a couple of voices and acoustic guitars, proving some of the most special music comes in the most natural forms.

Charlie Mars (6) - NYC folkster Charlie Mars has been releasing acoustic pop gems since the late 90s, His sound is regularly breezy, but Mars does take some nice turns into heavier blues and a drop of soul on his latest, Blackberry Light.

J.D. McPherson (6) – McPherson does everything he can do to make his records sound like they were actually made in a hot summer in the 1950s.  Both the music and vocals exude soul and lookout for hot guitar solos that “your kids are gonna love”.

The Mavericks (5) - Veteran country rock act The Mavericks recently reunited after making some waves in the 90s on their traditional-based take on the country genre.  The most notable element in The Mavericks’ arsenal is the baritone croon of Raul Malo, especially when he digs into that 50s pop vibe.

SXSW Spreadsheet 63 - Highlights:

Josh Ritter - a singer songwriter from Moscow, Idaho with a great dense voice.  Josh Ritter is one of the more recognizable names on the roster, flirting with fame a few times throughout the last decade.  Josh’s first album was released in 1999, and he just released his sixth LP So Runs The World Away last year.  The basis of his most is straightforward pop, but the way Josh crafts his songs separates him from his peers.  He creates a musical style in the same vein as Ben Folds, energetic garage mentality applied to pop music while incorporating interesting instrumentation and melodic patterns.  This energy carries over to his live shows; his committed fanbase helps as well.  Josh isn’t the newest kid on the block at SXSW, but his set is a sure thing, so don’t hesitate to catch him in Austin.

John Grant with Midlake - a folk rock artist from Berlin, Germany playing sad piano songs.  I actually saw John Grant open for Midlake last year in Denton, but he brought his own backing band to the show.  John Grant may not be the most energetic performer, but he stands strong on his songwriting ability and dramatic voice.  His recent album Queen of Denmark is a gem, with pop songs disguised as indie ballads including backup from Midlake, a folk rock band from Denton, TX (my hometown) with an emphasis on a traditional sound and deep harmonies.  The sum of these parts is a really pretty album, sounding like a series of lyric poems from the 1600s at times.  Other times the album is closer to straight ahead pop, so it’s worth a full listen.  I’m looking forward to seeing both bands together at SXSW.

Jonathan Powell - a poppy folk rock artist from Cardiff, Wales.  Jonathan Powell is another artist embracing the pop side of folk music, a nice theme for this set.  His band has a great polished sound with acoustic instrumentation.  The level of rawness in the music nicely counteracts the pop melodies creating a unique sound.  Jonathan is a good songwriter as well with a good deal of maturity in his music and lyrics.  I wish he would be slightly more experimental, because all of the elements are there.  He has good potential, so keep an eye out through the next couple of years.

Jon Dee Graham - Folk rock musician from Austin with a voice reminiscent of Tom Waits.