SXSW Watchlist: Califone

Chicago band Califone have been around the music game twice as long as most of the young start up bands you’ll be checking out during SXSW.  They’ve been touring the world/country, releasing countless albums, and generally working their asses off since around 1997/98.  Always adapting and changing their style, Califone have come a long long way since their beginnings over 10 years ago.  Don’t even try to label these guys either, as their music changes stylistically so often that you can’t mark them in any specific genre.  Needless to say, I’m pumped about waiting in line for these guys.  Prior to their arrival in Austin, we had the opportunity to send lead singer Tim Rutili some SXSW questions.  Follow the jump for the questions.

ATH: We’re still rather early in 2010, so what are your band’s expectations or hopes for the rest of the year?

Tim: We’d like to finish promoting our album and film, play a few more shows, get some rest and regroup this summer to do some recording maybe this fall. Pretty simple.

ATH: You have one twitter post to promote your band at SXSW, what does that post say (140 characters)?

Tim: It would probably be a link to information on where the film and music shows are. Times, info and addresses. Humorless but informative.

ATH: What’s the one thing your band couldn’t live without on tour?

Tim: A good meal every once in a while is key. There is an indian restaurant in austin that will fulfill this mission. It is called the Claypit. Good food is hard to come by on tour so, when we can, we like to treat ourselves well.

ATH: There’s all kinds of places to play during SXSW, like patios, tiny clubs, large clubs, fields, etc?  Which would you prefer to play in and why?

Tim: We have a few shows where we’ll be playing a live soundtrack to our film at alamo draft house. I’m looking forward to that. It’ll be different and when i’m in austin I always like seeing a movie at alamo.

ATH: What’s the most difficult thing about being in a band, or is it all just fun and games for you and your band?

Tim: I’ll choose the simple answer here– it is all fun and games. Truly.

A big part of why Califone are making it down to Austin is to support the release of their new film All My Friends Are Funeral Singers.  They’ll be providing a live score to that film at a few select locales.  They’ll also be doing the usual live show here and there.  Dates below (I’m sure getting into the film screenings will be close to impossible):

3/15/10 (9:30pm)  Alamo Drafthouse South (Live Soundtrack w/ Film)

3/17/10 (midnight)  Club DeVille – Official Showcase – BrooklynVegan Showcase

3/18/10 (1pm) Other Music Lawn Party, French Legation Museum (FREE)

3/18/10 (4:10pm) – Team Clermont Party, Flamingo Cantina (Official but could maybe get in)

3/19/10 (12pm) -Alamo RItz Drafthouse (Live Soundtrack w/ Film)

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/04-Funeral-Singers-1.mp3]

Download: Califone – Funeral Singers [MP3]

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