SXSW 2014 Interview: Heavenly Beat

heavenly-beatIt’s like a never-ending stream of interviews rolling into the ATH offices, and we’re really excited to help you all get to know a little bit more about some of the acts heading into town.  This one here is from Heavenly Beat, who will undoubtedly be playing some of the hits from last year’s Prominence, which came out on Captured Tracks. Here’s some quick answers from John Pena, a former Texan.

ATH: There was a lot of hubbub last year concerning corporate sponsors and pay to play and what not at SXSW. As a band, what’s your reason for coming to pay at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?

JP: I don’t really have any heavy thoughts about SXSW to be honest. It’s a chill opportunity to hang with some of my NY band/label friends in a warm environment w/ free booze…can’t really be mad at that or ask for more IMO.

ATH: For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. What’s your plan of attack? You have a set list mapped out yet?

JP: 30 mins is sort of the norm so it’s not something I’m even thinking about.

ATH: The festival caters to music fans, but food and booze are an important aspect of the fans and the bands. What’s your band’s food and beverage of choice?

JP: Tacos and tequila

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Who would you ideally like to play with of the 1000s of bands gracing our city? Make your own optimal line-up.

JP: Watching other bands play live is actually my nightmare…except for, maybe, Sean Nicholas Savage…he moved me in a real way a couple months ago.

ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?

JP: All festivals are special to me in the sense that there is usually free food.

ATH: Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street. The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd seems angry at the world. How would your band deal with such a situation?

JP: If the sound is horrible we’ll probably fit right innnn. #nevergood

ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?

JP: I really loved the instrumental version of the “After Dark 2” compilation…

ATH: The digital age is upon us, like it or not. What are your band’s thoughts on streaming services like spotify, pandora, etc.? Blow em all up? Or embrace the future?

JP: I don’t care either way. All I’m interested in is family and creating.

ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?

JP: Nah, things change.

ATH: Flatstock is a crowd favorite. Have you ever been to browse? Find a print to buy? Find a print from one of your shows you didn’t know existing?

JP: I don’t know what any of that means.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/02-Messiah.mp3]

Download: Heavenly Beat – Messiah [MP3]

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