SXSW 2014 Interview: Coeds
With our SXSW interview extravaganza, it’s only fair that we do some coverage of up-and-coming Austin acts who are making a name for themselves, right? Today we’re going to bring you a bit of info on the act Coeds. They’ve previously popped up on our radar before with some coverage from B. Gray, bu we wanted to go a little further in-depth for their SXSW preparation. Click on for responses from the band’s Meredith Munoz.
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?
MM: Everyone loves discovering new music. It is worth it to play because you never know who will be watching and listening.
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?
MM: I like watching bands that are having a good time on stage while at the same time delivering a killer show so that’s my goal!
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?
MM: We lived off of milkshakes while writing and recording our first batch of songs. We call it “time for a shake break.”
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.
MM: Since this is our first time playing SXSW, we’re just happy to play.
ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?
MM: I love the thrill of SXSW. Every year is a new adventure so I think I’ll stick with SXSW.
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?
MM: I guess we would have to kick our acting skills in to high gear and make it work.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
MM: It’s a toss-up between Diana’s Perpetual Surrender and CHVRCHES “The Bones of What you Believe.” Both are records that will remind me of 2013 for good and bad reasons.
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?
Everything is changing so rapidly. I think it is important to be accessible for music fans, in whatever form that may be.
MM: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
A former bandmate of mine mentioned to me how years ago CMJ was the thing to play and SXSW wasn’t that important. Now SXSW is shifting towards where the day parties, due to the sheer number or bands, are becoming a necessity. I’m sure it will all work out.
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?
MM: Yes. I am obsessed with Flatstock – I go every year. I have an amazing Blur poster from Glastonbury with mermaids on it. I love meeting the artists too. Everyone is very nice.
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