SXSW Interview: The Spook School
I adore the Spook School; I followed them around all of last SXSW, caught them at least 7 times. Today we continue our coverage by catching up with the band before they cross the Atlantic and make their way back into our hearts. Jump on and get a little introduction to the band, and be sure to guide them to the Vegan hotspots in Austin. Be sure to stream the gem from Continental Drift hanging at the end, featuring some of the best indiepop on any continent.
ATH:For a lot of bands, this is their first time coming to SXSW, Austin, or even the United States. What are you anticipating for your arrival into our town? Anything youre really hoping to do (again) while youre here?
Spooks: Lots of margaritas. Lots of new friends. Making Austin just a little bit weirder for a little while.
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?
Spooks: Plan of attack is to sing lots of songs about being queer. Our drummer is going to lose a lot of his clothing. Then were going to pack all our stuff up and shake everyones hands, and say thanks for having us.
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?
Spooks: A six pack of Tennents and four vegan sausage rolls.
ATH:Describe the music community where you come from – Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?
Spooks: The UK is so small that the people we hang out with and collaborate with the most are spread out all over the country. Theres a lovely smattering of queer punx all over the place and its nice to have a support network wherever you go.
ATH: What are a few bands we in Austin and the States might not know about that should be on everyones musical radar?
Spooks: Doe (who are also at SXSW this year!). Pale Kids. Joyce Delaney.
ATH: Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street (where a lot of shows are set up). 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?
Spooks: Hug it out.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus/van?
Spooks: Favourite album: A Seat At the Table – Solange. In the Spookmobile we mostly listen to Adams Gay Disco Spotify playlist.
ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Youtube etc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?
Spooks: Were trying to work on lots of different platforms in order to reach as many people as possible.
ATH: Clearly coming over to the SxSW to play shows is something a lot of bands are excited about, but what are some other life or musical highlights for you this year? Wed like to get to know you.
Spooks: We got to go on a European Tour with PWR BTTM and it was magical. Headlining Indietracks was magical. Playing potentially the last NYC Popfest was magical.
ATH: Arent you happy we didnt ask about Trump?
Spooks: Yes.
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