SXSW Interview: Dead Leaf Echo
As I continue pumping out these interviews, I’m beginning to feel a bit more prepared for SXSW week. We will have some fun and burn it down as we do every year. For those interested, I’ve got a great interview today with ATH approved band Dead Leaf Echo. We’ve been hyping this band for years so this was an interview I was excited to read. Follow the jump for the bands thoughts.
All questions answered by frontman LG.
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 play at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?
LG: It’s like Wet Hot American Summer but for bands. That’s the feeling you get out of it. Your first kiss, your first sip of vodka, an awkward moment with your tour manager in the bathroom stall. Summer Camp but with amps and tourists.
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?
LG: We have about 20 songs armed and ready and then we’ll pick a 30 minute set based on the vibe of the venue sometime after load-in. 3 sets of material that we can weave and change in and out for a 30 minute set.
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?
LG: Tacos, tequila and beer are the staples. Our main spot is Gueros on S. Congress, we always play there every year. We’re a taco bell and Radeberger kind of band on the road. Mexican food and German pilsners. On the road in Texas you can’t avoid Buckey’s. Kevin vouches for The Salt Lick for BBQ, the best Vegan restaurant is Counterculture. The flag ship Whole Foods is pretty amazing for it’s juice bar, massages and pretty much everything.
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.
LG: Mark Eitzel, Modern English, Bryan Ferry, Tennis System, Nightmare Air, Vockah Radu, Trail of Dead, My Education, Ringo Deathstarr, Casual Strangers, Purple, Bloody Knives, Willie Nelson, Future Punx, The Drums, Dead Meadow, Flash Hits, Merchandise, Wu-Tang.
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 drunk and angry at the world. How would your band deal with such a situation?
LG: That’s a situation we’ve been in before. We do our thing and react accordingly to the situation. Whether it’s playing a day party at SXSW on 6th st or playing the Atlantic Antic (Brooklyn’s largest street fair) people are open to it, just play a wild show and people will respond.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
LG: We only listen to music that came out 20+ years ago or our friends albums that they give us. A lot of standup comedy. Eddie Murphy first, then Bill Burr, Anthony Jeselnik.
ATH: Band catch phrase in 5 words or less.
LG: So when we’re parallel parking the tour van you yell this at the driver “Cut it cut it cut it!!!!!!”
Many thanks again gentlemen, well see you in a couple weeks.
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