SXSW Interview: The National Parks
I wasn’t kidding when I said multiple interviews would be coming soon highlighting some of the bands coming to SXSW in a couple weeks. This year I sent out questions to any band interested, even if the band was totally unfamiliar to me prior to the interview or their style wasnt necessarily my favorite. I figure this will allow for more exposure and interesting responses from a wider variety of artists. Today we continue our ongoing effort to provide you interesting SXSW interviews with indie folk band The National Parks. Hit the jump to see whats what.
All questions answered by Brady Parks
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?
BP: SXSW is an environment we love to be a part of. We were able to go for the first time last year to play a few shows. One of the best parts for me was being able to switch between performer and fan – getting to play a show and then an hour later seeing how your favorite bands do it. It was a great learning experience. We were also able to meet a lot of great people in the music industry. I’m excited to be back to have similar experiences this year.
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?
BP: I believe that a 30 minute set, if crafted right, can be more beneficial than playing a long set at SXSW. I think a short, highly energetic, meaningful set can leave an audience wanting more. We hope that after our set, people will find our music online and keep in touch with us. We have our set mapped out and we are looking forward to hitting it hard right off the bat.
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?
BP: That’s a great question. Food is very important to us. I would have to go with the street tacos as food of choice for me. I could/probably will eat some every day while we are there.
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.
BP: We would be honored to play with so many of the amazing bands that are playing this year. But if I could pick some of the bands that are playing I would say: Weezer, The Avett Brothers, M Ward and Run River North. Those are just a few I’d love to play with.
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?
BP: We would play as hard as we could! Sounds crazy but fun.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
BP: We have a few favorites including Bon Iver, The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart and Whitney.
ATH: Band catch phrase in 5 words or less.
BP: It’s all about the music.
Thanks once again for making the time and we hope to see you in Austin.
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