SXSW Interview: STAL
Well we’ve reached the final countdown people, SXSW music starts next week. Most of us here at ATH have made some lists of bands we need to see and even marked a few party lineups that look promising. As always, we are about the music and won’t chase a free pair of sunglasses or a Taka vodka mixed drink. Keeping in tune with our music first attitude, I’m continuing our SXSW interviews today with one from L.A. based musician STAL. Hit the jump for full interview.
All responses come from the brains behind STAL, Mr. Pierre Marie-Maulini.
ATH: Every Year there is a lot of hubbub 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?
PMM: Playing SXSW is a chance for us to go a step further into the US music market, to show a certain amount of pros that we are here. But not only that, it’s obviously a great way to meet bands and building friendships. Our main goal is to get more chances to tour nationally.
ATH:For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. What’s your plan of attack? Do you have a set list mapped out yet?
PMM: Absolutely! We have all our best tracks in it, a good mix of new singles and our favorites from the first album Young Hearts. It’s definitely a set full of energy!
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?
PMM: I’m craving a great BBQ, it seems Texas is the best BBQ place in the world. And obviously, a good meat never comes without a great beer! I have a preference for Mexican Pacifico!
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.
PMM: Pale Waves, Lo Moon, Cold War Kids
ATH:We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?
PMM: Austin City Limits is a MUST!!!
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?
PMM: You gotta do the job! We’d play with the same pleasure as usual but i would add a pinch of humor between the songs to try to catch everyone’s attention!
ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
PMM: Words i never said by Ella Vos and i’ll play Lo Moon’s album all the time on our way to Austin!
ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?
PMM: France of course!!
Many many thanks for making the time to speak with us. Here’s most recent single “The Crime”.