SXSW Interview: Evalyn

Cali artist Evalyn released her Sandcastle EP, a blend of pop, R&B and soul. She’s headed to Austin for SXSW and we got in touch to have her answer our questions. I’m a bit surprised at her pick of Gryffindor to win the World Cup, as Slytherin are definitely the team to beat out there. Check out her hit “Filthy Rich” beneath the interview. She plays at Thursday, March 16th at Palm Door (10:10).

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?

Evalyn: Ive always wanted to play SXSW, and Ive never even been to Austin. Im a music lover through and through and Ive watched so many of my favorite new bands play here over the past few years. Ive almost come to the festival in the past, but I kind of promised myself that I would only make the trip if I were playing it. So getting to be here this year is a dream of mine.

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?

Evalyn: When I put this set together I wanted it to ride like a night out. It starts mellow, gets wild in the middle and then you can feel the crash by the last song. We also love throwing in some stuff to surprise you like we do a little ASAP Rocky and sample Dr. Dre, Fear and Loathing, the Doors and other influences and stuff that inspired the project.

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?

Evalyn: I think were all fans of tequila so well definitely be trying the mezcal. Ive heard such rad things about the food in Austin and at SXSW, but Im going in blind having never been before. Im sure well be checking out the Texmex.

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.

Evalyn: Damn, thats a tough question. Im stoked to check out Hinds, Knox Fortune, Khalid, BRONCHO, NoMbe, NVDES, Pussy Riot, Yoke Lore, and Soccer Mommy just to name a few. Im really looking forward to catching sets by some of my friends like FINNEAS and Pat Lok. Im also excited to discover some new music while Im there.

ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?

Evalyn: The best part about having so many festivals out there is that they all have something super unique to offer. Im a big fan of Outsidelands in San Francisco, but my guess is that after SXSW I might have a new favorite.

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?

Evalyn: Sometimes in rehearsal we go all out jamming and throw in a Led Zeppelin cover and just play as loud as we can. So Im thinking if that were the situation wed just roll with it and have a riot. Every audience is really different and I like to think the goal is to get them into it, so you just have to do whatever you can to make it a party.

ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?

Evalyn: I loved Flowerboy by Tyler the Creator and I also was so into Lordes Melodrama. Also Khalids American Teen was a fave. Oh and Masseducation by St. Vincent. Im all over the place with what I’m listening to so its hard to choose one. But as far as the whole band agreeing on something to listen to? No way, were fighting for the aux cord.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

Evalyn: Gryffindor