SXSW Interview: LANNDS

Jacksonville-based project LANNDS may not be a household name just yet, but someone has to be a “break out” artists at SXSW, right? We caught up with the duo before they headed our way; they’ll likely be playing several tunes off their forthcoming EP, and you can sample one of those singles below. They take the stage at Sidewinder on March 15th.

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?

LANNDS: I am hoping to just have an amazing experience. This will be our first time playing a festival like this so I am super excited for it. I just hope to gain more knowledge about touring and playing live shows.

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?

LANNDS: Our plan of attack is to just play to the best of our ability. Thats all we can do. We have a set list already mapped out and we have been practicing a ton for the past few weeks gearing up for this.

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?

LANNDS: Veggie hot dogs and craft beer.

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.

LANNDS: Snail Mail, Aisha Badru, Yoke Lore, Violet Days, Liza Anne, Now, Now

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

LANNDS: How could anyone else disagree that SXSW isnt the best around?

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?

LANNDS: We would roll with the punches as they came. If we had to change the set list and tweak it a little we would. If we had to do a stripped down version of our set we would as well. I think its important to remember all situations that happen to us is about our reaction to it all.

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

LANNDS: I really loved About U by MUNA and played that all of last year. Also, Cigarettes After Sexs debut album both which are my favorite at the moment as well.