SXSW Interview: Deeper

Last year Deeper released their self-titled record via Fire Talk; I wrote about it a whole bunch, and was super in love with it upon its release. Today we’ve caught up with the group to have them answer our SXSW questionnaire so you’re more informed when you go watch them play! The band play at Hotel Vegas on March 15th.

ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

Deeper: We are Deeper from Chicago, Illinois.

ATH: Describe your groups sound.

Deeper: Its a bit hard to pin down our sound; were often described as melodic post-punk. At its core our songs are pretty spastic with lots of interplay between the guitars. Were influenced by a pretty wide range of artists though, so we also try to incorporate some ambient and noise elements.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases from 2019?

Deeper: Our debut self-titled LP was released on May 25th of last year. Still figuring out if we are going to release something this year we have most of a new record done, so well see how things shape up post-SXSW.

ATH: For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. Whats your plan of attack? You have a set list mapped out yet?

Deeper: We have a pretty good idea of what were going to play. 30 minutes is an ample amount of time to leave an impression and we have a version of our set that showcases all the variety to our sound in that amount of time.

ATH: Lets 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?

Deeper: We live for that shit well have a good time however it plays out. In general, we would rather be an outlier than just another band of the same genre on a bill. Angry crowds can be fun too, we like the challenge of winning people over. Weve also been out of place enough on bills to know that well win somebody over.

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Of the 1000+ bands coming into town, who would you ideally like to play with. What band friends will be here?

Deeper: Deerhunter is definitely on our list of bands wed like to play with, so its pretty cool we get to play our very first SXSW showcase with them on 3/11. Our buds from Chicago in Dehd, Pool Holograph, and The Curls will be in town. We played a Pitchfork Festival after-show with Priests in 2017, so were hoping to say hey to them while were there too.

ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

Deeper: On tour we really went crazy for Crack Cloud from Calgary. Once we got turned onto them, we prob spun that record at least once a day for 3 weeks. Weve got a pretty big rotation of music, but on the most recent tour with The Districts this is what we played:

New Deerhunter record, John Maus, Pusha T, Hand Habits, Makaya McCraven, Women, Fela Kuti, Cleaners from Venus, Talaboman, Nicolas Jaar, Frankie Broyles, Tim Presley, Cate Le Bon

ATH: Describe your perfect festival, real or not? Whos headlining? Wheres it take place? Etc.

Deeper: Bad Brains, Talking Heads, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, Robyn, Devo, Death Grips, Pusha T, Joy Division, The Hecks. It would take place in the fall, probably in the midwest. Summer fests are too hot, we need some quality early fall fests that we can wear jackets at all day.

ATH: Whats on the bands rider? If were bringing you food and booze, what can we bring you?

Deeper: Chips & Salsa, beer, not terrible tequila, White Claw, La Croix, a veggie platter, and some healthy, hot meal. Were easy to please and generally just want food that wont make us feel terrible the following day.

ATH: The band gets to create their own taco pop-up shop at SXSW? Whats the name, and what sort of tacos will you have? Any sides?

Deeper: Tacos Ms Profundos. Chicago has a really prominent Mexican community, so we would want to keep it pretty classic. Probably chicken al pastor with cilantro, onion, and a wedge of lime on the side. Tortillas have to be corn for sure. Def would need sides of beans and rice as well.

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