SXSW Interview: Beach Slang

Philadelphia based Beach Slang has long been a favorite around the ATH offices. Through some turmoil in the past, founder and leader James Alex has managed to persevere and create some killer tunes over the years. Of course this means we were overjoyed to have Alex answer our SXSW interview questions this year. You can find his answers after the jump.

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

JA: Beach Slang / Philadelphia, PA

ATH: Describe your groups sound.

JA: Defiant, sweaty, honest.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases from 2020?

JA: Our third LP, The Deadbeat Bang Of Heartbreak City was released January 10, 2020. But, who knows, I might be dumb/ambitious enough to make another record later this year.

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?

JA: To play with desperation, sincerity and abandon. That’s it. If it connects, it connects. If it doesn’t, more time wasn’t going to fix things. Set list already?nah, that’s too academic. I suppose, we’ll figure it out a few drinks before we go on.

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 is growing ancy. How would your band deal with such a situation?

JA: Get drunk, play hard and win over the room. Look, rock & roll can be a messy lawless place for forgotten kids. And I love that about it.

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

JA: Ideally, The Replacements. But, yeah, I don’t know. I mean, I don’t plan much. I just sort of hope I end up where I’m meant to be.

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

JA: Stereo/Mono by Grandpaboy, Randy Newman Live by Randy Newman and Jesus of Cool by Nick Lowe.

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

JA: When: 1983

Where: The Central Sunset Strip (Los Angeles)

Headliner: The Plimsouls

Cost: No cover charge (four drink minimum)

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

JA: Booze, towels and water, we’ll take whatever you’ve got.

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?

JA: Slang A Gong (Taco Shop)all vegetarian, piles of churros and real stiff beer.

Thanks again James!

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