SXSW Watchlist: Matt Pond PA

Matt Pond PA is a band that we’ve been following for years now so they were an easy choice for us to spotlight on our SXSW watchlist.  Matt Pond PA have been around for a loooooong time and they seem to be that band always coming in just a bit under the radar.  You won’t hear these guys on the radio nor will you read much about them on P4K or The Gum.  Regardless, we’ve always found the songs of Matt Pond PA a soothing mixture of slow pop jams that best fit in with a good cup of coffee during your Sunday morning hangover time.  Their 2004 release Emblems has also got to be one of my favorite “indie” albums of all time.  Continue after the jump to read our short interview with leading man Matt Pond.

ATH: We’re still rather early in 2010, so what are your band’s expectations or hopes for the rest of the year?

Matt: Maybe not this year, but I’d like to own a farm sometime soon. Some horses, some tomatoes and a whiskey still.

ATH: You have one twitter post to promote your band at SXSW, what does that post say (140 characters)?

Matt: A life of self-promotion is not for me. I’d honestly prefer to speak about anything else — Austin in Spring and all that amazing food. OMG.

ATH: There’s all kinds of places to play during SXSW, like patios, tiny clubs, large clubs, fields, etc?  Which would you prefer to play in and why?

Matt: I live a life of modest needs and desires. I’ll take a field of grass to graze and bay, along with a decent public address system.

ATH: We’ve checked out a few tracks from your upcoming album… what else can we expect from it?

Matt: Solid gold showstoppers.

ATH: Are there any bands you want to see why you’re in town for SXSW, or are you just going to go with the flow?

Matt: Danielson, Bowerbirds, Califone, Japanther, Uffie, Frightened Rabbit, !!!, The Walkmen, Deer Tick, Midlake, Lou Barlow, Bobby Long, Rogue Wave, The Dutchess and the Duke, The Ruby Suns, Hopewell, I Love you but I’ve Chosen Darkness, Sharon Van Etten…So many more… And Motorhead. Did I hear someone say Motorhead?

Thanks again for taking the time out to speak with us Matt.  The latest single “Starting” from Matt Pond PA’s upcoming album The Dark Leaves can be found below.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Matt-Pond-PA-Starting.mp3]

Download: Matt Pond PA – Starting [MP3]