SXSW Interviews: Jonquil
I’ve always been a big fan of Jonquil. At times their music is pop with dance inducing rhythms, but then they can just be more of a straight up rock n roll band. Either way, I find myself listening to the band when looking for something unique to pass the time. Band member Robin McDiarmid took some time to answer our SXSW questions and his answers can be found after the jump.
ATH: What is the most challenging thing about being a band during SXSW or another similar festival?
Jonquil: The constancy is challenging, keeping your energy up all week between shows to try and give good performances i guess, but to be honest it’s also one of the best things about festivals like SXSW. There’s so much going on, both involving you and around you that you’ve really got to throw yourself into it otherwise you’ll end up bewildered in a corner somewhere.
ATH: What are some tips you would offer newbie bands to survive during SXSW or just in general on tour?
Jonquil: Have a little drink, take a few deep breaths and get on with it.
ATH: What music are you guys currently jamming in your tour bus?
Jonquil: Chairlift has been doing the rounds recently. Once touring starts getting on top of us a blast of Joni Mitchell always seems to do the trick and gets us level again.
ATH: Who wins the Euro Cup this summer? It’s okay to tell us you hate soccer.
Jonquil: ooh that’s the big question isn’t it! I can’t see past Spain retaining the title, their just excellent. Sadly, England will be in the background limping out at the first opportunity.
ATH: Due to licensing, you’ve had to change the band name, or else you get sued! What do you change it to?
Jonquil: A few years back when we’d just started out a promoter did this for us. We turned up to a venue to be greeted by a poster stating that John Quill would be performing that night, So let’s go with that and maybe we can get whoever turned up that night back into the fan club.
ATH: It’s fairly early in the musical year. What’s in store for your band before the world ends in December?
Jonquil: Were on the road mostly for the next few months, America then back to the UK and then on and into Europe. In summary, shows, shows, shows.
ATH: What’s the best pre-show beverage for the band? Let’s get brand specific! And, what’s the worst free shot we can buy you at SXSW?
Jonquil: Vodka and Apple with Zubrovka with the bison grass in it, or beer always hits the spot. We got a shot of espresso handed to us just before we went on stage in Paris once, downing hot drinks stepping out onto stage was predictably a a terrible idea.
ATH: Being out on tour, what’s the one thing you miss about being back at home?
Jonquil: Sky Sports.
ATH: Best band of all time is….?
Jonquil: Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lyne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty…The Travelling Wilburys.
Here are some locations and set times where you can see Jonquil this week:
Wed 3/14– The Brew Exchange (Sea Now! Popantipop party) – 3pm
Wed 3/14 – Firehouse (Burning Ear) – 5pm
Thurs 3/15 – Latitude 30 (Agency Group Party) – 10pm
Fri 3/16 – Hype Hotel (No Modest Bear + Cream Team) – 3pm
Sat 3/17 – Flat Top Burger Shop (Music for Listeners party) – 5pm
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/02-Get-Up.mp3]Download: Jonquil – Get Up [MP3]