SXSW Interviews: Tribes
We’ve all fully recovered from our SXSW shenanigans here at ATH and our coverage is also just about over. Before we call it quits, I’ve got one more interview coming your way from UK indie rock band Tribes. Jim Cratchley took the time to answer our round of SXSW questions shortly after his band left town and headed back out on the road. You can find his responses after the jump.
ATH: What is the most challenging thing about being a band during SXSW or another similar festival?
Tribes: We were very busy at SXSW this year, and it was probably the lack of rest that got to us the most. Everything else seemed to fall into place. The temptation to go get wrecked in Austin is very high though, and we did dive in a couple of times. Which wouldn’t have helped.
ATH: What are some tips you would offer newbie bands to survive during SXSW or just in general on tour?
Tribes: Don’t book 3 gigs a day for 4 days straight. That and make sure you have clean socks. Everything else you can turn inside out and it’ll be fine.
ATH: What music are you guys currently jamming in your tour bus?
Tribes: We’re actually half way through writing the second album, so it’s almost exclusively that. We do listen to a lot of music on the bus, mainly the stones, clash, the band that kind of thing. A bit of soul/motown usually finds it’s way in there too.
ATH: Who wins the Euro Cup this summer? It’s okay to tell us you hate soccer.
Tribes: Wales, if they’ve qualified. I lost too much money on the world cup, I don’t care anymore. Our mate Mickey says England, which is quite predictable.
ATH: Due to licensing, you’ve had to change the band name, or else you get sued! What do you change it to?
Tribes: Led Zeppelin. I’m sure it’s free. Or ‘The Wizards Sleeve’.
ATH: It’s fairly early in the musical year. What’s in store for your band before the world ends in December?
Tribes: We have a big UK headline tour, and plenty of festivals over the summer to look forward to. The world ends on my mum’s birthday, so might hand out with her on that day.
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?
Tribes: Woodford Reserve whiskey is the only specific I can think of. It’s our drummer Miguel’s choice. He’s worked in a lot of bars, I’m not so fussy. Just ‘Beer’. Or Tequila.
ATH: Being out on tour, what’s the one thing you miss about being back at home?
Tribes: The food, probably. It’s really hard to eat well when you drive big distances, because the only option you have at service stations are burgers or pizza, particularly in the US. Pickles and olives are therefore the only veg you get. In the UK it’s slightly better, but only marginally.
ATH: Best band of all time is….?
Tribes: The Rolling Stones. There is a party in the stereo every time you stick them on.
Thanks again Jim for the time. Here’s the latest single from Tribes.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/WeWereChildren.mp3]Download: Tribes – We Were Children [MP3]