SXSW 2014 Interview: Natural Child

One of my favorite bands of the last several years, Natural Child, is making their way to Austin, again.  Despite the fact that they always seem to be here, I’m always willing to go out of my way to catch their sets.  They’ve got a new album, Dancin With Wolves, which will be out by the time the band rolls into town for SXSW; it’s a little bit different than previous work, but equally as good. The Internet allowed us to catch up with them before they head our way.

ATH: There was a lot of hubbub last year concerning corporate sponsors and pay to play and what not at SXSW. As a band, what’s your reason for coming to pay at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?

NC: Well, we don’t pay attention to hubbub, but we do come for the money. Yes.

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

NC: Well, our people are on it. Writers and geographers… geologists. We’ve got some ideas. Marine biologists.

ATH: The festival caters to music fans, but food and booze are an important aspect of the fans and the bands. What’s your band’s food and beverage of choice?

NC: Mashed potatoes and gravy.

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Who would you ideally like to play with of the 1000s of bands gracing our city? Make your own optimal line-up.

NC: Van Halen, Pimp C, Suicidal Tendancies, Big Dumb Face, Henry Rollins,and of course Jerry…

ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?

NC: The Renaissance Festival

ATH: Let’s 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?

NC: We’d probably just play our regular set. That sounds like a good crowd for us.

ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?

NC: Bootleg Series Volume 10

ATH: The digital age is upon us, like it or not. What are your band’s thoughts on streaming services like spotify, pandora, etc.? Blow em all up? Or embrace the future?

NC: Embrace the future, we gue$$

ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?

NC: Well it’s not in China, plus we’re only playing at night.