SXSW 2014 Interview: Anne
We’ve been covering lots of Anne tracks lately, and the music that’s coming out of this artist is pretty kick ass. It’s geared for all you folks ready to throw down on the dance floor, albeit with a slightly different vibe. He’s likely to keep his set pretty heavy with tracks from his recent album, Pulling Chain. Here’s what he had to say before making his way into town, and personally, I think these are some of the best answers we’ve gotten.
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?
Anne: We live in a global system of corporate control, though I think paying to play is pretty weak and I have never done that in any project I have been a part of. I am coming because I want to connect with people I care about and hopefully meet some new people cause I have been really into that lately.
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?
Anne: My plan of attack is to approach my art like I always do, trying to be honest and trying to have a good time. I will likely be playing the same set I have at the last few shows. What kinda jokers are playing over 30 minutes anyway??
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?
Anne: I really love water, its very underrated. Otherwise I have had a longstanding romance with mexican food since I was a young boy.
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.
Anne: I would be lying to say I knew all of who were playing, in general I just want to play with any artist that is open minded and wants their art to be more than an exercise in their own ego.
ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?
Anne: Festivals are weird, I honestly have never been to a music festival. I am not the personality that has much interest in it if I am not playing. Though I do enjoy Music Fest NorthWest because I can just go see a show in a club and not outside in an atmosphere that would stress me out.
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?
Anne: I would allow myself to enter a moment of ultimate vulnerability, becoming a conduit for the shared human experience then we would all collectively squash the beef and have a good time.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
Anne: This year? 2014??? I am into the new Wild Beasts record.
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?
Anne: the future cannot be stopped, we can only influence where it is going.
ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
Anne: Who care’s, I have liberated my mind from thoughts of what is suppose to be and replaced them with thoughts of what I am trying to make.
ATH: Flatstock is a crowd favorite. Have you ever been to browse? Find a print to buy? Find a print from one of your shows you didn’t know existing?
Anne: I have almost no idea what it is you’re talking about, but prints sound pretty cool. I don’t buy them often because I am poor.
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