SXSW 2014 Interview: HOTT MT
Lately I’ve been running through a gambit of rock n’ roll interviews with SXSW, so I wanted to offer up something a little more ethereal, musically speaking. With that in mind, I bring you HOTT MT, an act working somewhere in the realm between Thailand and California. I think reading their questions definitely bring home the idea that some bands come to Austin because it’s supposed to be about fun and having a good time. There’s a list of their shows at the end of the interview.
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?
HM: We came to SXSW for our first time last year and had a great time. We like to play!
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?
HM: We judge every situation as it approaches and change the set accordingly. There are some banners that we usually bring to shows so everyone knows who we are, we’ll be putting those up. Maybe bringing some simple video projections…we’ll see what happens!
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?
HM: Zapp’s voodoo chips and ten high whiskey.
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.
HM: Fever the Ghost and Spaceface!
ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?
HM: We love the Savannah Stopover 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?
HM: Every situation can be turned around for the better. In the situation you presented we would probably do a “no keys set” and play as loud as possible!
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
HM: I think we all loved that Daft Punk 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?
HM: We sometimes wish that these streaming services would dig a little deeper and have some more interesting and varied content for us to listen to. But these things are good tools for discovering and enjoying more music. No real complaints!
ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
HM: Day parties are fun! Especially if there are free beverages for us to drink.
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?
HM: We hadn’t heard of flatstock before but after a quick googling they have some cool posters!
HOTT MT SHOWS:
3/11 – White Iris Showcase at Holy Mountain 11:05 set time
3/12 – Burger Showcase at Trailer Space Records 1:00 set time
3/13 – Daytrotter session
3/14 – Billy Jesus house party
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