SXSW 2014 Interview: John Wesley Coleman
For those of you living outside of Austin, please pay attention. For those of you already here, you’re hopefully familiar with Austin’s John Wesley Coleman. His solo work and his work with The Golden Boys remain a constant in this city, and we briefly caught up with him to get a few words before he starts playing all over town. Check out what he had to say in response to our questions.
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?
JWC: I live here and I wanna get some new sneakers or jeans from it. Maybe a toaster.
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?
JWC: I have no plans of attack. I play whatever comes naturally. Im a natural animal.
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?
JWC: We like Whataburger and Moutain Dew.
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.
JWC: I like Justin Bieber. Maybe Legendary Stardust Cowboy or David Lynch.
ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?
JWC: Lollapalooza
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?
JWC: Probably walk off.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
JWC: I dig Giant Dog. They do it for me.
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?
JWC: Cant stand those streaming sites..plus they rip off music. But so does SXSW. Music should free I guess, but why is some dude in Sweden making 15 cents off my ditty titty.
ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
JWC: Conference?
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?
JWC: I do like the art. Bearded Lady does it right. Never bought one. I make my own flyers.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/01-John-Wesley-Coleman-Track01.mp3]Download: John Wesley Coleman – Bad Lady Goes to Jail [MP3]