SXSW 2014 Interview: Burnt Ones
Things are officially under way at the ATH offices; we’ve already caught several shows, and plan on heading out in an hour here to keep the rock n’ roll going. But, as we close out our pre-SXSW press, we bring you this interview from Burnt Ones. The band is just another in the long line of great Burger Records/Castleface Records coming into town this week. Here’s the band’s answers….the rest of you have a safe week out there!
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?
Mark: I don’t expect anything from the festival, really. It’s pretty overwhelming for a band our size and it’s more just an excuse for us to see a bunch of friends and bands we like in the same place. I could care less about going there to “MAKE IT” or get discovered or whatever.
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?
Mark: 30 minutes seems like a stretch to leave an engaging impact on anyone. It’s better to just hit it and quit it. The sets should be cut to 15 minutes.
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.
Mark: Spectrum, Peaking Lights, Neil Hagarty, Silver Apples, Mike
Donovan & the Hands Band, White Fence, Total Control, Grimes, Grouper, us.
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?
Mark: Seems pretty standard for a show off 6th street ..
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
Mark: Tour bus? .. my favorite album of the past year (so far) is the new CCR Headcleaner record. Also anything Creeping Pink puts out.
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?
Mark: I don’t really care, but if I’m not going to get paid for it anyway I would way rather someone illegally download a Burnt Ones record than have to listen to it either lumped with commercials or algorithm-based suggestions.
ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
Mark: No .. keep it in the streets and out of the hands of corporate money men.
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