Fun Fest Interview: Mineral

Fun Fest weekend is here kids and ATH is just about ready to kick this thing into high gear.  Before we wrap up our pre-festival coverage, we’ve got one more interview coming your way from one of our favorite all time Austin bands Mineral.  Founding father and vocalist Chris Simpson was nice enough to answer some of our tough questions.  I tried my best not to be a fan boy… Follow the jump for one of my most anticipated interviews of the festival season.

ATH: The obvious question to ask and the one most people are curious about would be, why reunite now?  It’s been such a long time since the break up, why make that choice now?

I don’t really know why now. I guess why not now? You know? We got asked to play one show and started to rehearse for it and within a few months had a tour booked that is still expanding. It all happened very quickly. I’ve stopped asking myself why at this point. And it doesn’t seem like many people at the shows care why we got back together.

ATH: What has the response and turn out at shows been like so far?  Are you pleased with how it’s going?  We were at the Austin show and thought it was superb.  And you’re welcome for the backing vocals.

It has been an amazing response and turn out. We are having so much fun. And thank you for lending your voices to the cause. The enthusiasm of the audiences has been a joy for us to experience and connect with.

ATH: Could you see ever recording and making music as Mineral again?

I could see it happening I guess. I could also see it not happening. We definitely haven’t written anything yet. We’re just trying to rise to the task of this tour and these shows. The moment at hand.

ATH: As a band and musician who has been a part of the Austin music scene way longer than most of us, what differences or changes do you see in the scene from maybe when you started to now? 

There’s a lot of places to play now. Getting people to care or come to your show is a different matter. There’s a lot going on all the time now. People are busy. There’s a multitude of options. You’ve really got to impress people. I guess that’s what’s happening with music scenes in a lot of places. Growing pains. The city’s a hell of a lot bigger and more crowded now. Everything costs more.

 ATH: In that same vein, what are some venues you miss from back in the day in Austin?

Liberty Lunch, The Electric Lounge, Blue Flamingo. I really miss the Antone’s location on Guadalupe.

ATH: Since you’re playing Fun Fest, we must ask, who are you excited about seeing on the lineup?

2 Chainz, for sure. Also Dana Falconberry. And Knapsack.

ATH: It seems like Fun Fest has been great at having reunited bands on their lineup.  If you could re-unite any band to go on tour with, who would it be?

Ida.

ATH: Let’s do a quick fire Austin round…..

Favorite Austin Mexican food?

Mijo’s

Favorite bar(s)?

Weather Up (on a slow night). The bar at Sagra on 11th.

Best up and coming local act(s)?

Templo X.

Tourist attraction to avoid.

I-35.

Best venue(s)?

Cheer Up Charlie’s, Mohawk, Hotel Vegas, The Owl.

ATH: When the tour ends, can we expect touring from Zookeeper?

I’m not sure. I’m kind of a homebody. My primary focus with Zookeeper is writing and recording.