SXSW Interview: Pree

After just recently sharing their awesome new pop single with you, I thought it fitting to reach out to DC based group Pree to discuss their upcoming SXSW experience.  As always, we are very thankful for the band’s time and honest answers.  Follow the jump to see what they have to say.

All answers from May Tabol and Ben Usie.

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 play at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?

Pree:  We’ve heard all of the heartache about how things have changed, man, and how everyone misses the good old days.  We’ve been to SXSW several times throughout the years, and it has always been an exercise in expectation management.  Just try to enjoy yourself, wear your rose-colored glasses, and appreciate the fact that so many of your music friends and heroes are in the same city as you.  And corporate sponsors don’t have to negate musical integrity.  It’s up to artists to make intelligent choices about where to place their music.

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?

Pree:  Here are Pree’s Three Simple G’s:

1. Get in.

2. Get down & dirty.

3. Get out.  Leave the audience wanting more.

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?

Pree:  Bourbon & ginger is definitely the official Pree cocktail.  To wash it down @ SXSW: Best Wurst, fish tacos, anything from a truck.

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.

Pree:  So many amazing bands!  Our dream team would consist of St. Vincent, Swans, Jamaican Queens, Givers, Of Montreal, Big Freedia, Cate Le Bon.

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 drunk and angry at the world.  How would your band deal with such a situation?

Pree:  Frustration can be a powerful force when channeled in the right way.  So much music stems from that very feeling in one way or another.  If you’re able to let it fuel your performance without totally losing control, you may just end up with that rare slice of catharsis that obliterates the grind it took to get there.

ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year?  What’s playing in the tour bus?

Pree:  Native America – Grown Up Wrong and St. Vincent – St. Vincent.

ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery?  Is the conference really completely upside-down?

Pree:  Cost shouldn’t be a bar to new music.  Day shows offer a sliding scale of sorts.  From a performer’s perspective, the more opportunities for artists to get their music out to the world, official or unofficial, the better.  That makes the trip worthwhile.

ATH: Band catch phrase in 5 words or less.

Pree:  We’re always down to clown.

Thanks again dudes!  See you in Austin!