SXSW Interview: Royal Thunder
Ladies and gents we are in full SXSW coverage mode and going as strong as ever. The interviews will continue to role in and today I’m excited to share with you this one from Atlanta based Royal Thunder. From what I understand, this band is ready to melt some faces here in Austin wether you’re ready or not. Check out responses after the jump.
Answers coming from Mlny Parsonz
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?
We wanna bleed, cry, sweat, and suffer, as per usual when playing SXSW, ha. It’s a strengthening experience to say the least. The high volume energy, and stimulation overdrive is intense. We always have a good time. We met Pauly Shore and Prince one year. Hoping Bill Murray happens this year. “SEEKING BILL MURRAY. REPORT TO ROYAL THUNDER.”
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?
Nope. Still practicing.
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?
Water. Not being a smart ass, truly, water.
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.
Nirvana, Type-o-negative, led zeppelin, soundgarden, and the cult. That’s happening, right?
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?
Like we always do. Approach it like it’s the last chance you have to play. Be real. Don’t try to be anything other than you. Leave your soul on the stage. We don’t give a FUCK if it’s one person, 1,000, or a little baby in a high chair. It’s a privilege to be able to play for an audience no matter who it is.
ATH: What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus?
What’s playing in our tiny white tissue box van? (Ha) the last “Queens Of The Stone Age” album. great record.
ATH: Day parties have replaced showcases for music discovery? Is the conference really completely upside-down?
I don’t know what your talking about? Hm. Sounds like people have their feathers ruffled? I’m not aware of any tensions/issues. Interesting.
ATH: Band catch phrase in 5 words or less.
“Eighty eight. It’s always 88.”
Thanks again!