SXSW 2015 Interview: Happyness

We’re so dang close folks. SXSW is only a week away, or a few days, depending on where you’re at.  We’re still trying to wrap up all our interviews, so we’re bringing you this one from England’s Happyness.  The group released their Weird Little Birthday last year in the UK, but they’re building some hype here in the States…and the record will be here soon.  Check out the quick interview we grabbed with Benji.  

ATH: Weird Little Birthday hasn’t officially hit the US yet, though the singles have been steadily flowing across the pond. How do you plan to break into the cold, indifferent hearts of American music fans? Does it even matter?

Benji – We don’t really have a plan as such, maybe beta blockers and free squash. Last time we played in the states it was good though.

ATH: Speaking of the record, seems like quite a wild ride you’ve taken since it’s release, touring non-stop through the UK and what not. What’s been the best part of the whole experience since the record’s release?

Benji – A few months after the release of the album, we played Greenman festival in Wales and ended up watching Mercury Rev cover Sparklehorse’s ‘Sea of Teeth’ on a hillside. That was really touching.

ATH:  If you had to pick one band that influences the sound on Weird Little Birthday, what band would that be? I hear several I could pick out, but who cares what I have to say, right?

Benji: I don’t know… The Beatles

ATH:  SXSW can really break a band down, playing relentlessly in a span of a few days, scrambling about in a new town. What’s your game plan to handle the madness?

Benji:  Vitamins B, D, S & M and plenty of sunlight.

ATH:  Pretend you’re already here, the show’s running behind, but you’ve got a crowd of people waiting to hear the best Happyness song? What track do you give them?

Benji:  Lascascadas

ATH: There’s been a lot of buzz over here about the Brit Awards, just because they happened I reckon. As Brits, how do you guys feel about the awards? Are you happy with the winners?

Benji:  We’re pretty ambivalent towards the Brits. Jimmy Page was wheeled out to chaperone Royal Blood again. There’s an audience for it so it warranted itself I guess.

ATH:  What do you guys do for day jobs, or do you just play music full time for now?

Benji:  Ash runs baths for peoples kids, Jonny serves drinks and Benji grows lips on his back.

ATH: Best team in the EPL?

Benji:  EPL Chicken, Bacon and Guacamole Stuffed Quesadilla