SXSW Interview: Slow Caves

Slow Caves are a hook-laden bunch of pop rockers from Fort Collins, making their way towards Austin for SXSW. They’ll be hitting town to spread their name, supporting their new release, The Desert Minded EP (Old Flame), which hits a few days before they blow into town. We tossed them a few quick questions, and they kindly responded. Look for one of their new tracks below too!

ATH:For a lot of bands, this is their first time coming to SXSW, Austin, or even the United States. What are you anticipating for your arrival into our town? Anything youre really hoping to do (again) while youre here?

SC:We have been to SXSW one other time in 2015, but this is our first time as an Official act and we cannot wait to be back! For us, being able to see as many bands as possible is something we really look forward to. There are like a billion bands we have been trying to see that will all be down here! Last time we were here, I ate a waffle that was shaped like Texas, I really hope to do that again.

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?

SC:When we were preparing for this tour, we got about 50 minutes of music rehearsed and ready to play. So we will probably just pick and choose songs differently for each show. Typically we have a set list planned out, so this will be kind of fun to just improvise a set before we play.

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?

SC:Cant wait to get some really good BBQ down in Texas, but also if anyone has some rad pizza recommendations hit us up. WE LOVE PIZZA! Recently we have gotten into a Shirley Temple (alcoholic and regular) phase as a band, so we will probably be drinking loads of those as well. But honestly, we will be enjoying any and all free food options at the festival.

ATH:Describe the music community where you come from – Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?

SC: Colorado has this amazing music scene that seems to go a bit unnoticed. Since its such a bubble, everyone knows each other and works really hard to create an inclusive scene. There are so many great new acts that it forces you to step up your game as a musician if you want to stay relevant.

ATH:What are a few bands we in Austin and the States might not know about that should be on everyones musical radar?

SC:Probably missing a bunch here but we really love Flaural, Panther Martin, South of France, and Shady Elders.

ATH:Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street (where a lot of shows are set up). 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?

SC:This is what SXSW is all about! Nothing will go as planned. We always just try to stay as light hearted and upbeat as possible. Weve played enough crappy shows to know that if the band isnt having fun, people in the crowd definitely arent having fun. Just go out there and bring as much energy as you can. Even if everyone in the crowd hates it, but we had fun as a band, then the show is still a success.

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

SC: We all have pretty different musical tastes but one album I think we can all agree on is Light Upon The Lake by Whitney. We took a month long trip to Denmark last summer and I swear we listened to that album at least twice a day. That album just never gets old.

ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Youtube etc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?

SC:Honestly, we put our music out on all of the streaming sites. We just want as many people as possible to be able to listen it. Yes, it would be super nice to get more money from streaming services but at this point we just want to be heard. We will always put our stuff up on Bandcamp too though, what they did earlier this year for ACLU was amazing.

ATH:Clearly coming over to the SxSW to play shows is something a lot of bands are excited about, but what are some other life or musical highlights for you this year? Wed like to get to know you.

SC:Right after SXSW we will be heading up to Boise, ID for Treefort Music Fest so we are super excited for that! We will also be doing UMS in Denver this year. Our new EP, Desert Minded, comes out on Old Flame Records on March 10th and we will be touring that all over America this year. So we are just excited to get to play in so many new places across the country. TOUR! TOUR! TOUR!

ATH:Arent you happy we didnt ask about Trump?

SC::Haha F*** Trump!

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