SXSW Interviews: DYGL

As I comb my way through the SXSW lineup, I continue to find more and more bands to be excited about. One of those bands is relatively young Japanese quartet DYGL. Their songs have this great, almost vintage Strokes style sound to them which isn’t surprising considering their latest album Say Goodbye to Memory Den was produced by none other than Albert Hammond Jr. He’s a pretty big deal, or so I heard. If you’re looking to learn more about the great bands coming to town in a couple of weeks, hit the jump for an interview with DYGL.

All responses coming from vocalist Nobuki Akiyama.

ATH: Every Year there is a lot of hubbub 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?

Nobuki: We want to be in there. So many bands, music, people and craziness in weeks. Some might say SXSW is already dead but for us this massive event sounds still interesting to get involved. Wanna meet new people, wanna play shows, wanna experience something crazy. Countless bands are playing pretty much everywhere. From the tiny DIY bars to huge hall. That’s something you can’t find in Japan usually. If we could figure out some label deal in the states this time that would be awesome too, but basically all we want is experience.

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?

Nobuki: Not yet, but would love to play some of the new songs. Which is what we already have, and we’d have in this few weeks till SXSW. There must be a tons of bands out there and I know it must be hard to get attentions from people,but you know, que sera sera. We make music, we play music, hope everyone would find 4 piece Japanese bands rocking without any digital beats out of great hubbub in the town!

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?

Nobuki: Of course Malatang! (Spicy Hot Pot) Great chinese food but not sure if we could get that in Austin, so I might choose Tacos instead. I love it. There must be great mexican foods in Texas, huh? Can’t wait to come!

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.

Nobuki: Actually we haven’t checked the other bands properly yet, hmm but yeah if we could find some cool new bands that’d be awesome. Down to any shows, any line-up. But personally wanna catch up the shows of The Shacks, and Shame. Pussy Riot’s one must be pretty cool too.

ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?

Nobuki: Actually we haven’t been to many so far so it’s hard to judge honestly. But regarding Japanese festivals, Fuji Rock was funtastic. And although we didn’t play there, Beach Goth in O.C. was pretty crazy. We hang out there to catch up some shows but it had totally different vibes compared to Japanese ones. Too free. Too messed up. It was good to catch up.

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

Nobuki: I’m gonna do sampling of the thrash metal guitars on the hip hop track, and then gonna speak some words on it. Words of love. To let people know about the idea of harmony. If I could.

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

Nobuki: The new albums of The Districts, Alvvays, The Jesus and Mary Chain. It’s all good. Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. is always played at our tour bus too.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

Nobuki: hahaha this is the most tough question. Good one. You wanna bet money? I’m on France. What’s yours?

Thanks again for making the time to speak with us! Here’s a recent single release from the band on soundcloud: