SXSW Interview: Gothic Tropic

More SXSW interviews, all the time, all day, every day. As you can see, we are not messing around with the interviews this year leading up to the festival. I think Nathan and I have rather enjoyed seeing what all these bands have to say about our town and our festival. What I dig most about it is seeing the overwhelming amount of positivity each band brings even if they are on a long tour or a few days between a solid meal. Today I carry on the interviews with one from L.A. based Gothic Tropic. Hit the jump to see it all.

All answers come from the brains behind Gothic Tropic, Cecilia Della Peruti. SXSW dates for Gothic Tropic can be found on the attached poster.

ATH: Every Year there is a lot of hubbub concerning corporate sponsors and pay to play and what not at SXSW. As an artist, what’s your reason for coming to play at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?

This is the first time Gothic Tropics been out to SXSW, and Im just hoping a new audience gets to see a live show, and I get to have fun in my own project. Ive been coming to SXSW for years but as a hired gun. Its just worth it to get out of your town when you can, these dates are serving as showcases also which I think is the original purpose of SXSW, so Im glad folks on the industry side are coming out to these shows. I hope to get something good out of it I guess!

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?

Yes! Easy. All the jams, with a nice dynamic.

ATH: The festival caters to music fans, but food and booze are an important aspect of the fans and the bands. What’s your food and beverage of choice?

Im a fan of margaritas and tacos.

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.

If I whittled down the SXSW lineup of bands Ive heard Id do this:

Shamir, Warbly Jets, Billie Eillish, Corridor, Kemba, US Girls, Zara McGarlane, Public Access TV, Sylvan Esso, Bully, Catholic Action, No Vacation, Combo Chimbita, Duckwrth, Lomelda, Mint Field, and Gothic Tropic

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

Down The Rabbit Hole was pretty fun in the Netherlands, and the catering was insane. Stavernfestivalen in Norway was also verrrrry good.

ATH: Let’s say you have 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?

I would feign ignorance, thats honestly the best thing you can do if you ever find yourself in a shitty show environment. Id phase it out 100% and probably have more fun despite it. Sometimes if Im upset or stressed before a show and dont feel like playing, I pretend like Im okay, and it tricks me into eventually feeling okay. Having a good show is a good way to say fuck you.

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

Charlotte Gainsbourgs new album Rest. Its so good.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

The extent of my soccer knowledge is that it seems like it might hurt your shins.

Thanks again for making us feel important! Below is latest single from Gothic Tropic entitled “Stronger”.