SXSW Interview: Yoke Lore

We’re almost there folks, but why not meet another artist coming into town. Below you’ll find answers to our SXSW Interviews from Yoke Lore. He’s about to venture off on a large tour through April/May, but he’s planning on coming to Austin to grab some BBQ and take it all in. We’ve also included a new hit that just dropped yesterday, so you can have a taste of what he’s all about; think Rostam, with a touch more pop grandiosity.

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?

YL: For me, SXSW is about seeing other dope bands and eating lots of BBQ.

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?

YL: There’s never a great way to do it. It’s always kind of rushed, sound is less than perfect, there are like 5 bands after you, and you got a 3 minute line check. It’s a true test of fortitude. Play the hits!

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?

YL: I’m a meat man! I’ll find the best brisket I can, and I will eat that literally all week. Food trucks on food trucks on food trucks. It’s a fantasy land of food fantasm!

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.

YL:

Yoke Lore

CUCO

Superorganism

Sylvan Esso

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

YL: I wanna play SASQUATCH! But you’re great. Dont ever let anyone tell you different.

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?

YL: Go for it! There’s nothing else to do!

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

YL: Ctrl by SZA was pretty incredible in the car. We’ve got history podcasts going, too. Check out Hardcore History with Dan Carlin if you’re interested. The episode “Prophets of Doom” is a personal favorite.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

YL: I’m waiting for my boyhood greats to rise again to their former glory. VIVA BRASIL!

2 comments

  • Wow, no mention of the Austin based record label that this artist is signed to. Really Austin Town Hall? How can you interview someone and have no interest in the local music label who brings him here? No local love, this is an ongoing problem in the Austin music community. This is why no one in the industry takes this city seriously when it comes to professionalisim. This is why our local artist get signed to out of town labels. All of out talent is being exported to other cities and its a damn shame.

  • Sara…while I greatly appreciate your response and criticism…let’s take a second to look at a few things. For one, we did 40+ interviews for SXSW…with nary a one mentioning the label…it’s merely a format to get the name of folks out in front of people…which is really the whole point of SXSW…for the bands, not the labels. And second, if you actually gave a look over our web site, you might notice we run our own label…with all Austin bands, which has included Austin only compilations for charity (of which Yoke Lore is not one, btw)…and also hosted a huge pre-SXSW party featuring 30 Austin bands…so I’m pretty sure we’re doing our damnedest to represent the city as best we can. Feel like you’re barking up the wrong tree here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *