SXSW Interviews: Common Holly

Who is awake this morning? Not this guy. Myself and the entire ATH crew have emerged from the week of madness known as SXSW and are somehow all working today. It was hella fun, but this is surely the worst Monday of the year. As always, we will be recapping our week here soon, but before that, I have one more interview to run which somehow slipped through the cracks last week. This last one comes from Brigitte Naggar and her Montreal based project known as Common Holly. Hit the jump to read more.

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?

I feel like SXSW is best described by its musicians as being a huge vulnerable mess and a scramble to see all of your favourite bands who are playing at the same time in different places. But I’ve spent the last little while emotionally preparing myself for that–we’re going to be playing a whole bunch of great showcases (NoisePop, Pop Montreal, Top Shelf and others), and I also know we’re going to have the opportunity to see and meet some sweet North American music superheroes (like Porches, Soccer Mommy, Kississippi, Adult Mom, Spirit of the Beehive) — all of that sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

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?

I have this exaggerated fear of my audiences getting bored so I tend to err on the short side of sets anyway. Plus my fireworks and t-shirt cannons and perpetual stage diving are going to be pretty #unforgettable.

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?

I freaking love Siggi’s icelandic yogurt drink (I know this is not really food) and have been tweeting at them to try to get a sponsorship for months. Answer my call, Siggi’s!!! Booze-wise, hi-fi would be Bulleit bourbon and lo fi would probably be a good local dry cider because I am fashionably allergic to beer.

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.

Oh god, everyone. Okay let’s see… Superorganism, Lomelda, Omni, Combo Chimbita, Lido Pimienta, Vundabar, Corridor, U.S girls, and also Ought, Soccer Mommy, Palm, Anna Burch (–but we are playing with these guys, yay). Does this lineup make any sense?

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

I haven’t attended that many festivals so far but I have to say I have a weak spot for this little one in New York state called Otis Mountain. It’s an extremely affordable, eco-friendly, super well-run late summer fest that takes place on a ski hill in the forest– no phone reception, all camping, and just beautiful bands. Last year Common Holly played there, and we also got to see Combo Chimbita, Vundabar, Ada Lea, Sam Evian, and the year before I discovered Valley Queen and Mal Devisa. Truly sweet up-and-coming acts.

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?

I think you’re forced to do the best you can in a situation like that– it’s particularly tricky for Common Holly maybe, because the music is soft and hinges on the sparseness of the arrangements and the attentiveness of the audience. Chances are we’d try to change up the setlist a bit, throw in more of the upbeat tracks and maybe a few covers to catch some attention. If all else fails, at least we’ve got other shows to look forward to.

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

Probably Phoebe Bridgers’ Stranger in the Alps (partly because I just opened for her in Toronto and now I’m fully obsessed) but also that album is maybe too sad to be motivational driving music, so can we just go with Janet Jackson’s entire discography here instead?

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

I win the world cup every year.

Thanks again for making the time for this and my apologies for posting it so late.

Here is the latest single from Common Holly called “Playing House”. It appears on an album of the same name from Solitaire Recordings which is available for purchase now!