SXSW Interview: Dear Boy

It’s Friday, and we’re celebrating March 1st with the release of the brand new Dear Boy EP. What better way to celebrate than to get to know the project before our big SXSW festival (it’s only two weeks away?). Read on and get to know the group before they head our way, and then go listen to their new EP.

ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

DB: Dear Boy from Los Angeles, CA.

ATH: Describe your groups sound.

DB: Bittersweet alternative rock with roots in both post-punk and early 90’s Britpop.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases from 2019?

DB: The Strawberry EP comes out March 1st.

ATH: For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. Whats your plan of attack? You have a set list mapped out yet?

DB: Obviously, we hope to be the best thing you see all week… And while we won’t divulge our family recipe, I will say that we like to treat Austin with respect before we even start playing. And that means… No chatter. No vests. No hats. No cell phones in your front pocket. No disembodied floor tom at the front of the stage. No testing our sound guy’s patience. You’ll see 80% of bands turn you off before the first stick count, but not here, my guy.

ATH: Lets 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?

DB: Well, I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve already had the pleasure! The only answer to this is to lean into the madness. If your band is dropped into the middle of an audio paella, the way out is through. Surrender to SXSW and you shall succeed.

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Of the 1000+ bands coming into town, who would you ideally like to play with. What band friends will be here?

DB: I was really hoping to be thrown on a bill with our dear friend John Vanderslice. Also; lluminati Hotties, The Beths, Broncho, Wand, Soft Kill, TEEN, Steady Holiday, Swervedriver… all bands that I love and wanna see. Also heard The Rembrandts are going to be there, so kinda can’t miss that.

ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

DB: Our last tour was a full US w/ Rogue Wave and we only listened to Stephen King audio books. Soundchecks had a VIBE.

ATH: Describe your perfect festival, real or not? Whos headlining? Wheres it take place? Etc.

DB: A Factory Records vs. Creation Records Weekend… Lineups are decided by a dice roll. I finally get to see Adorable and The House of Love.

ATH: Whats on the bands rider? If were bringing you food and booze, what can we bring you?

DB: I’ve never been comfortable with asking for stuff on our rider, so I usually just put down tea and quiet. I’m looking forward to the day we become huge so I can finally ask for hummus.

ATH: The band gets to create their own taco pop-up shop at SXSW? Whats the name, and what sort of tacos will you have? Any sides?

DB: Named after our 2017 EP, our fantasy taco spot will be called “Parts of a Flour…” We’re talking edible flowers pressed into the tortillas… we’re talking strawberry tamales… we’re talking Keith working 17 hour shifts… It’s going to change the imaginary taco landscape, I can promise you that.

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