SXSW Interview: Shepherds

You know that you’re coming to SXSW to find something new, so why not pencil in Atlanta’s Shepherds? They’ve got a forthcoming LP later this year, and they’re self affirmed Sade fans, so you can’t really go wrong winding up at one of their sets. Don’t believe me? Well, read more about them below!

Shepherds: Shepherds

ATH: Where are you from?

Shepherds: Atlanta, GA. A gentrifier’s playground.

ATH: Describe your groups sound.

Shepherds: We’re an anxiety band. Tightly wound, rhymically massive, equal parts empathic and melodic.

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

Shepherds: We released a 7 inch in 2016 on Chunklet/Third Uncle. Our newest record is called Insignificant Whip which will be out on Arrowhawk Records later in 2019.

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?

Shepherds: Very planned out. We want to come out and play 30 mins of music straight with no breaks or moments to catch your breath. One song after the other. An intense experience. A sonic attack on the audience.

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?

Shepherds: Our music is an attempt to gain some sense of understanding with the world and to find fellow travelers who feel the same way. We would feed off the crowd’s energy, their anger at the circumstances, the sound, the world and whatever else is bothering them and it would show in our performance. Our anger is your anger. It would be a feedback loop and hopefully we would begin to feed off each other and find some joy and solace in this hypothetical shit-show.

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?

Shepherds: OH Sees, Sneaks, Palberta, Black Midi, Sloppy Jane, and Deerhunter are definitely on our list of folks to see and we’re already playing with Sloppy Jane which is exciting. Our band friends Shoudies and Breathers will be there as well. Check them out if you can, they both explore electronic music in individual and fascinating ways.

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

Shepherds: Sade. Nothing but Sade.

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

Shepherds: Sade. Nothing but Sade.

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

Shepherds: I’ve been seeing bands ask for dogs on their riders recently and I think we’d prefer that to booze. A calming rider pup to soothe your nerves before a show.

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?

Shepherds: Sade. Nothing but Sade.