Meet the SXSW Band: villagerr
Did you know SXSW was happening next week? Just joshing. Who says joshing anymore? Well we are trying to hit you with as much content and previews as possible so maybe you will feel a bit more prepared and focused going into next week. Today I am pleased to continue our interview series with Columbus based outfit villagerr who appear to be festival first timers. Welcome them to town, read their interview, check some dates, and all that after the jump.
ATH: What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
villagerrr (lowercase 3 r’s) based in Columbus Ohio
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
It’s pretty, quiet, and loud
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2024?
We have an album called Tear Your Heart Out coming out March 22nd on Darling Recordings. It’s the first album I’ve ever had “mastered”.
ATH: SXSW is often called a sort of initiation which can lead to increased exposure. As a band, why did you choose to play the festival? What’s your aim for the week?
We really just lucked out on an official showcase with our label Darling, but we were going to come to Texas anyway to play with our friends and have fun. Hopefully make more friends and see some really cool bands I’ve never been able to see before who live too far away.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
A lot of us are into all types of stuff. Lots of slowcore sad stuff. Country classics. Lil B. Bad YouTube tier lists. You name it.
ATH: If you’ve had a chance to check out any of the artists coming into town for the festival – Anyone you are excited about trying to see during the week?
Very excited to see Horse Jumper of Love, Teethe, Merce Lemon, Joyer, Adriana McCassim and a bunch of other people.
ATH: Disregarding the constructs of space, time, and availability – If you could construct a power group of artists to make the supreme, all powerful super group of a band, who would be in it? Pick as many members as you like. Who is on vocals, drums, guitar, etc.? All submissions will be judged with a winner awarded during the festival.
This is hard.
Vocal and piano- Carol King
Guitar and harmonies – Alex G
Lead guitar and harmonies – mk.gee
Drums- questlove
Bass- Paul McCartney
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
Never been to sxsw before but I guess some good survival tips would be to bring a reusable water bottle. Bring a book. Bring toilet paper or wet wipes…. Bring snacks. Bring ear plugs. Bring a pillow. Essentials.
ATH: What concerns do you have as a band or a human or both? In regards to music, the world, really… where does your mind tend to wander these days?
Sometimes I wonder about the efficacy of playing music. If it is worth the struggle of getting off the ground and playing. What else should/would we be doing? Is it selfish? Is it serving anyone other than yourself? I do not know.
Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us! Here are confirmed dates for villager:
Sunday (3/10)
– 6:30pm CT Showcase @ Hole in the Wall
Tuesday (3/12)
– 6:00pm CT @ Rio Market
Wednesday (3/13)
– 7:45pm CT @ The Grackle (Darling / Kill Rock Stars)
Saturday (3/16)
– 12:00pm CT @ Tweedy’s (Howdy Gals)
– 4:00pm CT @ Cheer Up Charlies (Winspear / POND Creative / Marg.mp3)