SXSW Interview: Split Single
Jason Narducy is a certified indie rock bad ass, having played with Bob Mould, Robert Pollard and Superchunk. It’s been a bit since he took the stage as his own, but he’s been stepping back out under the name Split Single, backed by Britt Daniel and Jon Wurster (those names should ring a bell too). He’s released two albums in the last few years, most recently Metal Frames. There’s a jam from that LP at the end of the interview below.
ATH:For a lot of bands, this is their first time coming to SXSW, Austin, or even the United States. What are you anticipating for your arrival into our town? Anything youre really hoping to do (again) while youre here?
JN: Looking forward to the food and the beer. Hoping to catch some music, too.
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?
JN: Yes.
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?
JN: I have found some less populated restaurants on the east side of I35 last time I was there. I also liked some of the grub found on Rainey. But I don’t plan on being picky.
ATH:Describe the music community where you come from – Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?
JN: Chicago is big so there isn’t a tight community that exists like one might find in a smaller city where you run into each other often. I was more competitive when I was younger, I suppose.
ATH:What are a few bands we in Austin and the States might not know about that should be on everyones musical radar?
JN: Sweet Cobra, The Kickback, Midnight Reruns, Dave Depper, Twin Peaks, The Flat Five, Divers, liv, Helen Money, Hurry Up, James Elkington, Imaad Wasif, and The Who
ATH:Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street (where a lot of shows are set up). 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?
JN: Just play.
ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus/van?
JN: See #5
ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Youtube etc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?
JN: Streaming sites are a handy way to find music. They are not a good platform for supporting artists.
ATH:Clearly coming over to the SxSW to play shows is something a lot of bands are excited about, but what are some other life or musical highlights for you this year? Wed like to get to know you.
JN: I found a useable guitar pick under my couch.
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