SXSW Interviews: JAGUWAR

I’ve obviously been talking a lot about SXSW recently as I think I’m finally ready to prepare for the crazy events in a short couple of weeks. Part of me prep work is making a list of bands I absolutely have to see, and one of those is German based group JAGUWAR. Their sound blends styles of 80s new wave bands with a more modern, European pop take. Think a little dark pop, a little bit of brooding, and mix in some brightness underneath the surface. I dig it. If it sounds like something you might be into, hit the jump for an interview with the band.

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?

JAGUWAR: We are simply trying to have a good time. Its freaking cold in Germany and right now were more than happy to be somewhere where its a bit warmer.

In the end we hope to come in contact with some cool people, meaning also other bands and enjoy ourselves. Its the first time for us coming to the US and there are already people writing us that they are excited to see us play. So thats pretty cool.

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?

JAGUWAR: We dont have a special set list planned out so far but were used to play shorter sets anyways as we know our sound can be very intense for people. However we gonna be ourselves and do an energetic live show as we always do.

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?

JAGUWAR: We are very different in our eating habits as individuals but I think we all can agree on Pizza! For Drinks we go for Beer or Gin Tonic.

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

JAGUWAR: Well, this would be us put together with A Place To Bury Strangers and The Foreign Resort.

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

JAGUWAR: The best one in Europe would be PRIMAVERA SOUND in Barcelona! They always have a killer Line up and its by the Seaside.

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?

JAGUWAR: Well, I can imagine this being a worst case scenario but in the end we would try to do a good show anyways and stay professional because there might be this one person who is enjoying what we are doing and we are here for them and not the unimpressed crowd.

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

JAGUWAR: We are very impressed by the latest MGMT record, so thats pretty much playing in the van all the time. Last year we were pretty impressed by the new Liam Gallagher Album.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

JAGUWAR: Which World Cup? Just joking but we dont really care.

Thanks again for the time lads. Here is the band’s most recent single called “Crystal” from their latest album Ringthing.