The Untitled Interview #23 - SXSW Edition: Starring James Baluyut (+/-)

I've been listening the hell out of +/- (plus/minus)'s super awesome album Xs on Your Eyes lately. The little Brooklyn trio you see pictured to the left gave us all a wonderful gift with that there record, let me tell you. It's most frequently powerful, driven indiepop (at times reminiscent of one of my all-time faves, the oh-so-amazing Nada Surf), with dashes of drone and smidges of twiddled knobs ("Snowblind," for instance). In other words, it's delightful, fantastic, and really darned good, and you know what's coming out of my mouth next. Go out and get your little mitts on it, immediately if not sooner.

In any event, +/- is another one of those bands that makes me really, really glad to be going to SXSW this year. I somehow get the feeling that this is a band that can really deliver live. The lovely James Baluyut offered up some answers to my questions, check 'em out. Here's hoping I haven't jinxed them into leaving their laptop behind. And have you bought the album yet? Snap to it, my darlings.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
James Baluyut: Plane.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
JB: Ooh that question is bad luck. Last time we played Boston, we left our laptop in the elevator of our practice space.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
JB: 1 showcase - parties TBD

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
JB: Three way tie - The Wrens (debuting new material), Violens (haven't seen them yet), Still Flyin' (seen them a bunch, but can never get enough).

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
JB: Eat Mexican food that doesn't suck and isn't overpriced.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
JB: I think it was Lollapalooza in 1995 - Versus was doing the 2nd stage and I was along for the ride. Just being able to see Sonic Youth every day was incredible. Eating lunch with Elastica wasn't too bad either.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
JB: Getting to see your friends from around the country.