The Untitled Interview #32 – SXSW Edition: Starring Nikki Darlin (Those Darlins)

I’m finding it hard to believe that it’s almost time once again for the annual industry hootenanny known as SXSW. To celebrate the impending week of absolute havoc, Austin-style, we’ve thrown down the interview gauntlet to see what some of our favorite bands are going to be getting up to whilst gettin down in the wilds of Texas.

My dear partner Chris is totally and completely enamored with our next guests, the lovely, super spunky ladies of Those Darlins. I’ve gotta say, I’m beginning to find them rather irresistible myself. I love the idea of a band of wild women making fresh and frisky music clearly influenced by some of the greatest ladies (and gents) of country’s illustrious past. They’re cute, they’re more than a little badass, and I get the feeling they’ll have all of Austin cow-towing to their whims as soon as they set foot in Texas. Plus, as a Virginia girl myself, I’ve got a little extra love for Miss Nikki. Here’s hoping she doesn’t forget her comfortable shoes, as they’ve got quite a busy little schedule planned out.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Nikki Darlin: We will be traveling in our illegally tinted Chevy Astro van and hopefuly we will be arriving in it.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
ND: Sunscreen, extra sunglasses, sex toys, comfortable shoes.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
ND: 5 so far:

Wed the 17th:
3:50pm - Terrorbird Party @ RED 7 (outdoor stage - 611 East 7th Street)
with: Neon Indian, Real Estate, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Choir of Young Believers, Frankie Rose & the Outs, Beach Fossils, Inlets, A Sunny Day In Glasgow, Toro Y Moi, Matias Aguayo, Oh No Ono, The Fresh and Onlys, Stricken City, Ernest Gonzalez, The Splinters
1AM – BMI Showcase to benefit Girls Rock Camp @ Submerged (333 E 2nd St)

THURS the 18th:
3:50 - LITTLE RADIO PARTY @ RED EYED FLY
11PM: Billboard Official Showcase at Billboard.com Bungalo (Habana Backyard - 708 E 6th St)

FRIDAY the 19th:
5pm: DEER TICK PRESENTS PARTY @ Threadgills South 301 West Riverside Drive

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
ND: I haven't figured out all the bands schedules yet so I'm not sure who I will get to see. I am looking forward to meeting up with a lot of bands we have toured with in the last year. I guess I will just figure it out when I get there. I know Jessi is interested in seeing The Strange Boys and The Beets.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
ND: I can't wait to jump out of our van into warm weather (hopefully), go gorge on BBQ and booze, then try to find all my band buddies and have a reunion.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
ND: I used to play a music festival every year after I picked up the guitar in my hometown Rappahannock County, VA. I think I started when I was 11. I think there is video footage of me playing a bunch of Beatles songs to a lot of supportive locals. I'm sure I was awful.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
ND: It depends on the kind of festival. I guess running around eating, drinking, meeting new people, seeing your favorite bands all playing in walking distance from each other and getting into trouble with them later.

mp3: Wild One (Those Darlins from Those Darlins)