The Untitled Interview #37 – SXSW Edition: Starring Rupert Orton (The Jim Jones Revue)

I’m finding it hard to believe that it’s time once again for the annual industry hootenanny known as SXSW. As of today, Austin will be taken over. Inundated. Overrun. Engulfed. You get the idea. To celebrate the mad mad mad mad 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.

The more I listen to this next band, the more impressed with them I find myself. The Jim Jones Revue spews forth an irrepressible package of absolutely filthy, no-holds-barred bluesy rock’n’roll, complete with howling, whisky-coated vocals, fierce guitar screeching, and a smattering of Jerry Lee Lewis-esque key-tinkling. It’s one hell of a ride, my friends, and it’s a ride I think you’ll like being on. And of course, I’ve gotta give them all sorts of love for the song “Hey Hey Hey Hey,” since I do love me a song about the state of Alabama. Make damn sure to check ‘em out down there in Austin, or whenever you should be lucky enough to get the chance. But hey, don’t just take my word for it. They’re hitting the big-time, with Spin giving them a nod as one of the 50 bands you should pay attention to at SXSW this year.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Rupert Orton: Submarine.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
RO: Life jackets.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
RO: Six so far...

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
RO: Kid Congo Powers and The Bellrays who are playing our showcase at Prague on Thursday 18 March.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
RO: We're arriving in the middle of night so it'll be either go out & cane it or go to bed!
LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
RO: Can't remember, probably Glastonbury.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
RO: Camaraderie of musicians and fans.

mp3: Hey Hey Hey Hey (The Jim Jones Revue from The Jim Jones Revue)

[photo by Stephane Rossi]