The Untitled Interview #59 – SXSW Edition: Starring Ritzy Bryan (The Joy Formidable)

The days are getting longer, the nights are getting shorter and sweeter, and that, my little vixens, can only mean one thing: it's getting close to being almost time for the one and only SXSW. And of course, that means I had to ask some questions of the bands I'd sure want to see if I was heading down to Austin for the 25th annual SXSW-stravaganza.

I quite like The Joy Formidable. They're Welsh, which is pretty nifty on its own. They now live in London, which makes me quite envious. And the music they make is pretty dang loud, all churning swells of big guitar and rather pummeled drums. Oh, and not to leave out that huge voice of Ritzy Bryan. Somehow, they keep it pretty, though, this roar of theirs. Mizz Bryan was kind enough to ponder the questions here, read on friends. Read on. And if you're heading down to Austin, you might want to bring the band a new mascot. Just in case the bronze greyhound doesn't make it.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Ritzy Bryan: Hopefully on an Airbus A380 , nice and roomy , nice and quiet. Then in a van of some sorts. SXSW marks the beginning of our U.S tour, so the van will also become our home for 5 weeks.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
RB: A couple of our tour mascots. We often travel with a miniature bronze greyhound, but it looks like a gun on the airport x-ray system.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
RB: Still confirming, but we're looking very busy. Happily busy.

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
RB: So many. When we're not playing, we'll be running around watching shows. Edwyn Collins, The Boxer Rebellion, Endless Hallway, Goldheart Assembly, The Dodos, The Twilight Sad, We Are Animal, Ron Sexsmith ...lots.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
RB: We're going to get a martini and check out the Cathedral of Junk. We have a lot of junk, so we could do with some inspiration.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
RB: Glastonbury Festival. Full on fantastic-ness. Like losing your virginity to John Holmes.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
RB: The people and their new crazy selves.

mp3: Whirring (The Joy Formidable from The Big Roar)