The Untitled Interview #81 – SXSW Edition: Starring L'Altra

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.

L'Altra hails from Chicago. Now, I've been to Chicago in the coldest months of Winter, and there's definitely something very wintry about L'Altra. Listening to them is the perfect vibe for sitting somewhere warm on a bitterly cold afternoon, watching the sun try to melt the icicles from the flat rooflines and slowly condense the copious inches of fluffy snow. Here's hoping that either Austin is warmer than expected, or that they remembered their warm coats...

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
L’Altra: Train, then plane, then automobile...

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
L’A: A warm enough coat. It was way colder last year than expected.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
L’A: Two, we are in and out this year. Both, I think, on Wednesday the 16th. We wish we could stay the whole time but c'est la vie.

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
L’A: A Classic Education, they're an awesome indie pop band from Bologna, Italy fronted by a Canadian singer, then Za! this crazy band from Barcelona...

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
L’A: I'll take off my coat and scarf because I'm hoping it'll feel like spring down there, then Mexican food and Lone Star Beer or maybe BBQ or maybe both.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
L’A: The first festival I ever attended was when L'Altra played Primavera Sound in Barcelona in 2004. It’s been all downhill since then...

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
L’A: Meeting other Bands and people and of course getting lots of free important stuff like sneakers, iPod cases and coffee cups...

mp3: Nothing Can Tear It Apart (L'Altra from the forthcoming Telepathic)