The Untitled Interview #85 – SXSW Edition: Starring Scott Rider (Valentiger)

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.

If you're not a frequent visitor to these parts, you might not know that Valentiger is one of my pet bands. It could be because these Michiganians make some seriously darling power pop-meets-Americana rock goodness. Or perhaps, because these three are some of the gosh darn nicest dudes you're likely to meet in this here industry. Well, on second thought, it's probably both. Valentiger makes their SXSW debut this year, and it would be in your best interest, o SXSW attendees, to make sure you check 'em out. Below, drummer extraordinaire Scott Rider (you can call him Rider) commentates on all things SXSW.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Scott Rider: Touring down in our 1999 (Grandpa) Van!

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
SR: I personally try to pack early and NOT forget anything (impossible). Our tour from Michigan down to SXSW and back is about 20 days, so there is a 2 towel minimum.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
SR: We are playing 2 parties while were are in Austin, and maybe (hopefully) more.

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
SR: This is our first time to sx so we are mainly focusing on not being overwhelmed by the event. We hope to see fellow Michiganders Stepdad and touring pals Yearbook Committee.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
SR: PARK. I heard it's extremely hard to find parking...So first mission is to find a place to park and then throw an anchor out. I'm sure we're also going to need to sleep. Our drive is 12 hours that day (blah!).

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
SR: My first memory is of the Grand Rapids Art Festival in our hometown of ...Grand Rapids, MI! It's a weekend festival full of art and more or less local bands. I was probably 7 the first time I went to that festival.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
SR: I'm not sure I have a favorite thing, but maybe the energy of the event. For music festivals the attendees are there for music, so it's a great opportunity to meet musicians and fans and just talk about a common interest.

mp3: Into The Sun (Valentiger from Oh, to Know!)

[photo by Amy Carroll]