The Untitled Interview #87 – SXSW Edition: Starring Casey Gibson (Filligar)

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.

This here blog is very definitely pro-Filligar. Those Chicago gents have a sound that is dirty, raunchy, and ever so appealing in the way a bad boy giving a gal a broodingly, smolderingly come-hither stare is appealing. Ladies, you know what I mean. And while I can't (sadly) say from personal experience that these nasty boys are house-blown-down fantastic live, from what I've heard on record it wouldn't surprise me in the least if they were. So go check 'em out and let me know, if you please. Filligar's Casey Gibson killed some drive time with the questions you can read answers to below.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Casey Gibson: As we speak, we're driving down from Chicago in our big, red van. The iPhone predicts 20 hours total drive time. I've spent 20 hours in dumber ways... We've also spent so much time in this van it almost feels like a big womb. A womb that births Rock.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
CG: Hopefully nothing... But we'll probably show up a few instrument cables short. Those are the hardest things to hold on to. Also, socks--everyone in this band has terrible sock game. I packed a bunch, but none match.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
CG: One of each. Friday the 18th we're playing Sonicbids/Jansport's official SXSW showcase at Maggie Mae's at 2:30pm, and Saturday the 19th we're at RSL blog's Smoke and Sand party, at 2pm at Rusty Spurs. Both will be big trouble, obviously.

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
CG: That's tough. We have lots of friends in bands that we're all excited to 'see,' but as far as a live show goes, I think the Strokes and TV on the Radio are both bands we've never seen that are up there.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
CG: Texas BBQ, and there's a place on 6th Street that sells "Big Ass Beers." Pretty obvious choice, I think. I'll probably also make sure I have all my instrument cables.

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
CG: Growing up, we all went to Lollapalooza with all our friends every year. Much different than SXSW, but still definitely inspiring. We've played some great festivals, too--Summerfest in Milwaukee, Midpoint Music Fest in Cincinnati, Taste of Chicago, Forward Fest in Madison... They're always our favorite because we get to play alongside some of our favorite bands.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
CG: There's nothing like the festival atmosphere. Fans are mellow but excited to be there. Also you can get a different crowd than you're used to--people who might stumble in looking for something else, and we do our best to nab them. We can be pretty ruthless in that regard.

mp3: Robbery (Shocking Love) (Filligar from The Nerve)