SxSW 2009 Preview: Au Revoir Simone

Au Revoir Simone is three ladies, with three synths and a whole heap of talent.

Their gentle electronic music has soothed this writers ears for almost two years now and so we felt that it was about damn time that we caught up with the band to have a quick chat about their performance at this years SxSW Festival.

We also managed to get a little bit of info on their upcoming record so have look below and upon our brief interview with the hugely talented trio that is Au Revoir Simone.

1) How many times have you been to SxSW?

I have been to SxSW 3 times so this will be my 4th. Once with my old band Dirty on Purpose and twice with the ARS girls. (though we skipped 2008)

2) What's the best thing about being in Austin? or if you've not been before.... What are your tourism related plans?

The best thing about being in Austin for SxSW is getting an early taste of spring (because its still snowing in NYC) and seeing lots of lovely musician friends from all over the world. also Jo's Coffee on South Congress. And margaritas at any hour. The bats that fly out from under the bridge at sundown... my favourite venue is the Presbyterian Church. I went by myself there to see Vashti Bunyan. It was so special and definitely felt like indie church.

3) Why are you playing SxSW? (Cos we hear the money isn't too good)

I think we are playing SxSW this year because we feel part of a community and we would like to present our new songs to, and hang out with other people in that community.

4) Who are you showcasing for, and where and when can we expect to see you?

We have our official SxSW showcase Friday night at 1am on the rooftop at Maggie Mae's. I'm hoping there isn't a metal band playing downstairs at the exact same time but chance of that are pretty high and it might actually enhance the whole experience, who knows. we are also playing a Moshi Moshi showcase and a Brooklyn Vegan/Agency Group showcase on Thursday.

5) Which other bands/artists are you most looking forward to seeing over music week?

I'd like to see Jeremy Jay, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, School of Seven Bells, Camera Obscura, Vetiver, Princeton, PB&J!, Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors, Still Flyin' Crystal Stilts, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, etc. etc.

6) Will you visit the Film or Interactive sections of SxSW this year? Or is time tight?

We have Saturday and Sunday just to hang around so i'm not really going to plan but just see where the wind takes me... probably not far from the main strip.

7) What does the rest of 2009 hold for you?

We are putting out a new album in May. its called Still Night, Still Light and we're really excited to tour and play the new songs for people.

Further Information

Au Revoir Simone: Myspace / Official Site

Video:

Playing:

19th March 2009 SxSW Moshi Moshi Showcase
19th March 2009 SxSW Brooklyn Vegan/Agency Group Showcase
20th March 2009 SxSW Showcase // Rooftop of Maggie Mae's, Austin // 1:00AM