SxSW 2009 Preview: Balmorhea

We're yet to come across anyone who knows how to pronounce Balmorhea properly, (try: Bal-moor-ay) yet very few disagree on the merits of this group of classical instrumentalists.

Hailing from Austin, Jeremy from Balamory, sorry - Bal-moor-ay, gave us the story, so wouldn't you like to know?! (Ask your nieces and nephews....)

1) How many times have you been to SxSW?

We played it unofficially in 2007 and officially in 2008. So this year is our second official time to play.

2) What's the best thing about being in Austin?

We are from here and we couldn't pick a better place. Austin has a very welcoming feel. A wonderfully progressive people, a landscape that is conducive to being outdoors (festivals, outdoor christmas tree trails, rivers, lakes, hiking), of course great music nightly and way too many good places to eat. There is always some sort of festival, art or film opening. A very friendly and creative environment.

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

It is such a hectic but exhilarating week of playing shows for new audiences and seeing other friends bands from all over the globe multiple times a day. You can go from 11am till 2am and see 10 of your favourite bands.

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

Thursday, March 19 4p Nail Distribution at Side Bar w/ Deer Tick, Laura Gibson, et al

Thursday, March 19 11p Western Vinyl Showcase at Club 115 w/ J. Tillman, Here We Go Magic, et al

Saturday, March 21 345p Hometapes Friend Island Party at 301 Chicon St. w/ Sam Amidon, Peter Broderick, Slaraffenland, et al

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

Sam Amidon, Peter Broderick, Tiny Vipers, Efterklang, American Analog Set

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

We actually are doing a record release show Friday the 13th at Ballet Austin. Will try to make it to a few screenings though. There is just so much to see!

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

Our new record just came out ('All is Wild, All is Silent' on Western Vinyl) and we have a remix album to be released this summer to accompany it with artists such as Eluvium, Peter Broderick, Helios, Machinefabriek and loads more. April and May we'll be in Europe, June and July US tour with Tiny Vipers, and we have some new material and a another US tour that will happen in early fall.

Balmorhea: Myspace / Official Site

Playing:

19 Mar 2009 - SXSW // Nail Distribution Austin
19 Mar 2009 20:00 SXSW // Western Vinyl Showcase Austin
21 Mar 2009 15:00 SXSW // Hometapes Friend Island Austin

Balmorhea - Harm and Boon

Image: Megan Carney