SxSW 2009 Preview: Bishop Allen

Now on their third album, Brooklyn's Bishop Allen are also returning for a third time to this year's South By Southwest Festival.

Famous for recording and releasing an EP every month of the year in 2006, they were snapped up by Dead Oceans in time for the release of their last album The Broken String, which was on heavy rotation here at S.G.

And, as Justin Rice tells us, he's not just going to SxSW just for the barbecues or to hype up the new record:

1) How many times have you been to SxSW?

This will be our third time at SXSW. The first time we weren't officially invited. We lurked around the perimeter, played a party, and tried unsuccessfully to sneak into shows. Security, in general, did not like the looks of us. When we went back two years ago, we played a showcase and six parties. We spent every minute slogging amplifiers and drums through throngs of the hung-over. Our drummer played twenty-one times. He was on-and-off in many, many bands. By the end of the week, he looked like a ghost. This time, we're finding the neat middle. Neither too few shows, nor too many.

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

Drinking margaritas at a barbecue, on a balcony, on a porch, in the street, in the sunshine, near the river, surrounded by friends you don't get to see too too often. We just had a snow storm in New York. Winter, which seemed to be staggering away, did a double-take, turned back, and lurched right at our throats, hands ready to strangle us to death. Austin? Winter? What?

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

Our record, Grrr..., comes out March 10. And the first tour after a record is the most fun. And SXSW, when you're there celebrating and not trying to woo industry-types, is the most most fun.

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

We are showcasing for Dead Oceans, our record label, in a showcase co-sponsored by sister labels Secretly Canadian and Jagjaguwar. We play at 8:50 at the Mohawk outside. It's a damn good night.

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

My best SXSW experiences involve wandering around, finding what I find. Every band I've ever heard of will play New York, where I live, very, very soon. I like to walk in and out of places listening to bands I've never heard of, keeping track of the ones that strike me.

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

I'm in a movie that's premiering at SXSW. It's called Alexander the Last. It's directed by Joe Swanberg, and stars me, Jess Weixler, Amy Seimetz, and Barlow Jacobs. I'm going to the screenings Thursday and Saturday. You know: for Q & A. More friends' movies: Andrew Bujalski's Beeswax, Dia Sokol's Sorry, Thanks, and Kris Swanberg's It Was Great, But I Was Ready to Come Home. Busy, busy.

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

Tour, tour, tour. SXSW falls in the middle of our first U.S. tour. When that's done, we go to Europe. Then the U.S. again. Then Europe again. On and on and on. Until it's time to make a new record. Which, wait, could be in just a few months. I never can keep track of time.

Bishop Allen: Myspace / Official Website

Playing:

19 Mar 2009 - Mohawk Dead Oceans Showcase, Austin
20 Mar 2009 - Mohawk Hot Freaks Party, Austin [Afternoon Show]

Stream:

Bishop Allen - 'Dimmer' [Taken from their latest LP - Grrr....]

• dimmer.mp3
  Download (Right click save as)