You know a band that spent much of their youth practicing in an old church sanctuary has got to be good. And with Nashville-based Vinyl Thief’s newest release, Stop Motion, they’re out to prove it. A foursome somewhere in the genre of electro-rock with praise from the likes of Paste, Vice, and Nylon, it’s no wonder we were excited to catch up with the crew at SXSW. Read on to hear about their influences, new album, and their SXSW experience.
VM: How would you describe your sound?
We usually call it electro-rock, alternative-pop…genres aren’t as descriptive as they use to be, with so much music out there. We mix synths and guitars with some funk and groove and ambience. I guess?
VM: How did you come up with the band’s name?
We were younger, and we looked at some of our favorite bands and their names. Most of them had just taken two words and put them together. So we wrote a bunch of words on a white board and put two of our favorite together.
VM: Who are your musical influences?
Influences vary greatly between newer stuff, like Active Child, Daft Punk, and Kavinsky, to the classics like The Beatles, The Stones, U2. We all draw from different things.
VM: How does it feel to be returning to SXSW? Who are you looking forward to seeing play?
SXSW is such a fun time. This is our first year to be “official”. Last year out manager just snuck us into a bunch of events. We’re looking forward to being able to relax a bit more this year since we know the drill. We’re really exited to see Damon Albarn, we’re all huge fans. Blur and The Gorillaz are two of my favorites OF ALL TIME. Little Dragon is going to be amazing. St. Vincent. So many to choose from.
VM: How would you compare the Nashville music scene to Austin’s?
I honestly can’t speak to the true “Austin Scene” because we’ve only played there during SXSW, which could be a little deceiving I feel like. Austin is an amazing city though, and a lot of great music has come from there. I love Nashville, but I can’t imagine something as big as SXSW hitting Nashville. I think it would implode. It says a lot for Austin.
VM: What can you tell us about forthcoming album?
IT’S GLORIOUS! HA, no. I mean, I think. Maybe you will too? We put a lot of effort and soul into the record. Every song truly means something to us, I hope that comes across. I hope it’s fun as well. It’ll be out late spring early summer.
VM: For the folks who can’t make it to see you at SXSW, any plans to come back to Austin?
We will absolutely be back. I was born and raised in Texas, the Houston area, and then Lubbock (blah) for a while, so I always enjoy coming back to the homeland.
VM: What showcases can people attending SXSW catch you at this year?
We’ll be playing at the Landshark showcase on Thursday, the Big Picture Media showcase Friday at the Blind Pig Rooftoop, and our official showcase on Saturday at BD Riley’s. Come say hi! You can check out our Facebook for up-to-date info on our showcases!
It all started when a much younger Jackie dove into her parents’ record collection, grabbed that trippy Magical Mystery Tour album, and played “Strawberry Fields” over and over again until it was engrained into her soul. She grew up on the dreams and stories of Simon and Garfunkel, “Bleeker Street” being one of her favorites, the seduction of The Doors, Van Morrison, because “Brown Eyed Girl” is definitely her song, and the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Jimi Hendrix…you get the picture. It may not show on the outside, but Jackie has a hippie heart, and that reflects in her musical tastes today. While some of her favorites may or may not be jam bands, her taste in music feeds into many genres. From alternative, Brit, and indie rock - OK, maybe all rock - to pop, to rap, to electronic, she loves it all. As a northerner, she thought she would never understand country until she found herself on a Georgia farm in cowboy boots watching Luke Bryan shake it for her- yeah, she got that. She is a chronic wanderluster, she doesn't believe in guilty pleasures, enjoys a great Moscow Mule, and is an absolute music festival fanatic- you’ll find her wherever the music takes her.