Firewater’s new album “The Golden Hour,” out in May, promises much of the same—an ambitious, punk-rooted take on “world music” that bands like Gogol Bordello, DeVotchKa and Beirut have recently ridden to acclaim. And to really press home the Lonely Planet vibe, enhanced versions of the CD will include a documentary detailing Tod’s recent trip through the Thar Desert and Pakistan. Via email, the singer detailed his South by Southwest itinerary.
So, how the hell is Bali?
Right now it's a bit damp. It's the rainy season, so there are a lot of floods. Still, it beats the hell out of Bushwick.
Are you resting up for SXSW?
Resting? There is no rest for the wicked! No, we're gearing up to play SXSW, then it's on to Europe.
What is your history at SXSW?
I have vague recollections of many beer-fueled nights over the years, roaming the streets to a non-stop C&W soundtrack. Of course I may be confusing it with the Patpong Road in Bangkok. I also seem to recall something about giant swarms of bats, although that may simply have been a hallucination.
How do you prepare for SXSW, outside of tropical retreats?
A strict regimen of wrist-raising exercises, followed by a large breakfast.
Do you make tapes for touring (for the car stereo)? What will be on this mix?
Bands currently in the CD player include: Os Mutantes, Calexico, Punjabi MC, Tinariwen, Balkan Beat Box, Skatalites, Nouvelle Vague, Ananda Shankar, Vinicio Capossela, The Clash, Boom Pam, Figli di Madre Ignota and the Mercury Dance Band.
Who are you looking forward to seeing? Other NYC bands?
The return of legends like Blue Cheer, the Slits, Mark Stewart and the Mafia and Half Japanese will be something to see. DeVotchKa will be a big show. It's always interesting to find out what Thurston Moore is up to. I've never had the chance to see Austin's own Friends of Dean Martinez, so I'm hoping that can happen. We would love to squeeze in to catch Yo La Tengo, but what are the chances of that? Jandek is a singularity not to be missed. I am quite curious to see NYC newcomers O'Death. And we will certainly raise some glasses to our Brooklyn pals, The World Inferno Friendship Society.
Where are you staying?
Only the finest accommodations meet Firewater's refined tastes: Motel 6, bee-a-zaby!
Have you (or your band mates) ever hooked up at SXSW (like in the sex with a special friend way)?
Sex between consenting adults is a perfectly natural thing and we are all in favor of it. It's that stuff they do down in Texas with farm animals that we tend to shy away from.
Is there anything you look forward to in playing a multi-day festival?
Catching a little sleep and the breakfasts at Magnolia's.
So, like, what are you going to wear when you play?
I've amassed a substantial collection of Indian "party shirts." I've also bagged quite a few nonsensical "Engrish" T-shirts in SE Asia. (I'm especially keen on designs which feature monkeys.) I can't decide between the stripy pants or the ones with the extra pockets. I suppose I'll decide on the day.
If you're heading to Austin, you can catch Firewater on Friday, March 14 at Yard Dog Gallery at 2:45 p.m. and Saturday, March 15 at Red Eyed Fly at 12 a.m.
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