"We have had some great live reviews come out of [SXSW]—it’s a great way to get good press." Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Campanaro.
Pack the Van: Utah Hits SXSW
Music Interviews
Max Pain and the Groovies
Dallin Smith – Guitar
Kallan Campbell – Bass
David Johnson – Vocals/Keys
Troy Coughlin – Drums
Shane Preece – Guitar
SLUG: Is this your first time going to SXSW as a band?
MPG: No, we went last year. It was way rad.
SLUG: You’re playing unofficial shows—is it difficult finding places to play?
MPG: The past year, and this year, we’ve been lucky enough to meet people through touring who ask us to play their events at SXSW.
SLUG: What are the perks and challenges of going unofficially?
MPG: There really are no challenges. Either way, it’s a party in Austin.
SLUG: What are your expectations for the festival?
MPG: We expect to see a lot of good shows, meet awesome people and soak up some rays.
SLUG: Are you compiling a special SXSW set list? What are you going to play?
MPG: We’ve been writing a lot of new songs, so it’s gonna be an all-around new setlist.
SLUG: There are thousands of bands playing the festival—how do you plan to stand out?
MPG: “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” [–Hunter S. Thompson]
SLUG: Are you taking any special merch, or any merch at all? If so, what?
MPG: We plan on taking some shirts, tank tops (for the hot Austin sun) and our most recent EP.
SLUG: Any bands playing that you’re hoping to catch while you’re there?
MPG: Fuck … so many. We are excited to see the Burger Records’ and Lolipop Records’ showcases.
SLUG: Are you touring into/after SXSW, or are you heading straight there and back?
MPG: We’re playing a handful of dates on the way to and from SXSW. Then we embark on our two-month- long U.S. tour, starting from the Treefort Music Festival in Boise.
SLUG: How are you getting to SXSW?
MPG: The Delta Limousine, baby.
SLUG: What’s a must-have road trip item for the band?
MPG: Skateboards, some fresh socks and undies, and hooch.
SLUG: Top 5 songs on your road trip playlist?
MPG: Unfortunately, our CD player is broken so we tune into whatever radio waves come our way.