Blacktusk Interview: SXSW 2010

As part of Savannah's metal scene, power trio Blacktusk emerged in 2005 and made an immediate impression. They're now on their sixth album, with number seven coming out sometime in the spring. In the middle of a busy touring schedule, we managed to corner singer/guitarist Andrew (single-named, just like Madonna) to interrogate him about the band's curious love of gangsta rap and Willie Nelson, their criminal record, their philosophy of the road and the importance of toothbrushes and beer.

How would you describe Blacktusk's sound?

We like to describe it as "swamp metal," but we kind of leave it up to others to listen and decide for themselves. What can we say? It's loud, it's aggressive and it's heavy!

What's in your festival survival kit?

We would say that these three things are very important to have -- toothbrush, extra t-shirt and beer.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Athon says his is Nickelback and Jackal. James says gangsta rap and I listen to a lot of NPR.

Who do you worship, the Beatles or the Stones?

Neither. I that think for us, the question should be Zeppelin or Sabbath?

What's the most insane thing you've seen on tour?

Ha ha. We've seen everything from the inside of a jail cell to a dude getting knocked out by a bouncer and then going into seizures.

If you could tour with any band, who would it be?

Hmm ... How about Willie Nelson? That would be pretty f---ing interesting!


Jason Gross is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.