Cassette Kids Interview: SXSW 2010

Since forming in 2007, Sydney, Australia's Cassette Kids has been a band in constant motion. Known for frenetic, dance-inducing live shows, the band released its debut EP 'We Are' in 2008 and has already recorded a followup full-length album, 'Nothing on TV,' for release this spring. Band members include singer Katrina Noorbergen, guitarist Dan Schober, bassist Dan Deitz and drummer Jake Read-Harber. Spinner recently quizzed Schober about the band's upcoming SXSW adventure.

How would you describe your sound?

Energetic, rich and colorful. We love to experiment with effects pedals and different gadgets. One day my guitar will completely sound like a synth.

How did Cassette Kids form?

Two mutual friends introduced the four of us. We all came from different musical backgrounds. Kat loved No Doubt, Jake loved blink-182, Dan D. loved punk-electro and I loved Radiohead. Working together, these influences eventually led the way into the Cassette Kids sound.

Who are your musical influences?

Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. His guitar work and his experimentalism are amazing.

How did you come up with the band's name?

Driving home one night after practice, Dan and I were discussing how we grew up listening to cassettes. I remember listening to the radio and waiting for my favorite songs to play and quickly pressing record. We thought that when we have our own children, they won't have any idea what it was like, thus we became the Cassette Kids.

What's your biggest vice?

Lime-spiced beer.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Bowl of chili, sheriff badge and a whistle.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Who's your musical guilty pleasure?

Rod Stewart.

What are you doing when you're not making music?

Shopping for shoes. I've got an addiction. Right now it's deck shoes. I'm up to my seventh pair.

Why should people come to see your show?

We're known for going crazy live, and you're guaranteed to dance.


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