The Ferocious Few Interview: SXSW 2010

April 13 marks the release of the Ferocious Few's debut full length album, 'Juices,' on Birdman Records. The San Francisco duo started out playing street corners with a portable amp and a drive to make sense of the world around them. Spinner spoke with half of the band, singer-guitarist Francisco Fernandez, about their remarkable start, their interests and their upcoming SXSW shows.

Describe your sound.

We are a stripped-down rock 'n' roll band with our own style, a mix of rock 'n' roll and folk. I think we represent honest music with substance in an age that sells us the opposite.

How did your band form?

The current formation of the Ferocious Few started when [drummer] Daniel Aguilar and I would go to Lake Temescal in Oakland, Calif., to swim. One day we decided to start playing music together. That was in the summer of 2006. We started performing on the streets of San Francisco and then just kept playing.

What are your musical influences?

I am very influenced by the unique musicians and truly original thinkers of rock and blues and pop history. Those with integrity, and the tragic ones, also. The list is long. Musicians who have spread the word of love and the pain that comes with such a strong message. I am also influenced by a personal drive to do something magical. I am also influenced by the times, and the way the world is spinning. My music helps me make sense of it all.

How did you come up with your band name?

The energy that is put into the sound and the general attitude could be called ferocious.

What's your biggest vice?

Sex and rock 'n' roll.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Bjork, until the Matthew Barney years. Then Karen O.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

What is guilt?

Beatles or Stones?

Both.

What is your favorite sandwich?

Oyster po' boy from New Orleans.

What is the craziest thing you have seen at one of your shows?

Well, we have performed hundreds of times on the street and seen many dancing, crazy people. Crazy doesn't necessarily mean homeless, but we have had more than our fair share of special experiences, like a shirtless skinhead waving a sword at tourists while forming his own mosh pit on the sidewalk in front of us. Or a lady known as "The Rat Lady" yelling at us, telling us to get out of her spot -- the whole street was "her spot" -- throwing dirty water at us and trying to kick Daniel's drums into the street. Many wonderful stories for the grandkids.