Julia Marcell Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 19th 2010 6:34PM by Jill Menze
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Possibly the only "classical punk" artist you'll see at this year's SXSW is Polish singer-songwriter Julia Marcell. The 27-year-old musician crafts carefully planned pop songs filled with delicate yet messy imperfections, which caught the attention of listeners at the Web site Sellaband.com, who donated money to help Marcell release her 2007 debut full-length, 'It Might Like You.' This year's festival in Austin marks not only her first SXSW appearance, but also her first-ever performance in the United States. Marcell spoke with Spinner about what she expects from American audiences, what she's currently working on and what she's looking forward to in Texas.

How did you get your start in music?

There was always a lot of music played in my house. My mum was listening mostly to classical music and a Polish singer Ewa Demarczyk, who was also a big influence on me. My father was more on the rock side, with his absolute favorite band being Queen, so froma very early age I was being educated about how Freddie Mercury was the best singer ever and there never will be anybody quite like him. When I turned four, my parents also started to take me out to see theater plays for children, and ever since I knew I wanted to be a performer.

How would you describe your sound in your own words?

I write pop songs, but sometimes dress them a bit oddly. Musically I'm interested in imperfections, accidents, and using them as means of expression. I like things to be a little chaotic, messy, sketchy on the first listen, but in reality carefully planned. For fun I call my music "classical punk," but it's more of a feeling, a picture I have in my head when I play, than an actual genre. The sound is very natural, organic -- acoustic instruments, plucking, scratching, a little percussive.

What are your musical influences?

Mostly it's very widely understood pop music -- from the Beatles, via the Cure, Marilyn Manson to Michael Jackson and Madonna. I especially love Edith Piaf, Joanna Newsom, Ewa Demarczyk and Iva Bittov. Also Animal Collective and Owen Pallett -- I think they do great things.

What releases, albums or singles have you put out up to now?

I have released only a little EP and one full album so far, but there's quite a beautiful story behind its creation. The recording was funded by 657 people whom I mostly hadn't known before. There's a Web site for that called Sellaband.com. You can upload your demos, and if people like them, they help out. The record is called 'It Might Like You' and it has been released so far in Poland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What are you currently working on?

I'm writing and arranging new songs now. It's a slow and painful process, constantly giving me headaches and sleepless nights.

It's your first time playing SXSW, and your first show in the US. What are you most looking forward to?

It's the first time in the US for me and most of my band, so we are all very excited. I would love to have some time to look around Austin a little, but there are so many wonderful things to see at SXSW itself.

Is there another group or artist in particular you hope to watch at the festival?

Yes! I'm looking forward to seeing Blue Roses, Band Of Horses, Soko, Spoon and Pustki. And many many more. It's a tough choice with so many great bands.

Are you playing more shows in the States after that?

I would love to play more shows in the US, so I hope there's gonna be an opportunity to do that. Time will tell.

What are you expecting from American audiences?

Having expectations is nothing I'm good at. I try to stay away from that. But I hope that American audiences will have fun at my show.

What's it like when you play at home?

Very different each time. Sometimes it's a quiet evening, sometimes it's very energetic. Sometimes something hangs in the air, and sometimes nothing works, but then it's usually the loveliest. I play in a lot of different setups -- from me only, to a string quartet and drums -- but the audience is somehow always kind and willing to lend me their ears.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I'm a big fan of kitsch and camp in general, and I absorb tons of it on a daily basis. I can't be bothered to feel embarrassed.

Do you have a celebrity crush?

Dr. House.

What's the craziest thing you've seen on tour or at a show?

One girl dancing to our music on a table, despite everyone else around quietly enjoying their wine. Pretty crazy! But also very wonderful.