Carolyn Wonderland Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 1st 2010 11:20AM by Matthew Wilkening
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Austin-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Carolyn Wonderland's list of admirers stretches far beyond her home state's already expansive reach. Asleep at the Wheel frontman and legendary producer Ray Benson recalls the time Bob Dylan called him after hearing Wonderland in action: "He goes, 'Hey, have you heard Carolyn Wonderland? She's something else! She should be nationwide!'" Thanks to critically acclaimed albums -- such as her most recent, 'Miss Understood' -- and a non-stop touring schedule, more and more of America is getting to see and hear the singer's blend of blues, Americana and rock. Wonderland talked to us recently while preparing to help play host to her extended musical family at this year's SXSW festival.

Describe your sound in your own words.

We're a trio that goes for it [and] kind of mixes up stuff on the Americana trail while muddying up our feet in a Texas riverbank.

Do you always have the same backing band?

Yeah, we always tour as a trio. Although for SXSW, with all our friends here, who knows? We may have a bunch of friends drop in. But, the trio is myself with Cole El-Saleh on keys and key bass, and then Michael "Lefty" Lefkowitz on drums.

But there's no set band name?

Yeah, we've toyed and joked around and called ourselves a bunch of things, but nothing has stuck so far.

Who are your musical influences?

I'd have to say folks I grew up listening to in Houston a lot, like Screaming Kenny and Jerry Lightfoot -- both of which I was lucky enough to play with. I would also say folks like Joe "Guitar" Hughes and Lightnin' Hopkins, and the folks I've seen up here [in Austin] -- you know, Guy Forsyth, Cindy Cashdollar, Shelly King, the Grateful Dead, a little bit of everything we hear along the way.

Do you consider the Grateful Dead to be Americana music?

Well, the thing I'd take away from them is, they played all kinds of music but it always sounded like them. I ended up playing in a band with Vince Welnick, who was their last keyboard player. He was in the Jerry Lightfoot Band with me. I was always a fan of the Dead, always went to see them.

What about ZZ Top?

I love them. I absolutely adore them. I think Billy's one of the best. I got really scared the first time he walked into one of our gigs. I just clammed up. I could not play the guitar to save my life. I was just thinking, 'Man, this guy's gonna hear me ripping off his stuff, and poorly!'"

You grew up in Houston, and then moved to Austin, correct?

Yeah, I never strayed too far -- in terms of paying rent, anyway.

Have you played SXSW before?

Yeah, several times. I think the first time, I was maybe 19 years old. I think that's where I got my Warner-Chappel publishing deal. So, yeah, good stuff comes of it.

As a local, and as a SXSW veteran, what's in your festival survival kit?

Extras of everything. You never know who's gonna break something. Since we live here, I figure it's our responsibility to be the ones with extra guitar strings, batteries, cables, and, for that matter, extra socks and T-shirts. And, of course, extra smokes.

What is your biggest vice?

My big mouth! I dunno. My mouth, open wide, will oftentimes get me in more trouble then I thought. Sometimes it's worth it. Most times, I suppose it is.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I don't know that I feel guilty about any of them. The other day I found myself listening to Randy Rhodes [Ozzy's first solo guitarist], then the next thing was the Comedian Harmonists. Nothing seems out of place or weird to me. If it's got a soul, and I dig it, then I'll listen to it. People might look it me funny, but that's OK -- I'm used to that.

Beatles or Stones?

Yes [laughs]!

Yes to both?

Yeah, to me, there's not much of an "or" there, just a big ol' yes! I always love it when Keith sings 'Happy,' and I've been going through a lot of Beatles lately. I guess my favorite from them would be 'Revolution 1' right now.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

OK, this is rather embarrassing: Snuffaluffagus, when I was a kid.

The elephant from 'Sesame Street'?

Yes. I couldn't stand that he wasn't on television enough. I think that finally ended when I was four, but at three, that was it.

Do you know that the kids, and not just Big Bird, can see him now, on the show?

Good. They should! That's awesome. Who would want to miss out on those beautiful eyelashes?

Matthew Wilkening is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.