Solid Gold Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 1st 2010 11:10AM by Andrea Mitchell
Comments

With electro beats, catchy and mesmerizing synth tracks and smooth vocal arrangements, Solid Gold are sure to turn the heat up on the dance floor. The band is based out of Minneapolis, Minn., and its three members are gearing up to play SXSW. Spinner had a chance to catch up with lead singer Zach Coulter, and got the lowdown on everything from the band's beginnings to Coulter's own not-so-guilty musical pleasure.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Urban psychedelic pop.

How did your band form?

Two of us started a band out of mutual appreciation of similar music, architecture and arts that we were into.

What are your musical Influences?

There's so many that we could list. We kind of all grew up listening to different forms of music -- everything from hip-hop to metal to R&B. I cant really say a specific group that really influences us. It's more of just an overall appreciation of different styles and different forms.

How did you come up with your band name?

It was kind of the one we hated least. We had been practicing, and we were gonna play a show soon, and we needed a name and we ended up sticking with it.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Change of underwear, case of beer and hair spray.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Some of the stuff I like I wouldn't consider a guilty pleasure, but other people would. How about Haddaway?

Beatles or the Stones?

Oh that's tough, but the Beatles. I actually just judged a Beatles 'Rock Band' competition here in town the other night.

Craziest thing you've seen or experienced on tour?

I can't remember most of the tour, but I'd probably say one of my bandmates throwing a chair and my other bandmate breaking his finger.

Describe the writing process for your band.

I write the lyrics, and we all write music together. There pretty much isn't a process because when we're working on a song, it might start as a song I write on guitar, or [as] a keyboard line or a beat. It happens that way -- not really on purpose, but it keeps everything fresh for us and we're able to approach songs at different angles.

What do you enjoy more: touring or recording?

Recording [and] playing live are great. Playing a great show for an hour is better than being in the studio for an hour, but the whole process of being able to experiment, manipulate and be with friends in the studio is something I hold very dear.

Any pre-show rituals?

No. [We] just try not to get too drunk.

What's your biggest vice?

I probably overindulge in stuff.

What was the first instrument you owned, and how old were you?

I had a violin when I was 9. I had a kids drum set before that, but my first real instrument was a violin.

Andrea Mitchell is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.