Eyeris Interview: SXSW 2010

Eyeris is a young hip-hop emcee that has been making a name for herself across Europe and the club scene in Portland and New York. Eyeris is heading to Austin for her second SXSW in March with DJ Bonnie Danger but took some time away from her music to speak with Spinner about her sound and plans for this year's trip to Austin.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Indie hip-hop with a twist of new pop.

How did your band form?

When my two personas decided it was time for a change. I was tired of doing the same s--- every day. Up until now, it has been just me, but this SXSW DJ Bonnie Danger is coming with me. We are both Gemini so are basing our act on the two sides of each of us.

What are your musical influences?

Nas, Eminem, Andre 3000, Deee-Lite, Jean Grae.

How did you come up with your band name?

When I was in high school, I was really into Greek mythology. Iris was the goddess that brought the messages between heavens and Earth. I loved that idea. So I just switched up the spelling.

What is your biggest vice?

It is a tie between women and drugs.

Have you played SXSW before? What are you expecting? What's in your festival survival kit?

I played last year for the first time. The only thing anyone should expect out of SXSW is to expect nothing at all. Even spontaneous things happen out of the planned events. Survival kit--my mind and that is it! If you lose your mind during SXSW, you are done.

Are you touring down to Austin?

This year I decided to do things different. Instead of booked shows, I just have my official showcase and going to do the rest guerrilla style.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Bachata music. I swear I love it so much.

What is biggest difference between Portland, New York and Berlin?

Portland and Berlin are way more laid back than New York. But Berlin wins in my book because you can drink legally in the streets there. It felt like there is more crazy s--- out there but less chaos, if that makes sense. Being out there, you realize how much we are babysat here in the States.

What is the craziest thing you have seen or experienced while on tour?

The craziest s--- I can't even put for people to read, since they involve others and they would probably be pissed. So I will just go with when we were driving back to Berlin from Czech Republic our van broke down in the middle of nowhere in Czech Republic. It was creepy as s---! But it turned out dope because we could see almost every star in the sky.

Natasha R. Puryear is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.