The Highway Girl Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 6th 2010 9:10AM by Marc Byers
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On the road for most of her life, Samantha Murphy, aka the Highway Girl, is bringing her live set and a lot more to her first official SXSW appearance. While she is a singer-songwriter and performer, the Highway Girl also spends her extra time featuring other artists on her own show. In addition to playing multiple sets at the festival, she will be interviewing bands at the Clear Mobile Studio. Spinner recently spoke with Murphy about the many things that keep her busy.

How did your band form, and how has it changed since formation?

I was born, grew taller and wider, and now have more hair and teeth.

How did you come up with your name, the Highway Girl?

I've been on the road since age six, and even opened for Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton when I was eight. I started my own multimedia company in 2005 called 'The Highway Girl.' I interview a different artist from a different city and venue each week as I tour. Past guests include Aimee Mann, Martha Wainwright, Juliette Lewis and a lot of incredible unknown indie artists. I featured Greg Laswell long before he signed a deal and Inara George long before she was the Bird and the Bee. So to answer the question, I travel a lot!

What are your musical influences?

Radiohead, Johnny Cash and God, although I probably sound like none of them.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Whimsical pop rock for the folks. One reviewer has said, "She's a cross between Lucinda Williams and Lucille Ball."

What music do you listen to on the road while on tour?

Radiohead and whatever artists I'm getting ready to feature on 'The Highway Girl.' I choose all of the artists I feature on 'The Highway Girl.'

What's your musical guilty pleasure? What's hiding on the iPod?

I listen to classical music while I run, but I feel no guilt for that. Years ago, I had an unhealthy obsession with Duran Duran, but I felt and still feel no guilt for that.

Have you played at SXSW before? If you have, what is your SXSW survival kit?

I played SXSW a few years ago, but this is my first official showcase and panel. My survival kit includes a large bottle of water and right hours of sleep each night -- otherwise, I'm useless.

How many shows are you playing during SXSW week? Will you be checking out other bands that week, and if so, who are you excited to see?

I have three showcases, a panel, 'The Highway Girl' is throwing our own party plus I have a ton of interviews. 'The Highway Girl' will be interviewing bands at the Clear Mobile Studio, and that content will be streamed all over Austin as well as the Internet. I'm excited to catch up with friends like Tom Brosseau, Paleo, Miniature Tigers, Val Emmich and Jukebox the Ghost. I'm also looking forward to hearing and playing sets with new discoveries like Rosi Golan, Greg Holden and Orba Squara.

What's the craziest thing you've experienced on tour?

It's a tie between getting paid and eating a healthy meal.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. George Harrison had a label with Gary Wright, who wrote the song 'Dreamweaver.' Gary wanted to sign me, but George felt my lyrics were too dark. I told them I didn't care whether they signed me or not. For the rest of my life, I would know that George Harrison had listened to my music.

Marc Byers is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.