San Saba County Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 7th 2010 9:10AM by Oliver VanDervoort
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San Saba County are an Austin-based band made up of five men whose versatility when dealing with their musical instruments is matched only by their eclectic style. Having already put out three records and now working on more, the group is made up of veteran musicians whose style changes by the song from basic country to alt-country to indie-rock. In anticipation of their upcoming SXSW appearance, Spinner talked to John Saba about his band, his music and the music he listens to for inspiration.

How did the band form?

It was formed in 2003 between Wellington and myself; Robby came in to play with us in 2004, and has been our steady drummer since. Tyler came in a few years ago. He was our engineer. Our first bass player left and Tyler was the natural fit, and then Carlos joined us in recording the last record and has been with us ever since.

How would you describe your sound?

I definitely think we started out more alternative country. I think we all sort of collectively found it somewhat limiting. I definitely think that our latest releases have more of an indie sound. In its very elementary roots, I think you can hear a pretty standard singer-songwriter type of work, if you will. It's disguised on the records, which I think is kind of fun to do.

Who are your musical influences?

It seems to be whatever we've been listening to. I definitely think that the band as a collective group is more into the more traditional sound. For instance, I can't stop listening to the Beatles box set -- that's a fantastic record. Contemporary acts we like a lot [include] Wilco, and I think you hear that a lot in our music as well as pretty much everyone else's music. That's the most generic sort of 21st century band that's influencing [us]. I've been listening to the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds.' We've been experimenting more with harmonies. And there are some old country standards.

Beatles or Stones?

That's such a tough call. I don't know, man; I get asked that all the time. They're both such good bands. To answer your question, I don't know if anyone can answer that question. I love the Stones and I love the Beatles.

How did you come up with your band's name?

We didn't really want to do the first name, last name ... I think that's really stupid. So in naming it San Saba County, it's always been important to me to be associated with the band because these are not songs that are played or recorded like how a singer-songwriter would -- it's more of a collective effort. It's more a band than a one man effort.

Besides performing at SXSW, where have you guys toured?

We don't get outside of Texas very often, and it's just because of the 21st century artist's dilemma -- and that is that we all have day jobs. That enables us to stay in Austin. Tours are hard, and they're really draining. I think you'll find most artists agree.

What do you have to have with you in your tour survival kit?

As far as when we go to SXSW, we need to have our schedule down pat. There's so much stuff, and so much great acts to see. Considering how crowded places are becoming now, you need to figure it [out] better. You're always hearing, "Oh man, I wish I was going up there," and you probably could have made it if you were paying some attention to scheduling either electronically, or just by pen and paper.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I have really been listening to the Beach Boys; I don't know what it is about the early '60s sound that I've been really attracted to. That whole, like, vocal harmonies, the real early rock 'n' roll style, I think is really interesting. I'm trying to think of what else would be a little more odd. I guess George Jones' 'Greatest Hits,' but down here that's not as big as a travesty as other places.

What's the craziest thing you've seen when touring/playing?

Everyone has fill-in-the-blanks on this one. I can't think of anything specific for this one. Everyone's got the "there was that guy that drank too much and was in the audience" and whatever. There's got to be a crazy story somewhere, but I can't think of one off the top of the my head right now. I don't like the crazy stuff happening, and I think I can talk for the group collectively.

Oliver VanDervoort is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.