Speak Interview: SXSW 2010

Speak is an Austin band made up of Troupe Gammage, Nick Hurt, Joey Delahoussaye, and Jake Stewart -- four young men that are blending pop and electronic music creating amazing melodies and energetic anthems. Speak will be making three different appearances at SXSW this year. Before the guys of Speak head to SXSW, Spinner got a chance to sit down with them and find out what they are looking forward to at the ultimate music marathon.

Describe your sound in your own words.

We basically try to cram as much interesting music and experimental production as we can into a pure pop format. Maybe we sound something like Prince producing Radiohead. Either way, we try not to have the "country" song, the "80's" song, and the "rock" song -- but instead, would rather blend all those styles together to create something more unique.

How did your band form?

We have been playing together in some capacity since junior high, but the band in its current incarnation only started a year or so ago. We all grew up in Austin and went to most of the same schools, so it was really just a matter of time before we naturally gravitated to each other.

What are your musical influences?

We listen to A LOT of music. All of us listen to as much contemporary indie as we can -- The Shins, TV on the Radio, MGMT, Phoenix. Each band member also has their own sphere of influence, from Motown to classic rock to IDM. Let us not forget 'Party in the USA' and other badass modern pop songs.

How did you come up with your band name?

Honestly, we thought about it long and hard, and that was the best name we could come up with. We wanted something that could only be spelled one way, would not be confused with other bands, would look good and sound good and would not make us sound like a metal band.

What is your biggest vice?

Beer + Backpacks and Facebook stalking.

What is in your festival survival kit?

Backpacks full of beer. Definitely lots of caffeine. Sometimes Joey [bass] rollerblades. Changes of clothes because we get grosser and grosser as the day progresses. Water.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Troupe: Neve Campbell.

Nick: The girl from -- what's that sucky movie? 'Casper!' The dark creepy girl from 'Casper.' I'm so much into the goth thing now, but as a little kid, definitely---Christina Ricci!

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Ke$ha.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles without question.

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

We were playing a show once and the bar manager/door guy got all chummy with us and let us take the entire stock of beer left from the bar. We crammed beers in instrument cases, backpacks [of course], and our pockets and made out like bandits.

That was a good night. Not the craziest story, so here is one we would like to experience:
I know that David Byrne tours with a collection of bikes. They go to a city, play a show, and ride bikes around. If, for some reason, our shows aligned in the same city, and we got to ride bikes with David Byrne, that would be incredible.

What is the one thing you are looking forward to most at SXSW?

Definitely hanging out with friends from out of town. SXSW is a great opportunity to see all the other bands you have played/hung out with from out of town over the years and never get to party with. We have met a lot of amazing people, and we expect to meet plenty more this year!

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