Gemma Ray Interview: SXSW 2010

Gemma Ray isn't your average SXSW performer. For one she doesn't really like festivals, and for another her brooding blend of melodramatic 50s inspired pop and dark theatrics are somewhat far away from Austin, Texas' high temperatures and blazing sunshine. She chatted to Spinner just a few days before jetting out to the US.

Describe your music.

Lavish.

How did your band form?

It still hasn't. I'm a third of the way there for a three-piece, and around a quarter if I form a four-piece.

What are your musical influences?

Anything that grabs me round the throat and makes my heart stop a beat inspires me to provoke the same reaction in other people. A lot of different music has this effect on me, but mainly stuff from bygone eras. Romantic big band pop music from 1935-45 never fails to break my heart and match my mood. The atmosphere and tension of John Barry and Krystoff Komedia compositions have definitely snuck into my subconcious, and the sheer joy, abandon and ambition of Brian Wilson's world makes me feel like anything is possible. I think the passion, dynamic and aggression of bands like the Bad Seeds and Gallon Drunk also trigger something in me that not many other current bands do.

What made you start your career in music?

I don't view music as a career, it's just something that grew and grew until it became a part of me.
What's in your festival surival kit?

I avoid festivals unless I'm playing them. In which case, a car and a hotel.

What's your biggest vice?

Buying lonely, needy guitars on eBay which are old enough to be my dad.

What's your biggest guilty music pleasure?

I wouldn't feel guilty or ashamed for liking any type of music but it just so happens I have impeccable taste in music.

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

Getting paid.

What are you looking forward to most at SXSW?

Tearing a new hole in Texas.

Do you have any expectations of SXSW?

Good in-flight entertainment -- it's been a while since I've had time to kick back ...