Little Joe y La Familia Interview: SXSW 2010

Little Joe y La Familia are the Tex Mex equivalent of the Carter Family, pioneers who started a musical genre that has gone on to cross cultural boundaries around the world. More than 40 years and 50 albums after he began, Little Joe keeps on touring and playing Tejano music. He also takes time to relax and enjoy the pleasures of television news programming, including the charms of Rachel Maddow. Performing at this year's SXSW, Little Joe took some time off to answer some questions from Spinner.

How did your band form?

Like many other bands of my time. Kids getting together wanting to make music.

What are your musical influences?

Many, but mostly the big swing bands and the crooners of those times.

How did you come up with your band name?

I felt that all musicians and entertainers are one big family.

What's your biggest vice?

CNN & MSNBC, especially Rachel Maddow.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Don Julio.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Tough call between Jean Simmons and Lauren Bacall.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Free form jazz.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles.

Is there anything in Austin you plan to do while you are at SXSW?

Have fun and say hi to my friends.

Who is your favorite Austin musician?

Ady Hernandez.


Steven Horowitz is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.