Sleigh Bells Interview: SXSW 2010

Derek E. Miller met Alexis Krauss one day as she dined at a Brazilian restaurant in Brooklyn, where he worked as waitstaff. Looking for the perfect female vocalist for his project, he ended up recruiting Krauss. Spinner chatted with Miller about Sleigh Bells' beginnings, their debut album and their upcoming trip to SXSW.

How did your group form?

I had been looking for a vocalist for a long time. I was asking everyone I knew to help me find someone. I was working in a Brazilian restaurant in Brooklyn. I waited on Alexis [Krauss] and her mother, who was/is really nice and talkative, and I mentioned that I was looking for a singer. Alexis' mom recommended her. That's how it got started.

Where do you like to play?

Anywhere loud with lots of bass!

How do you describe your sound?

Loud, rhythmic, melodic, heavy. Kinda slow-ish tempos.

How did you choose your name?

It's one of those names that really has little significance, in terms of it meaning anything. I like the way it sounds. It was a name I attached to a bedroom project I started working on in 2005, and nobody [had] ever heard the stuff. For whatever reason it's what I have called whatever I was working on for years.

What are your musical influences?

Whatever sounds good, from whatever genre/decade. Soul, early R&B, the Motown stuff, pop ... I love Creedence Clearwater Revival, super hard. I like pop, simple pop -- borderline "dumb" like Belinda Carlisle's solo stuff, George Michael. I like slick pop. Phil Collins' records are really weird and great. We have all heard those singles so many times, we forget how strange they sound.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Mostly stuff that will not increase my changes of survival, like beef jerky and beer. This is my first time at SXSW and I am really excited! I've been to Austin many times and love it.

Do you get into any mischief when you've on tour?

I realize there are artists who romanticize a degenerate lifestyle, but it's not really for me. I try to keep it simple so I can make it to the next show. Beer before and after the set, I guess. When I'm at home I'm a little less responsible.

What are your musical vices?

I don't believe anyone should associate guilt with pleasure! If you like it, f--- it.

Beatles or Stones?

I love both groups but I have to say that the Stones are less cerebral than the Beatles and more appealing in some ways. I think some Beatles music is very heady, deliberate and cerebral. When the Stones are at their best, which for me is 'Let It Bleed,' they are pretty untouchable. No idea. though. You could debate this for days and never get anywhere.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

There was a Disney show called 'Kids Incorporated,' with Jennifer Love Hewitt which was absolutely awesome. Maybe her?

What was your scariest/ creepiest/ craziest experience on the road so far?

With my last group, we were almost killed while traveling through Montana. It was January. A part of the band was in the van in front of me, and they were pulling a trailer. Out of nowhere, they hit a patch of black ice and did a complete 180 at 60 MPH. It was terrifying. I could see them screaming as they headed towards us. The trailer jack-knifed and hit their van. Not fun, but no one was hurt!

What's next?

We are heading off to London right after SXSW. Our album, 'Treats,' is due out this summer. It's 11 or 12 tracks; I think it's being mastered right now. Probably play a ton of shows. Psyched.


Donna Rodgers is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.