Suckers Interview: SXSW 2010

Led by cousins Quinn Walker, and Austin Fisher, Suckers are the latest band to emerge from Brooklyn's vibrant art-rock scene.

The experimental pop band's 2009 self-titled EP was co-produced by Yeasayer's Anand Wilder, and featured the single 'It Gets Your Body Movin.' That track drew nods from the music press, who compared the band to the Talking Heads, David Bowie and 'Purple Rain'-era Prince.

Now, hot on the heels of signing with New York indie label Frenchkiss Records, Suckers are looking forward to their imminent appearance at SXSW. Spinner spoke with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Austin Fisher about the band's influences, obsessive-compulsive behaviour and homeless transsexuals.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Extraterrestrial pop music.

How did your band form?

Quinn and I are cousins and we've been best friends since we were babies. We eventually moved to New York together, and very slowly formed loose affiliations. Then two years ago we became a real band.

What are your musical influences?

When we were young, we used to obsessively listen to the oldies station. We like strong vocal melodies and bubblegum pop and soul has been a major influence in the music we make, but we are not looking to be nostalgic or retro.

How did you come up with your band name?

We originally called ourselves Feelings, but that inspired rage in some of our friends. So we changed the name to Suckers.

What's your biggest vice?

I don't know if I have a vice. I'm a little bit obsessive compulsive, but I don't think that's a vice.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Lots of bananas to prevent cramping, a few pairs of socks and sunglasses you don't mind losing.

Who was your first celeb crush?

I'll say Madonna, because that will make our drummer happy. He's obsessed with Madonna.

Beatles or Stones?

I listen to the Stones a lot more now, but when I was a kid it was the Beatles.

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

We got robbed by homeless transsexuals in D.C. It was such a bummer.