Spring Tigers Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 15th 2010 8:25AM by Will Justice
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Spring Tigers may be the hottest new pop-rock band coming out of Athens, GA. Not bad for a band that formed four days before their first gig, a show that occurred merely two years ago. Since then Spring Tigers have accomplished quite a lot in a short amount of time. They've released a mini LP, created exposure for themselves, and signed with the indie label Bright Antenna. Besides SXSW, their latest endeavors include the task of recording a new full-length album that should be released by the end of the year. Spinner spoke with frontman Kris Barratt.

How would you describe your sound in your own words?

It changes pretty quickly to keep us from getting bored. I would say Britpop with a bit of glam, a bit of electronic. It's kind of hard to describe what it is as whole aside from its separate elements. We've been heading in this different direction, led by a few of our multi-instrumentalists.

What are your musical influences?

The Beach Boys, the Who, Adam Ant, Mum, the Kinks. Stuff that's kind of like arty pop.

How did you come up with your band name?

There's a Guided by Voices EP called 'Get Out of My Stations.' On that there's a song called 'Spring Tiger,' a name that I've been going by for a while, and for the first gig I just went with the name Spring Tigers, and it stuck.

What's your biggest vice?

Fish tacos, probably. Some of the others seem to be into gambling and playing cards. Other than that, Athens is kind of boozy.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I was going to buy 'The Immaculate Collection' by Madonna but my girlfriend wouldn't let me. My friends have been trying to get me into Pink Floyd recently, and i haven't really been that into it.

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

We've been in several situations where our agent has not been clear to the venue about what kind of band we are. We got to a gig one time and realized we'd been booked to play for a burlesque show. We played for them, but it was initially a bit uncomfortable and kind of unexpected.

Who or what kind of people would you recommend listen to your music?

People with short attention spans, people who like surprises, people who like to be entertained. People who are into Vampire Weekend and the Shins, I guess. Probably not Philip Glass fans. It's weird how people choose to see you through your work.

What work or accomplishment is the band most proud of?

Our mini-album, 'Spring Tigers EP.' That, and the progress we're making on the upcoming record. Also being played on 'The Real World.' Well, we're not really that proud of it, but it's something interesting.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Debbie Harry from Blondie.

What key moment made you feel that the band had really made it?

I don't think I do feel that way. I wont feel that until we have a full-length album out and, I guess, start playing with other kinds of people.

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