The Black Angels Interview: SXSW 2010

Another one of Austin's homegrown bands, the Black Angels return to the stage at SXSW this year with their dark, psychedelic and aggressive sound, a self described "Native American Drone and Roll." The band has been together since 2004 and have produced singles, EPs and LPs including their last album, "Directions to See a Ghost" in 2008, and have collaborated on multiple projects as well. Spinner spoke with The Black Angel's lead singer, Alex Maas, who also contributes bass, guitar and sitar, who fed us some info on their perspectives. They are fired up for more kick ass performances this year at SXSW and the crowd will not be disappointed.

1. Describe your sound in your own words.

Native American Drone and Roll.

2. How did your band form?

Natural selection...
3. What are your musical influences?

There are a lot to choose from and everyone seems to hear different stuff, but there are the Smithsonian Folk Compilations, The Beatles, Clinic, Massive Attack, Radio Head, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Raveonettes, Canned Heat, Honey Suckle [Folk], Black Keys, Hip Hop music, Sounds of Nature, Christian Bland and the Revelators, Ya Ho Wa 13, The Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Doors, and Joy Division.

4. How did you come up with your band name?

We took it from a Velvet Underground song, "The Black Angel's Death Song".

5. What's your biggest vice?

Sleep!

6. What's in your festival survival kit?

Fake ID, water, a map, a flask of course, and sometimes I need a ride home. At night I want glow in the dark rave stuff, anxiety medicine, and a walkie talkie to find each other. And maybe some nutrient bars for quick, easy energy.

7. Who was your first celeb crush?

Jessica Biel [muffled sounds]...

8. What's your musical guilty pleasure?

The concept of Throat Singing.

9. Beatles or Stones?

The Beatles.

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

At Lollapalooza I actually saw a wet and fowl smelling guy bust out of the Port O' Potty with poop on his body and towel dingles all in his hair telling people he found his wedding ring. He was smiling and holding what looked like corn or something. I'm pretty sure it was a diamond ring.


Charles Huff is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.