Bad Veins Interview: SXSW 2010

Based out of Cincinnati, Bad Veins present an electronic orchestral sound that is mesmerizing. The band is made up of Ben Davis, Sebastien Schultz and a robot named Irene. Before their SXSW debut, Davis, the band's frontman, took a break to tell Spinner about Bad Veins and how they came to be (but not how they came to be called that). Armed with a telephone and megaphone, they are ready to be heard.

How did you get your band name?

I am not allowed to tell you that. It's a secret.

Why is it a secret?

Because it is.

How was the band formed?

It started as a solo project. I did it at home by myself and thought I should get a drummer. Sebastian and I clicked right away. We did our first show three weeks after we met, and it just took off from there.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe it as simple pop songs that seem to be arranged with an electronic orchestral sound with percussion elements.

Musical Influences?

It varies. I grew up in the '80s, so Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Police and Genesis. They taught me how a pop tune should be structured.

Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Beatles. The Stones are good, but the Beatles have a style that resonates with me.

What's in yourf estival survival kit?

When you're a band, you're lucky enough to get food and drink. As long as you have a fully charged cell phone, it's all good.

Any groupies yet?

We have a couple. Sebastian seems to get more, since I have been told he is more approachable.


Delores Williams is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.