So Cow Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 16th 2010 9:19AM by Maria DiLorenzo

So Cow is the embodiment and flamboyant persona of artist Brian Kelly. His sharp fetching melodies and quick witted lyrics make for a popular treat. This dashing young singer/ songwriter, currently on tour, hails from Ireland and his musical stylings have been compared to such diverse contrasts as ABBA and Swell Maps. Spinner.com recently interviewed So Cow before SXSW and got answers to questions about his vices, Gillian Anderson and the Rolling Stones.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Twelve years of trial and error, resulting in something that sounds like music I'd listen to if I heard it on the radio.

When did you know you wanted to do this for a living?

I have known I wanted to do this for a living since the age of 16. It being realistic in any way, however...probably sometime around the first LP being released.

What are your musical influences?

I can only really list out some bands and people I really like...they may not be direct influences but at the very least inspire me to get up off my arse and do something. I'd say Robyn Hitchcock/Soft Boys, Chris Knox, Television Personalities, Kim Jung Mi, Amature Amplifier...plenty more.

How did you come up with your moniker?

It was an answer giving during a spelling test I oversaw at an elementary school summer camp in Korea. It was wrong, the word was "such".

What's your biggest vice?

At the moment, food. Particular biscuits and gravy. We don't have that in Ireland. Is being quiet a vice?

What's in your festival survival kit?

Water! Plenty of water. Only because I generally forget that it's a giver of life, and I always end up in a heap for not drinking it. In addition, a notepad for writing down insane things I overhear, and a clear idea of the quickest and easiest WAY OUT.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Gillian Anderson. Don't know why, I thought the X-Files was rubbish.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I don't necessarily believe in the concept of the guilty pleasure in music. Better off owning these things. I'm into some Korean pop music that would most likely be reviled by most reasonable people.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. I have never heard a Stones song that I liked.

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

Most of the crazy stuff I've seen is actually too genuinely awful to write about, fights and blood and what not. Nothing massively crazy has ever happened in my presence. Maybe everyone waits until I pass out? Then the party gets wild!

Maria DiLorenzo is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.