Exene Cervenka Interview: SXSW 2010

Perhaps best known as co-lead singer of Los Angeles punk legends X, Exene Cervenka has been writing and releasing solo material for decades. Whereas X were brash and loud, Cervenka's solo work is more folky and melody-driven. Cervenka took time out from SXSW preparations to talk to Spinner about her music, her first crush and where she gets her inspiration.

Describe your sound in your own words.

What I'm doing now is very much folk. I don't know how to describe it, but I guess it's folk-pop music.

How did you get started doing your solo work, and how has it changed over the years?

Well, it's changed completely over the years! It got kind of punk rock-y and rock 'n' roll-y. I just wanted to do music where you could hear the words, and where the instrumentation was really beautiful and moving, and not just guys bashin' away on guitars.

What are the major differences between performing on your own and with X?

Hmm ... everything. The major differences it that you're just -- you're alone. When you're in a band like X, it's a powerful force, and you're more than just one person. The solo project is really intimate and immediate. It's not about cathartic explosions of music.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Ricky Nelson, 'Hello Mary Lou.' It was just music -- I fell in love with music before I fell in love with people.

What's in your festival survival kit?

My personal assistant. She's enough.

Anyone you're looking forward to checking out at SXSW this year?

Yeah, I wanna see Death -- you know, the band from Detroit? I'm really interested in seeing them. I haven't checked past my own schedule. I have seven shows in three days, so I don't know what I'll get to see.

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

Come on! Jeez... I've seen so much! You know what? That's a terrible question for me, and to tell the truth, I kind of avoid stuff like that. I've actually lived a pretty careful life.

What's your biggest vice?

My biggest vice? I'm vice-less.