Elizabeth and the Catapult Pity Justin Bieber' Grammy Loss -- Exclusive Video

Gino DePinto for AOL

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth and the Catapult has been categorized as the face of the New York "downtown sound." After recording her first album, 'Taller Children,' with acclaimed producer and Bright Eyes member Mike Mogis, the band set out to record a follow-up that was inspired by Leonard Cohen's 'Book of Longing.'

"I don't believe in killing your idols until you've quoted them on your album," the singer told Spinner.

Ziman also spoke of her good friend Esperanza Spalding, who won a Grammy for best new artist and was subsequently lambasted by rabid Justin Bieber fans.

"Poor guy. I kind of paused on [Bieber's] face while she won the award, because it was a little bit of a scene for him and I feel bad for him but she's so talented, she actually practices every day of her life, she's actually a virtuoso on the bass," Ziman said. "She played on my first album and she's been a huge inspiration to me, so I think she deserves it."

Check out the band's SXSW Top 100 Profile and watch the full interview with Elizabeth and the Catapult below. Visit AOL Music's SXSW site for more Live from Austin video interviews.