Austinist Interviews SXSW: Architecture in Helsinki

Architecture in Helsinki is an enterprising collective of musicians adept at relaying diverse and distinct sounds in unison, and they bring their eclectic catalogue (and promise of a new record) to Austin this March for the annual SXSW music festival. The band’s multi-instrumentation utilizes the usual goodness (guitars, drums, bass), along with synthesizers, horns, a variety of percussion, assorted audio samples; the list is long but it all adds to the band’s flair and unique sound. Architecture in Helsinki was formed in the state of Victoria, and currently calls Melbourne their home. James Cecil met Cameron Bird (one of the founding members) at art school in 2000, and eventually took up drums in Aussie band’s line-up. He was also kind enough to answer some of our questions.

Share a story about a visit to Austin or a previous trip to SXSW.

On my first trip to SXSW, I was suffering from an eye infection which I made worse by drinking all day, and eating only pizza for a week. I could barely open one eye, and was bathing my eye on the sidewalk with a blue plastic eyebath every couple of hours -- getting a lot of strange looks. People thought I was either bawling or on some heavy drugs. Also, seeing Mark Wilson from Jet singing a karaoke version of Toto's "Hold The Line" - unbelievable!

Is SXSW fun or business?

Fun is our business.

Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?

I'm happy to say it is always fun to play an AIH show and there is much playing to be done in Austin.

What’s your favorite song on the new record? Why?

"Heart It Races": it’s a song you can sing to someone and they'll get the whole picture, even without the rest of the music.

Is there an album an ex ruined for you that you’ll never be able to reclaim?

None that I can think of, but I think I may have ruined "What’s Going On" (Marvin Gaye) for someone, which is a horrible thing to live with.

Name one record that has influenced you (musically, or otherwise) the most.

Today, it’s Gilberto Gil: "Espresso 2222".

If you could open for any artist living or dead, in any era of their career, who would it be?

Jimi Hendrix - what a cliche!

What album of 2006 can you not leave at home? All time?

Justin Timberlake: "FutureSex/LoveSound"; All time - Can: "Ege Bamyasi"

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

The Hoodoo Gurus

What’s your mode of transportation for the week going to be? Tell us about your van, car, caravan, bus or donkey.

Bicycles are looking good.

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?

Absolutely, it’s my link to the world of indie gossip.

How do your parents describe your music to people?

Music people would dance to, if people danced.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Monkey knuckles.

BBQ or Tacos? Margaritas or beer? Parties or distro deal?

Tacos and margaritas, I'm watching my figure. And distro!

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Yes, and it’s cheaper than ever!!

Architecture in Helsinki: [official site] [myspace]

Appearing at SXSW at an undisclosed time in an undisclosed location.

Photo from Architecture in Helsinki’s MySpace, Author Unknown.