Austinist Interviews SXSW: Evangelicals

Norman, Oklahoma sounds like a fairly sedate, even mundane blip on the vast plain of Middle America...so of course they churn out psycho rock bands with names like Flaming Lips, Chainsaw Kittens, and latest blog darlings Evangelicals with the consistency of pubescent rabbits. With a full-length out on Austin's own Misra label, Evangelicals are livin' the dream; we talked to bandleader Josh Jones about audience antagonism, fecal pranks, and his cool parents.

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

Growing up in Oklahoma, Austin was the closest "cool city" at 6 hours away. In high school my friends and I would drive down for the weekend and New Year's and things like that. One New Year's eve in the mob scene of 6th street, my pals knocked over a porta-shitter with some poor soul inside. Terrible! Hilarious!

How do your parents describe your music to people?

I'm not sure, but they're big fans. My parents are tops!

Is rock and roll dead?

Judging by the size of SXSW, I'd say it's alive and well!

What music are you looking forward to in 2007? At SXSW specifically?

I'm not sure who's playing SXSW, but I'm hoping Antony makes another record this year.

Is SXSW still fun if most of the people watching you play are industry?

Playing in front of people is always cool... unless they hate you, and then it's still great in an us vs. them sorta way.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Diarrhea.

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

I like fish tacos a lot. Margaritas are okay, I don't really drink much beer at SXSW cause you've got long days of runnin' around and I'd end up fallin' asleep somewhere. Pastries!