Austinist Interviews SXSW: The Trucks

Bellingham, WA's The Trucks carry on the loud-and-proud post-riot grrl tradition of acts like Peaches, Le Tigre, and The Gossip, playing guitarless, keyboard-driven pop-punk that'd be perfect for your little sister's sleepover if their hit single wasn't called "Titties." Maybe it is anyway. Depends on your sister. Anyhow we got to chat with singer/visual artist Marissa Moore, who also doesn't get why the SXSW schedule isn't up yet.

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

I'm sad to say i've never been before, but I once saw this adult puppet show that was touring from there. The Austin puppets are pretty kinky. I hope they come to our show, we could use some back up dancers. I'm gonna call them.

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

Maybe it'll be less "dance party" and more "talent show." which i'd be excited about since i've never been in a talent show before. I was always kind of sad about that.
Hopefully it'll be both "dance party" and "talent show," as well as family bonding time and a reflection on what's really important, like that pageant scene in Little Miss Sunshine when the 7 year old does a strip-tease and her family's really proud.

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

I like "Titties" best, because i like saying "You can't even get it up into first/let alone get it up into my driveway," which is the perfect way to put it. While we do this one little dance, and I get to make all the animal sounds.

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

Yes, many; the entire genre of what i call heartbroke-emo-pop. Whatever, no big loss, those boys are babies!

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

The Glow Part 2 by Mount Eerie (previously The Microphones) from Anacortes, WA. he's really experimental with his composition, includes sounds from the natural environment and has beautiful dark lyrics. I realized the music i like best is slightly abrasive. An element of surprise.

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Yes, i think it's progressive people sharing ideas artistically. I think the definition is opening up. and I think these days it includes visual art, film, writing, and other performance as well. Maybe the Rock Band is less a symbol of rebellion against the system than it used to be, but it's still a path for new ideas and attitudes to spread. It brings people together and it's fun. Isn't that rock and roll?

Is SXSW fun or business?

We're not bringing our suits and ties, but we are bringing our jump ropes, maps, metal detectors, glitter, binoculars, cameras, and sunblock. That sounds fun!

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

I heard this one rumor that David Bowie and Mick Jagger got "together," if you know what i mean, and i'm pretty sure my entire band would be interested in opening for that one. Gosh, i really hope that rumor is true. Please let me know, if you know. Or just tell Mick to tell me.

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

Lindy and I are taking the private jet, and making Faith and Kristin hitch-hike with all our equipment. Well, we didn't make them. We drew straws. It was fair and square. Once we get there, we'll probably rent bikes.

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

The Blow-Paper Television, or The Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Show Your Bones for this
year, and Johnny Cash and The Clash for all time. My friend made me one combined, called Johnny Clash, and actually that's the one i don't leave home without.

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

I heard a rumor Morrissey will be there Weds or Thurs. Is that true? Morrissey!! Some people might think this is heartbroke-emo-pop, but it is not. It's more celibate, and that makes it weirdly supernatural and amazing. Have you heard "I Have Forgiven Jesus"?? Amazing!!

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?

I skim. Usually I'm researching some hot date...hey, why isn't the schedule for SXSW up yet? I could have used it on the last question.

How would your parents describe your music?

My mom says smart and bratty, and honest. She's surprised, because i was never a
show-off before. She didn't even believe i was really in a band for like 2 years, and I was scared to have them come to my show because i thought they'd be too shocked, but one day they were in town so they came, and i just gave my dad all my drink tix so he wouldn't notice the lyrics, and what do you know they were in the front row dancing
the whole show, and have been ever since. They tell all their friends, and are really helping expand our 50-100 year old demographic.

Is rock and roll dead?

i'm hoping the secret is expanding the 50-100 year old demographic.

What music are you looking forward to in 2007?

there's a Seattle artist, Tiny Vipers. I have her demo, which she made herself, and it's amazing. And she just got signed to sub-pop so I CAN'T WAIT to see what they end up with. Hopefully it'll be a 2007 release.

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

Yes.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Kristin's tooth.

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

Tacos and beer! Both with lots of lime, and a slip and slide, and please invite Hot Chip. All the above.

Trucks website