It would be hard to go wrong by attending Sub Pop's SXSW showcase on March 14th. Seattle's little label that can has released some awfully wonderful records in their day: Nirvana, The Shins, The Postal Service, and Band Of Horses to name just a few. Don't you owe these guys the benefit of the doubt?

This year's Sub Pop party at Emo's IV will feature Oxford Collapse, Kinski, and Tiny Vipers, a one-woman band comprised of, well, Jesy Fortino. The Seattle-based Fortino has finished recording her debut album, and arrives to showcase her quiet, folk-based songs to we SXSWers. We recently spoke to her about bugs, burritos, and Simba.

How do your parents describe your music to people?

I don't know. They probably say they like my voice.

Is SXSW fun or business?

I'm not sure, I've never been. Hopefully it is fun. My friends have been telling me awful stories about Texas bugs, like brown recluse spiders and scorpions. I can't go into detail, because thinking about it makes me dizzy. Cockroaches and black widows!

I don't know if I'll be able to hang out outside too much. If I don't have to get my face amputated because i got bit by a brown recluse or if I don't get swallowed up by hundreds of unstoppable killer bees I'll have fun. Right?

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

I can't. I don't have any. Ben Cessner does - he lived there once (he is accompanying me when I play down there). I grew up in San Antonio, though. I once stepped on a caterpillar with a bare foot and it made me puking sick.

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

The record isn't out yet, but it is recorded. My favorite song in the studio was "A Forest On Fire." Because most of it was improvised, and that is more fun then playing the same part over and over again.

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

There isn't just one at all. There are hundreds. I think of the music I make as a mixture of all the different kinds of music I love, from Julee Cruise to Alastair Galbraith to The Lion King soundtrack.

Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?

Beer. I work at a burrito restaurant in Seattle.

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

Kinski.

What recent album can you not leave at home?

That Svarte Greiner record called "Knife" is a good album to hear when you are traveling. It's so dark and doomy, it makes everything seem intelligent and full of purpose. Even stupid shit like waiting in line.

Tiny Vipers play SXSW 2007 on Wednesday, 3/14 at 9pm at Emo's IV as part of the Sub Pop showcase.

[Tiny Vipers MySpace]
[Tiny Vipers - "Shipwreck" MP3]

Image via the Tiny Vipers SXSW showcase page.