Austinist Interviews SXSW: The Glass Family

The Glass Family is a talented indie-rock band from Austin that caters to fans of melodious, riff-friendly pop soundscapes. Although possibly a little under-rated as compared with (the hype associated with) other local outfits, their solid debut effort on i eat records, Sleep Inside This Wheel is chock full of multi-instrumental, well orchestrated pop-rock that does us just fine. Michael Winningham shared his thoughts with us recently.

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

Our first outing at SXSW, or at least our first showcase, was a bit exciting for me. I had really wanted to be a part of the festival, and felt especially proud of our band to make it in and be able to perform. I was so excited about playing that I wanted only the best performance we could possibly deliver. What took place was a bit overstated. Two songs into our performance, I was jumping up and down, kicking from the side of my guitar like Van Morrison in the Last Waltz, and probably playing incredibly off rhythm with the rest of the band. The show ended in me head-butting our lead guitarist. I think it is of note that we are not a band that creates music you head-butt, kick, or jump to.

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

Definitely. I think, at times, this festival is taken for granted. I'm really happy that SXSW was awarded festival of the year at the Plug Awards. I think you would be hard-pressed to find another festival where so much of the city is involved in the festivities. Something like CMJ in NY! I can't even imagine....you leave a club after performing and the rest of the city could care less. I think the festival is fun regardless of who you're trying to impress.

How do your parents describe your music to people?

"It sounds like the Beatles." She's way off base, but my mom has always been proud of my musical endeavors.

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

I'm not sure if I even know what to look forward to for 2007? Who's releasing records? For SXSW, I'm looking forward to the Public Enemy reunion, White Denim (a local band here in Austin who I love, but have never seen live), the Broken West on Merge Records, Andrew Bird, Tacks! the Boy Disaster, Midlake, Menomena, and so many others.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Ketchup.

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

Tacos no doubt, especially the migas taco at Mi Madres. Maredsous beer over any margarita on the planet...I don't drink margaritas. What?...... I think parties. How are parties and a distro deal related?

Is rock and roll dead?

No, but it's definitely diluted by the way people try to place so many sub-genres on it. Just think about how many people are aspiring musicians, and how many people are capable of releasing music, either self releasing or through small labels and up. It's a crowded field, and it's no wonder there's such a wide array of interpretation. Rock and Roll is definitely living, and in such an evolved existence that no one can keep track.

The Glass Family: [official site] [myspace]

Appearing at SXSW officially at Room 710, and unofficially at various venues.

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