Seattle troubadour Rocky Votolato specializes in the kind of wispy, unadorned folk music that earns most singer-songwriters unwelcome Dylan comparisons. Luckily, Votolato has forged a path all his own, one that's led him from his native Texas to the gray skies of Seattle and a place on indie powerhouse Barsuk's roster. We got a look at his plans for this year:

Is SXSW fun or business?

It's all about the Barsuk party!!!

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

The Band - when they were touring on Music From Big Pink.
What’s your mode of transportation for the week going to be? Tell us about your van, car, caravan, bus or donkey.

I'm riding in with my brother's band Slender Means in a 15 passenger van. Super original.

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

In 2006: Lucero - Rogues, Rebels, and Sworn Brothers

Bob Dylan - The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?

I've never even looked at it.

Any previous trips to Austin? Betcha something fun happened-share it please.

Last year I caught the flu and was high as shit on DayQuil the entire time. This year I'm looking forward to enjoying myself :)

Rocky Votolato website