Music
Rah Rah talks SXSW preparation
by Samantha Everts
March 18, 2011
Regina pop-rock band Rah Rah just returned from touring Europe with Wintersleep and are showing no signs of slowing down. They’re headed South. South by South West actually, and they’re taking their new 3 song EP called Sailors (Young Rival Records) with them. Set to be released March 22, they hope to share with eager industry audiences the tracks that didn’t make it onto the Breaking Hearts LP.
The 6-piece band has two planned indie showcases at SXSW’s Canada Stage from March 16 to March 18 with fellow Canucks Shad, Bahamas, P.S. I Love You and many more. AUX caught up with vocalist/bassist/drummer Joel Passmore to talk about how the band is going to prepare for their take-over of the hot Texas streets.
Do you feel that Europe prepared you for SXSW, or did touring with Wintersleep do it?
Touring in the States with Minus the Bear in December prepared us more for South by South West. You end up with the current of where the festival takes you. The first time I went [with Despistato] I had lots of plans and wanted to see all these bands. I did my best but I didn’t eat or sleep for four days.
So because you’ve gone to SXSW before and some of your bandmates haven’t, how are you going to prepare them or what kind of advice would you share?
We’ve applied for a couple of years and we finally got in. They know what’s going on. They’ll understand it’s like NXNE only it’s condensed in only three or four blocks. We’ve been on tour enough. They only thing I’d say is drink lots of water.
Is it at all intimidating knowing that there are so many bloggers and press criticizing you? Like whenever you play you’re making yourself vulnerable but this time it’s amplified thousands of times through different media outlets.
We never really thought of results of a show on blogs. We just want to do the best we can and hope the people attending enjoy themselves. I never really got the vibe on NXNE or Canadian Music Week or SXSW were that different other than there’s a thousand other bands playing within the vicinity and you get an opportunity to meet some cool people. I feel like if someone doesn’t want to be our friend based on our show, maybe they don’t need to be our friends!
Are there any artists you’re looking forward to seeing particularly?
I’m going to try to see Wu-Tang Clan and the Cool Kids. Everyone like the Great Lake Swimmer’s we’re playing with I’ll actually stay for the whole show because it’s such a stacked bill of great Canadian music. The first time I had a big schedule and exhausted myself. The nice thing about the first time I went is that I stumbled into a TV on the Radio show when they had just released their first record. I had no idea who they were.
You’re going to be playing with Dinosaur Bones and Shad. Are you at all intimidated by the calibre of bands you are going to be showcased with?
A little bit. I don’t know if we’ll be any more nervous because of our surroundings. We’ve played with Dinosaur Bones. I’m nervous to meet Shad; I really love his albums and Buck 65? He’s the guy.
But are you bringing your lucky mascot with you?
James Brown. He’s actually our tour manager. He’s a robot cat that runs on C- Batteries. He keeps us going when all else fails.
Is he coming to SXSW with you?
Oh yeah! He came to Europe in my carry-on and I got some interesting looks through security.
That’s incredible. “Is that an electronic device in your bag, sir?
[Laughs.] No, it’s a cat.
Are you going to be playing any new songs or revealing any new merchandise for SXSW?
We have a new EP called The Sailors coming out the week after. It’s a bit different. They’re three songs that we’re really happy with but didn’t fit with the album. It’s a nice bridge for us to come home and record. Hopefully by this time next year we’ll have a new record. It’s something in the meantime for folks.
Outside of the music is there anything in Texas that you really want to try to fit in?
Just as much barbecue as possible for me. It might be tough for some of the veggies in the band but I guess that leaves more meat for me. [Laughs.]
