Saskatoon’s Slow Down, Molasses is a five-piece indie rock collective described as “the Broken Social Scene of the prairies” by Toronto’s Exclaim! Magazine. They take cues from the wide-open spaces of their home, crafting expansive, texture-heavy pop songs that are prone to breaking into storm squalls of drone, delay and feedback.
As a lead-up to South by Southwest, The Noise Room is talking to bands and artists performing at SXSW. Here’s what Slow Down, Molasses had to say:
What do like most about playing at SXSW?
This is our first time playing, though I did speak on a panel last year. It seems like such a ridiculous/amazing event, with so many bands that we’ve played shows with from all over the world. It feels like summer camp for band junkies in their 20s/30s. It’ll be great! Especially considering it may well be -30C (-22F) here in Saskatoon, while it is +30C in Austin.
Are you out promoting anything?
We are previewing our new album, Burnt Black Cars, that should come out in late summer/early fall 2014. You can get an early preview with a remix of one of the songs, City Sublet, that we released as a flexi disc late last year on our bandcamp – slowdownmolasses.bandcamp.com/track/city-sublet
Are there any bands or musicians that you are looking forward to checking out?
Tons, though I’m doing my best to not get my hopes up of seeing everyone. Big one’s I’m looking forward to seeing are Ex-Hex, Angel Olsen, Perfume Genius, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Buffalo Daughter…..and I’m sure a couple dozen more that I am forgetting.
What are the challenges for you or your band when playing at SXSW?
I’m sure just getting peoples attention over the dozens of other shows happening. That an actually getting our gear to the venue. I’m sure it will be a logistical nightmare, but, whatever, we are looking forward to playing a lot and can’t wait to get down there.
Do you have any survival tips for those attending SXSW?
Drink as much water as you drink booze, bring a phone charger, don’t pay for food.
Are you more “stick around, check out music and enjoy the scene” or “play as many shows as possible then get out”?
We’re more play as many shows as possible and between our own shows, stick around and see as many shows and friends as possible. We are all just huge music fans, so when we play festivals we all tend to be checking out as many shows as we can whenever we aren’t playing.
What are your SXSW Show Times?
Tuesday, March 11 – The Majestic – Breakout West Interactive Showcase – 5:00pm
Thursday, March 13 – SXSW Showcase, presented by Breakout West, Friends Bar – 11:00pm
Friday, March 14 – SaskMusic/Alberta Music Canada House Show – Friends Bar – 4:30pm
Saturday, March 15 – Music For Listeners Day Party at El Sapo – 6:00pm
Best way for people to contact and connect:
www.slowdownmolasses.ca
www.facebook.com/slowdownmolasses
www.twitter.com/slowdownmolasse
Is there anything you’d like to add?
As noted above, we love playing shows, so if anyone is looking for an additional band for their day party, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
