Roman Remains are UK/LA-based The Duke Spirit’s Liela Moss and Toby Butler. On March 4th the duo’s first album, Zeal, will drop under Dhani Harrison (George’s son)’s H.O.T. Records Ltd. Their recent shows in LA have been described as “Bjork meets Zola Jesus meets early NIN,” and the band is heading out on tour with Gary Numan and Big Black Delta. Designer Philip Lim cites Liela as his muse and her style inspired Alexander McQueen’s 2009 fashion line for Target.
As a lead-up to South by Southwest, The Noise Room is talking to bands and artists performing at SXSW. Here’s what Liela Moss of Roman Remains had to say:
What do like most about playing at SXSW?
Bumping in to friends from other tours and other countries who have all flocked to Austin to get fried.
Are there any bands or musicians that you are looking forward to checking out?
Nightmare Air, they are so fucking loud and mystic. Someone said NAS is playing? Would love to see him. Then there’s R.Ring with Kelly Deal from The Breeders (who were one of the bands that made me want to sing in my dreamy adolescence). Temples are really good from the UK. Hey, that is already enough to blow my mind and ears.
What are the challenges for you or your band when playing at SXSW?
Managing to stay standing up is the principal goal, and challenge.
Do you have any survival tips for those attending SXSW?
After every pair of Margaritas, drink a pint of water and smack yourself around the cheeks a little to keep the adrenal glands stimulated.
Are you more “stick around, check out music and enjoy the scene” or “play as many shows as possible then get out”?
When I first came as a wide eyed London girl of 19 it was most definitely the right thing to hang around. A few years later with my other band The Duke Spirit it got to Fear and Loathing territory, slamming drinks and tripping god knows where around town with my tribe. Now, with this Roman Remains record I want to play really good magical shows without a hangover or bruises of mysterious provenance. Hang around a bit, play well, take things at a stroll, remember the hotel address and the bands.
What are your SXSW Show Times?
Thursday March 13 – The Yahoo House at Brazos Hall – 8pm
Friday March 14 – Lively & INgrooves Day Party at Buffalo Billiards – 2:45pm
What is the best way for people to contact and connect with you?
www.romanremains.com
www.twitter.com/Roman_Remains
www.facebook.com/romanremains
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I am always thankful when I walk around Austin because it gave the world Bill Hicks.
