Fenster is a Berlin/NY quartet that has earned praise from the good music people at KEXP, The New Yorker, MTV, NYLON, Refinery29, BrooklynVegan, Team Coco, and NPR, who said “Fenster nails the male-female vocals and sparse, lo-fi sound.” Their sound has been comparable to The Velvet Underground, Broadcast or The xx.
As a lead-up to South by Southwest, The Noise Room is talking to bands and artists performing at SXSW. Here’s what Fenster had to say:
What do like most about playing at SXSW?
Well, this question implies that we like playing at SXSW…Maybe “like” is not the right word, BUT it’s a wild ride, definitely like no other festival. America on steroids, spring break, lots of free alcohol, just generally a sensory overload with alternating moments of pleasure and pain. Unforgettable.
Are there any bands or musicians that you are looking forward to checking out?
Our friends Japanther are gonna be there, they are always super fun, so def looking forward to see them. Apart from that it’s always great to wander through the madness and just follow your ears.
What are the challenges for you or your band when playing at SXSW?
Last time we got caught in some kind of parallel universe. We were supposed to play somewhere called the Loft with a promoter named Jennifer. When we got there we realized it was a different place called the Loft with a different promoter named Jennifer….What?? and we almost missed our real showcase. So basically, one of the biggest challenges is to get to the right places at the right times without being drunk, arrested or losing your shoes.
Do you have any survival tips for those attending SXSW?
Don’t lose your shoes! Drink lots of water! Don’t let anyone convince you to do things in the name of Jesus. Explore the backyards and gnarly bars full of bands you’ve never heard of. Avoid crowds, don’t wait in three hour lines to see Jesus and The Mary Chain and go to sleep once in a while. Word.
Are you more “stick around, check out music and enjoy the scene” or “play as many shows as possible then get out”?
First time we were like “whoah yeah, free shit! Crazy! What’s over there? Where am I? Yeah, boat rides!” but this time we’re going for more like “Play that show and that one too! And like, yeah, whatever!”
What are your SXSW Show Times?
March 10th – German Haus
March 11th – Parish Underground – 1PM
March 15th – Speakeasy Official Showcase 12AM-12:40AM
What is the best way for people to contact and connect with you?
www.fensterbones.com
www.facebook.com/fenstermusic
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Let’s hang out! Cool, laters, byeeeee. xoxo
