Yellow Red Sparks – SXSW Artist Interview

Yellow Red Sparks has developed the unique ability to take seemingly normal circumstances and turn them into vividly honest and beautiful scenes. This California-based indie-folk group has garnered attention from an extensive range of tastemakers (including NPR, and won two OC Music Awards in the Best Folk category as well as taking out the Grand Prize in the International Song Writing Competition. They have also opened for the likes of Local Natives, Sea Wolf, The Jezabels, and Aqualung.

As a lead-up to South by Southwest, The Noise Room is talking to bands and artists performing at SXSW. Here’s what Yellow Red Sparks had to say:

What do like most about playing at SXSW?

All of the different personalities and genres of music coming together for a solid week is inspiring. It’s also an incredible city and festival to be a part of.

Are you out promoting anything?

We are still promoting our debut record and we also have a new music video coming out for the song “Happiness Comes In A Box”. Check it!

Are there any bands or musicians that you are looking forward to checking out?

Hmmm… Would love to see Angel Olsen again. She’s amazing! Been meaning to catch Avi Buffalo for a while now. Ummm, looking forward to enjoying some of the bands that we’ve known for a while now like Francisco The Man, Hey Marseilles and The Colourist…I’m leaving out a ton.

What are the challenges for you or your band when playing at SXSW?

The biggest challenge is staying energized. It’s honestly one of the most exhausting times for any band with a full schedule, but we’re pretty good at pulling through. No babies here.

Do you have any survival tips for those attending SXSW?

Drink lots of water and take a Xanax (not with alcohol).

Are you more “stick around, check out music and enjoy the scene” or “play as many shows as possible then get out”?

We are definitely there to work and try keep ourselves as busy as possible while away from our families, but we can always sneak in some “us” time.

What are your SXSW Show Times?

Tues, March 11 @ 3:30pm – Red Bull Stage – The Rooftop on Sixth (403 E. 6th Street)
Tues, March 11 @ 9pm – Red Gorilla Showcase – Bourbon Girl (212 E. 6th Street)
Wed, March 12 @ 8pm – The Green Room @ The Brew Exchange (706 West Sixth Street)
Thurs, March 13 @ 5pm – Manic Fest Destiny (Villam Showcase) – Rusty’s (405 E 7th Street)
Fri, March 14 @ 1pm – Red Gorilla Showcase – HandleBar (121 E. 5th Street)
Fri, March 14 @ 4pm – Music Saves Lives – Fire House Lounge (605 Brazos Street)
Fri, March 14 @ 8pm – Future of Music Showcase – Shiner’s Saloon (422 Congress Ave)
Sat, March 15 @ 3:40pm – Set.fm Showcase – Hyde Park

What is the best way for people to contact and connect with you?

www.yellowredsparks.com
www.twitter.com/yellowredsparks
www.facebook.com/yellowredsparksband

Is there anything you’d like to add?

We love the city of Austin and thank you for the questions!