Pack the Van: Utah Hits SXSW

Music Interviews

Max Pain and the Groovies
Dallin Smith – Guitar
Kallan Campbell – Bass
David Johnson – Vocals/Keys
Troy Coughlin – Drums

Shane Preece – Guitar

Max Pain and the Groovies are sure to bring skateboards and clean pairs of undies and socks when they hit the road.
Max Pain and the Groovies are sure to bring skateboards and clean pairs of undies and socks when they hit the road.
 
SLUG: Is this your first time going to SXSW as a band?
MPG: No, we went last year. It was way rad.
SLUG: You’re playing unofficial shows—is it difficult finding places to play?
MPG: The past year, and this year, we’ve been lucky enough to meet people through touring who ask us to play their events at SXSW.
SLUG: What are the perks and challenges of going unofficially?
MPG: There really are no challenges. Either way, it’s a party in Austin.
SLUG: What are your expectations for the festival?
MPG: We expect to see a lot of good shows, meet awesome people and soak up some rays.
SLUG: Are you compiling a special SXSW set list? What are you going to play?
MPG: We’ve been writing a lot of new songs, so it’s gonna be an all-around new setlist.
SLUG: There are thousands of bands playing the festival—how do you plan to stand out?
MPG: “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” [–Hunter S. Thompson]
SLUG: Are you taking any special merch, or any merch at all? If so, what?
MPG: We plan on taking some shirts, tank tops (for the hot Austin sun) and our most recent EP.
SLUG: Any bands playing that you’re hoping to catch while you’re there?
MPG: Fuck … so many. We are excited to see the Burger Records’ and Lolipop Records’ showcases.
SLUG: Are you touring into/after SXSW, or are you heading straight there and back?
MPG: We’re playing a handful of dates on the way to and from SXSW. Then we embark on our two-month- long U.S. tour, starting from the Treefort Music Festival in Boise.
SLUG: How are you getting to SXSW?
MPG: The Delta Limousine, baby.
SLUG: What’s a must-have road trip item for the band?
MPG: Skateboards, some fresh socks and undies, and hooch.
SLUG: Top 5 songs on your road trip playlist?
MPG: Unfortunately, our CD player is broken so we tune into whatever radio waves come our way.