Local indie heroes the Black Heart Procession and up-and-comers Maren Parusel will be heading to Austin, Texas, to perform at the South By Southwest music festival in a couple weeks, but before they do, they're going to play a warm-up show in town.
The two bands will be part of a Requiemme Management's official SxSW showcase, along with fellow locals Gun Runner and the Hot Moon, New York's Jesse Malin, and L.A.'s Light FM. The four local bands will participate in a SxSW preview at the Soda Bar on March 15.
In anticipation of their Soda Bar show, Black Heart Procession leadman Pall Jenkins and the members of Maren Parusel's band (including Ms. Parusel herself) sent us lists of their influences. Check 'em out below.
Pall Jenkins' influences
1. Hot air balloons: I like the highs and lows; people are often full of hot air.
2. Neurology: I've been researching the brain, trying to figure our why we don't use more of it.
3. Fantasy Drag: It's kinda like fantasy football, but you do drag shows.
4. Money: There isn't much I wouldn't do for it.
5. Fruit Suit: I saw a friend dress up in a suit made of fruit.
Maren Parusel's favorite songs
"Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John: When I'm on the road.
"Miles Away" by Sleepy Jackson: When I'm homesick.
"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun: When I wanna dance.
"The American in Me" by the Avengers: For my '77 punk rock inside-me.
"Hey That's No Way to Say Goodbye" by Leonard Cohen: For when it's just one of those days.
"Come On Come On" by Cheap Trick: When I'm in a dive bar.
"Starman" by David Bowie: When I'm at work.
'I Feel it All" by Feist: When I feel it all. :)
Gabriela Sanchez's influences
1. Contemporary composer Kodaly: In college, I wanted to challenge myself and I was tired of playing the typical "classical" pieces for small ensemble, so I decided to try a trio composed by Kodaly and it was amazing. I've loved his music ever since.
2. Mozart: He is obviously a well known composer, but his "Requiem" is one of my most favorite pieces of work. In all of its greatness, you can hear and feel the darkness and sadness of a man close to death.
Kyle McGee's influences
"I suppose I would have to go with Bowie and the Smiths."
Eric Brozgold's influences
I grew up listening to rock & roll with my dad: Aerosmith, AC/DC, Ted Nugent. Those bands brought so much energy and passion into their music. I try to portray that level of energy in any music I play, whether it be on the heavier rock side or more melodic and technical.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
