Since 1987 South by Southwest has been held in Austin, Texas and quickly grew to be one of the biggest events in not only music, but art as well. Musicians are come from all over the country to perform at SXSW, including several from the Twin Cities. We took the opportunity to reach out and catch up with some of the artists heading down to Austin.

The Von Tramps

(Melodic Noise) How is your day going?
(The Von Tramps) Jawsome

(MN) How did the South by Southwest tour come about for you?
(TVT) We initially booked one show in Austin and were just going to drive down for one show and call it our SXSW mini tour. As soon as we started sharing that we were coming down, bands started reaching out to us to help and we knew we had to make it a full tour. Viqueen helped us out a ton in making this happen and we owe them many many beers. We shared a stage with them at The Liar’s Club Chicago last year and can’t wait to hit the south with them again. Check them out on Spotify: Viqueen.

(MN) Have you ever been to SXSW before?
(TVT) None of us have which is why we wanted to go even if we didn’t have the opportunity to play. We’re big fans of a lot of the local and international bands that are coming.

(MN) Are you going to catch any other performances while you are there?
(TVT) Hopefully at least one or more of The Many Colored Death, Soul Asylum, Gully Boys, 4 On The Floor and 드링킹소년소녀합창단 (Drinking Boys and Girls Choir) to name just a few.

(MN) What does it mean personally to be able to say you played SXSW?
(TVT) It’s one of the biggest festivals in the country in the live music capital of the world with the most diverse draw of musicians, styles and artists. So yeah, we’re stoked!

(MN) Anything special planned for the SXSW crowd?
(TVT) New songs and New Covers for sure! We also have some sweet new merch and stickers to giveaway. This is The Von Tramps first time in Texas so unless you’re following us down from Minnesota, everything is new.

(MN) Are you playing any new cities on this tour?
(TVT) Omg yes! Austin, San Antonio, Denton, St. Louis, Bloomington, Indianapolis. All cities we’ve never played. Check out our full tour here: https://www.songkick.com/artists/8888874-von-tramps

(MN) What have you been up to since the release of Sun’s Out; Strung Out!?
(TVT) We had our blow out release at the Turf Club, played a ska festival in Seattle and had a mini Midwest tour last fall and played Punk The Burbs in Chicago. We also host a Tramp Jam festival in Pequot Lakes that is our favorite show of the year. We made a few videos too so check us out on YouTube. We just released New Years Day in December and Summer Nights comes out this spring!

(MN) How have fans reacted to Sun's Out; Strung Out!?
(TVT) They love the songs and the cover art. People like to tell us their awful breakup stories now. We were picked up by Rodney Bingenheimer’s Little Steven's Underground Garage and we still can’t believe he’s playing us weekly. TNN radio, Orange County Music News and KXFM Laguna Beach have been a huge support. We also started getting international radio in 64 countries!

(MN) What do you enjoy most about going on tour?
(TVT) Just sitting in a van and driving around together. We definitely make our own fun. Every city, every show is a new adventure with new bands and fans. And of course, playing shows. It’s the best feeling in the world. Being On the road with best friends.

(MN) Do you have a go-to restaurant while on tour?
(TVT) Starbucks, In N Out, Taco Bell, repeat.

(MN) What is the worst part of tour?
(TVT) Laundry.

(MN) What venue are you most excited to play?
(TVT) Probably the Liar’s Club because we’re playing with our old friends Viqueen. After that, it’s probably the James Ballantine VFW because it’s a huge room and we’re opening for The Dollyrots!

(MN) What are you going to listen to while you're in the tour van?
(TVT) Chelsea usually makes us a playlist of The Dollyrots, Green Day, Blink, Bombpops, Distillers, Anti-Flag, etc. We also love TNN Radio, My Favorite Murder and Call Your Girlfriend! We love you: Jimmy, Randi, Karen, Georgia, Amina, Ann, & Gina!!!

(MN) What excuse do you have for not listening to our Twin Cities' sound playlist for the entire tour? (Joking)
(TVT) Oh we totally will. The new Bugsy is in there so by the time tour starts hopefully the whole EP will be out. Thank you so much for supporting local music!

(MN) Are there any special fans or people you’d like to give a shout out to?
(TVT) Omg where do we start?! Cliff, Kayla, Stephanie, Katie, Mr. and Mrs. Oxborough, The Kath, Jeff, Emily, Jro, Justin, Bob & Ardi, Robin At Liftbridge, Jessica at The Parkway, Andrea, Victor, Tara, Sorry Scout, James, Jimmy, Randi, Rodney, Cindy, Angiest, Froggy, Sarah, Colin, Michael, Gwen, Cheryl, and Mel! Thank you for supporting us and see you at the show!

Interview by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner @PlaylistTC