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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Descartes a Kant
Our SXSW2010 series of 10 questions for 20 acts continues with SXSW veterans Descartes a Kant of Guadalajara, Mexico. They’re a flamboyant live act with sexy singers and a band that knows their Zappa. Singer/ guitarist Sandrushka Petrova answered our questions via email.
1. Do you have a favorite moment of playing SXSW the past couple years?
The first time we were invited (2008) was a remarkable experience! We had a major downer as we were going through the Mexico-US border crossing the keyboard player was not allowed in to the U.S. (for very stupid reasons)…so suddenly we were now a member short,and the situation tended to be very stressful and also melodramatic. We were actually very nervous and scared of what was our show going to be like… However at the end of our show, the audience made us feel like we had rocked. It might not have been our best show but it put our problem solving capabilities to the test!
2. What’s something you can get in Austin that you can’t get in Guadalajara?
This is gonna sound terrible probably, but i guess everything!ahaha…We love our country, but we particulary think that the vibe of Austin is so amazing! People are very nice and hospitable…but mostly we were amazed at the organization of the festival, especially for an event of that magnitude.
3. Who are some of the acts you’ve discovered at SXSW?
“St.Vincent” last year! We totally loved her music and now we are huge fans of hers! Also a band from New York called “KISS KISS.” So brutal and awesome! Amanda Palmer. I just cried on her show, it was such an experience!)
4. This year, an artists wristband will get you in to four days of panels. Do you think you’ll spend more time at panels or day parties?
Panels, definitly panels! We hope we can organize ourselves to not miss anything important!
5. Any estimate on how much it’s going to cost the band to come to SXSW?
UHHHHHHHH A LOT!!! i are going to have to pawn our souls in a store!
6. What will you miss most about Guadalajara when you’re away?
The vegetables!! The American food is so processed, but I can’t deny it is the best junk food ever!
7. The band is notorious for its costumes. What’s the craziest you’ve ever dressed up?
Every outffit has his own personality but i think the devils in diapers is the most fun character!
8. Who are some of your US influences?
We admire so many artists not only musicians that I don’t know where to start. Just to mention a few: Mr. Bungle and Mike Patton’s projects, the Locust, Blood Brothers,Danny Elfman, Regina Spektor, the Dresden Dolls, Laurie Anderson…
9. Mexican influences?
We admire a few bands from here like Clondementto, Hong Kong Blood Opera ,Gogo Frenezi, Vicente Gayo, Gloria Trevi, ahaha.
10. Your SXSW set last year was plagued with sound problems, but it didn’t show onstage. How bummed out were you?
Frankly, we have been trough so many horrible unexpected things on stage, that I assume we are finally trained to deal with these things! We won’t ever have total control of the circunstances of the shows, but we do get to choose if we have fun doing what we do. always!
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