Interview: Amy May of Paris Motel

Every year, bands from around the globe flock to Austin to play during the South by Southwest Music Festival. Some bands are all the rage on the radio, some bands have been household names for decades, and some bands are hoping SXSW will be their big break to be the “next big thing.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival and with it brings some of the best musical talent the world has ever known.

To start this year’s glimpse into the greatness of SXSW Music is the London-based Paris Motel. A little bit classical, a little bit folk, throw in a few other ingredients and all parts original and it isn’t hard to see why Amy May’s ever-changing and effervescent ensemble was included in the 2006 SXSW lineup. And who better to learn more about Paris Motel from than Amy herself?

Who are the members of Paris Motel?

That's a complicated question - I'm the 'boss' of the band and write and arrange all the songs and manage everyone. Then we have four other main members; Joe, who plays drums; his brother Mike, who plays bass guitar and sings the harmonies; Paul who plays electric and acoustic guitar; and a keyboard player. For SXSW, we are being joined by Charlie Williams from Mira Mira as our keyboardist, as Ruth (who plays for us in the UK) couldn't make it over to the States. Then we have a constantly changing group of classical instrumentalists who play with us. During our stay in Austin some incredible musicians—a vocal quartet, a bassoonist, a flautist, and three string players—all from The University of Texas will join us. They're amazing.

What are each of your backgrounds and how did you all come together?

I was a professional viola player, doing lots of quartet, session, and orchestral work. I've always done arranging for other bands and felt that I'd like to start my own. I wrote a demo album in my room (as so many do) and was joined by Joe and Mike, who have been in bands together for years and are consequently the most amazing unit. Then Paul got in touch after seeing us do a gig last summer. And we've been inseparable ever since!

Article Author: Cara de Pescado

In real life she's Erin McMaster, but Cara de Pescado is one of the fortunate ones to be considered a Masked Movie Snob. She puts her fins to work and writes Reviews From A Fishbowl.

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