How did you get the name?
Ahhh, that's a complicated one. It's sort of named after a hospital in Paris, but you'd have to hear the new album to understand where the name really came from!
Why music?
I've been playing violin since I was 5 and don't really know anything else. I've always been fortunate enough to be involved with music and everyone in the band is in love with playing and performing. It may be a cliché to say, but it almost seems as if we don’t have a choice but to play!
Are you on a label now or doing your own thing? How did you make that choice?
Joe and I have our own label, Hotel Records. We decided to release the EP ourselves because we knew exactly how we wanted to handle doing it. It's been a real experience - we've sold nearly 2000 copies so far and people are buying them all over the world, which I find totally extraordinary!
What makes your band different?
I think there's a common link between most bands and us in that we're all passionate about what we do. But I suppose our use of classical musicians is rather different. And I have certain views on writing and singing songs - I was brought up listening to artists such as Billy Bragg and believe it's extremely important to sing in your own accent. And I try to stick to what I know, and from my past experiences when I write. It’s all very, well, writing an epic song about, for example, riding American highways on the back of a motorbike, but I haven’t even passed my driving test, so how can I possibly talk about something of which I have no experience? Having said this, perhaps my time during Austin will change this!
Why did you want to play SXSW and what do you most look forward to during your time in Austin?
The sheer volume of musicians arriving during the festival means that there’ll be a huge number of wild and wonderful people to bump into and talk with. I can’t wait! And it’s great to have the opportunity to play in front of a few people who may be able to help us get our music to the next level.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
excellent interview, Erin!
2 - Paul Knotter
Dear Amy,
I met you when we were both waiting for the bus on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles on Sat. 07.12.'08. You were going to Santa Monica.
We had a nice chat and you invited me to your performance at the Darby on Wed.
I was in my power chair and wearing my panama hat.
I've been to your sites and heard some of your songs.
I love the title and words to 'Everything'.
Looking forward to hear your live performance.
Thank you for being so nice.
Ciao,
Paul