Those of us familiar with SXSW Music Festival (South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas) know how pivotal it can be to a band’s career. The unknown can go from a no-name to the next big thing, the poor band can get signed and finally have money to support their hobby, every band can prove to the world that they have what it takes. For some, even a few bands, they simply don’t know how big SXSW really is. That is how it was for Office when they were asked to come play at this year’s festival.
Office's beginnings stems from, oddly enough, the creation of sculptures made of office supplies. Scott Masson (songwriter, producer, guitar, piano, and lead vocals) was in art school, living in London, and filling galleries with papers and cell phone sculptures and calling them “Office Sculpture 1” or “Office Sculpture 2.” In fact, the office theme was coming out in everything Scott Masson did, including an album he recorded upon his return to the US after living abroad. Yes, he did call it Office. Then, in Chicago, he met Alissa Noonan (bass guitar), Erica Corniel (drums and vocals), and Tom Smith (guitar and vocals) and now they collectively call themselves Office.
I had the chance to speak with Scott Masson about Office. And other than admitting they are a little nervous about playing SXSW because they didn’t realize just how important it was when they agreed to play, Scott had a few other things to share.
For those unfamiliar with Office, what do you want them to know?
Just that we are trying to spend a lot of time on our songs. Sure it is pop, but pop music is not necessarily easy to write. We work hard. Our goal right now is to get on a label that will allow this to be our day job. Then we can work even harder on our music. We are normal people, we read a lot, and have a good time. We aren’t in it for the parties. We are interested in making music and that is why we do what we do.
Where do you get your inspiration?
That’s a hard question to answer. I don’t know if it is social commentary or not. I normally don’t think about what a song means until I’ve written it and recorded it. Several months later, I might think “Oh, that’s what that song means.” But I am inspired by classic song themes like love, and politics, pop culture and sarcasm.
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