Frightened Rabbit Interview: SXSW 2010

Selkirk, Scotland indie rock band Frightened Rabbit formed as a solo project by singer/guitarist Scott Hutchison in 2003 and evolved into a full-fledged group before releasing its 'Sing The Greys' debut in 2006 and the critically acclaimed 'The Midnight Organ Fight' two years later. The quintet returns to North America to play SXSW in March in support of its 'The Winter of Mixed Drinks' follow-up, which comes out in March via Fat Cat Records. Frightened Rabbit had just returned to Scotland from an Australian tour when Hutchison spoke with Spinner.

Describe your sound in your own words.

I think we make pop music, in spite of the fact that it's not that popular.

How did your band form?

Slowly. One new member has been added each year for the past four years. We wanted to get things right.

What are your musical influences?

I have a bad memory, so it's generally something I've been listening to on the day of writing that seeps into the song.

How did you come up with your band name?

It's an old nickname. I don't like socializing much. I find it somewhat terrifying and generally end up in corners at parties alone with a few drinks around me, cowering like a woodland mammal. It's pathetic, I know.

What's your biggest vice?

Booze. It's been a good friend and a sneaky enemy.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Socks, boots (in the UK), painkillers, crossword compendium.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Paula Abdul. Oh, how I wished I was that suave, animated cat.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I never feel guilty listening to anything.

Beatles or Stones?

Stones -- and it's not even a close call. I never got the Beatles.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Visiting the set of 'The Office' in L.A. was like going to f---ing Disneyland. I got a page from Stanley's crossword book. We were like giddy children that day.