Centro-Matic Interview: SXSW 2010

Having released 16 full-length albums and a handful of EPs, Centro-matic -- including its alternate incarnation, South San Gabriel -- is arguably the most prolific in the indie era. Frontman Will Johnson uses the groups as a vehicle for his poetic, introspective style of endless Americana. With Matt Pence on drums, Scott Danbom on fiddle and keys, and Mark Hedman on bass and guitar, the band has toured the US and Europe countless times and captured a cult-like following along the way. After taking several months off for adult activities and Johnson's numerous solo and side projects, Centro-matic is back in the studio and back at SXSW. Spinner recently spoke with Johnson about the long history of the band and what he has learned along the way.

What has been happening with Centro-matic?

We scattered for awhile by design. In 2008, we spent a good bit of time [as Centro-matic and South San Gabriel] on the road in both the U.S. and Europe. It felt good, but we chose to take a breather. Some of that choice was economy-based. If there has ever been a time to lay low, this is the proper time. I ran off to do a solo album and a Woody Guthrie archive project. Mark [Hedman, bassist] and his wife had a baby. We did adult stuff, but in August, we reconvened and started work on a new record.

Describe your sound in your own words?

With Centro-matic, there's certainly an earthy rawness we like to flirt with from time to time.

How did your band form?

Kind of on a dare. We played two shows before we had one rehearsal. It was a matter of, "Let's meet at the venue and play these songs super-loud." We met, played live and turned our amps up.

What are your musical influences?

Authors just as much as musicians, but old-time country like Johnny Cash and Porter Wagoner. I moved to Memphis soul stuff, then I discovered the Replacements, Black Flag, and it evolved from there. As far as authors, I like [William] Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Thomas Wolfe, Larry Brown.

How did you come up with your band name?

It was the model name of an accordion I own. I was making four-track recordings at my house, and I needed an identifiable name to label the cassettes.

What's your biggest vice?

Coffee.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Water and a phone. SXSW is an ideal place to overhear good phone conversations.

What have you learned about the music business?

You need to have resilience and a good sense of humor.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Phoenix. It grew on me.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles, but that's difficult. Some friends of mine get in these big arguments. They've been going on for eight to ten years. I've really weighed it out. I love both bands a lot, but the Beatles because of the depth of their output.

Would you recommend high school students pursue careers in music if they are so inclined?

Absolutely. Music is the highest form of communication I can find amongst humans.



Caroline Collier is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.