Mime Game – SXSW Artist Interview

The alternative band, Mime Game, released their new EP, Do Your Work, on October 1st, 2013 recorded in LA with Rick Parker (Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jewel, Sugar Cult) and partially recorded at Scott Weiland’s (Stone Temple Pilots) studio. With inspired offerings from every band member, Do Your Work showcases insightful lyrics, strong rhythms, meaty bass lines and technical leads. Singer, guitarist and lyricist Dillon DeVoe created Mime Game as a side project in 2007 while still fronting the alt-rock act Josephine Collective, then signed to the Warner Brothers label. What started as a solo project, personal exploration, and sort of musical “home birth” for DeVoe, Mime Game has grown to an inspired, energy-packed four-man troupe of musicians producing keep-it-real, folk-tinged, soulful alternative rock inspired by both 90s and 00s alt-rock bands and by a desire to create music with depth – on multiple levels.

As a lead-up to South by Southwest, The Noise Room is talking to bands and artists performing at SXSW. Here’s what Mime Game had to say:

What do like most about playing at SXSW?

I love the community. Getting together that many people from all corners of the industry is just a recipe for success for the positive and open-minded. You never know who you’re going to meet or who will turn up at your next gig.

Are you out promoting anything?

Our EP is currently out and circulating and it’s called “Do Your Work”. We’re also heading into the studio sometime this year to record our full-length and we’ll be doing what we can to get people excited about that by delivering our upcoming evolutions throughout our sets.

Are there any bands or musicians that you are looking forward to checking out?

I don’t know who all is playing yet this year but, in short, Mansions, Manchester Orchestra and a little band from Manchester that we like to call The 1975. Those are my current obsessions.

What are the challenges for you or your band when playing at SXSW?

It’s basically about staying hydrated and level-headed. There’s a lot going on and some people want to drink all day and act a fool so you really have to get in, find parking/unload, and play your ass off every set. Not getting bogged down in the bullshit is priority number one.

Do you have any survival tips for those attending SXSW?

Yeah, like I said, stay hydrated, stay level headed, mental clarity is a must. Make friends and have fun but remember at the end of the day what you came for. If you came to have a good time and drink, then by all means, go enjoy the music and do it responsibly. Take care of yourselves out there! But if you came to play music and entertain then be at the eye of the storm and not in the swirling mess around it.

Are you more “stick around, check out music and enjoy the scene” or “play as many shows as possible then get out”?

If we have back-to-back engagements then we have to dip out as soon as we finish our set but if we’re free, we love making new friends. I always love being caught in the sonic crossfire of an awesome band, unexpectedly, also. Nothing is better than hearing a band’s sound-check and knowing instantly that you are going to love them.

What are your SXSW Show Times?

Fri. March 14th – 6pm – Music Saves Lives Showcase – Firehouse Lounge (605 Brazos St.)
Fri. March 14th – 7pm – Tapasitas (800 W 6th St.)

Best way for people to contact and connect:

@mimegame on Twitter. We are on that thing all day. Mimegame.com should link you anywhere else you need to go.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Let’s all hang out at SXSW! I’m easy to spot. I’ll be the one naked, with a Phoenix on my chest, completely ignoring all the sensible advice that I just stated.

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