ACL preview: Guy Forsyth

If you know Austin music, you probably know Guy Forsyth. He’s got a new live CD set out, and it shares a name with his answer to our first question. Read on!

That Other Paper What can we expect from your live show at ACL Fest this year?

Guy Forsyth Unrepentant Schizophrenic Americana.

courtesy Guy Forsyth 

TOP You’ve lived in Austin for nearly two decades now. How has the city, and its music scene, changed since you first came here?

GF Oh yeah. It used to be so cheap to live here that making money was the least of your worries, and artists could focus on what they wanted to create. The cost of living skyrocketed in the late ’90s and a lot of the music clubs closed because they couldn’t keep up with the rent and taxes, as well as being pushed out for “legitimate” businesses. But the hardcore remain, and the best art comes out of hard times, so now the Austin sound has more to say.

TOP What are your favorite “Austin” things to do?

GF Music, music, music, Mexican food, Barton Springs, music, music, music.

TOP Which other acts are you excited to see at the festival?

GF The Decemberists, the White Stripes, Somebody I Never Heard Of.

TOP What makes a live show great?

GF Inspiration (having something to say) and craft (knowing how to say it).

TOP What’s the most memorable thing that’s happened to you on tour?

GF We just got back from New Orleans, but I don’t remember it. Yes I do. People still willing to have fun even in the hardest times, through the thickest emo baggie you can imagine.

TOP Of course music conveys a variety of emotions. What do you want to pass to listeners at the festival?

GF Joy at being awake.

TOP One of our readers has been living under a rock and hasn’t decided whether he wants to see you. Convince him!

GF Hey, we sound much better than your rock. Plus, you might get laid!