ACL preview: John Ralston

2 August 2007 | Adam Avramescu
512-Go!» Austin City Limits Music Festival 2007
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John Ralston was in a musical funk, and living in Florida. But after putting together an impromptu band and heading up to Knoxville for a studio session, he recorded an album, Needle Bed, which Vagrant Records liked enough to re-release. When we spoke to John, he had just finished recording his new album, Sorry Vampire, and found time to give us a few words about what he’s got planned for this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival.

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courtesy John Ralston John Ralston 

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

John Ralston The new album. It will be the first time that we will have played songs from Sorry Vampire. And I still have my studio beard, so that can be expected too. I’m excited to show off the new songs. There are so many different layers and moods on this record, although I’m curious as to how we’re going to play it live.

TOP What are your favorite things to do in Austin?

JR I’ve been to Austin quite a few times. Some good friends of mine live here, so we usually make it a point to stop here on every tour. The last time was SXSW. Got to see the STAX 50 Revue. I kind of just stumbled into it. It was definitely a highlight. That and the Comas and Small Sins. Tokyo Police Club, David Vandervelde, and the Postmarks as well. This year at SXSW was my favorite by far.

TOP What is the biggest change in your life since you released Needle Bed?

JR Well, when I made that record I was working construction and just kind of burned out. I made it for myself and a few friends, and that record really took on a life of its own. But the biggest adjustment was readjusting to life on the road full time. I haven’t been home much in the last two years.

TOP Who are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?

JR God, there’s so many bands I want to see. Bjork would probably top my list, along with Bob Dylan. Spoon, Midlake, Lucinda, Wilco, the Little Ones, LCD.

TOP What’s the biggest reason we should come see you at ACL?

JR Yesterday I recorded a cover of “Vampire Blues” by Neil Young.

See John Ralston at ACL John Ralston plays Friday, September 14, from 4:40pm–5:20pm on the BMI Stage.

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