Glass Candy turned out a dance freak fantastique set at the Mad Decent Carniville Friday night. The whirl of neon and bright, festive lights flashing in the background synched naturally with the hard buzz of the electronics as the band kicked off their set. The electro-disco music Glass Candy cranks out reminds me of neon black light posters of Lamborghinis. Ida No and Johnny Jewel know how to make you throw down. We caught up with Jewel for a quick Q&A as he hauled equipment off stage.
Tacos or BBQ?
Johnny Jewel: Tacos.
If you had the time, what other act would you most want to see?
Jewel: I really wanted to see GZA but he cancelled yesterday.
If Glass Candy could play any non-venue what would it be?
Jewel: The beaches of Mars, and there would be water.
Something people don’t know about this festival, from the band’s perspective?
Jewel: It’s hectic. It’s just a cluster fuck, everyone wants to relax and chill out with the bands and really the promoters are running around like chicken with their heads cut off. There’s so much confusion, but it’s ok, it’s worth it.
Which was invented first roller skates or disco?
Jewel: Roller skates, they invented ceramic wheels in the forties.
Most memorable Austin concert experience or anecdote?
Jewel: I used to live in Austin 15 years ago and I saw Paulvo here and it was amazing. They’re an indie rock band from NC. They were just incredible. I was living in Austin and I hated SXSW because it was full of douchebags – well, not the people here, but it’s like a Mardi Gras – people just come in and really shit all over the place. So I tried to avoid it when I lived here, but that show was really cool. This is actually the first time I’ve been back since then.
This is the first time you’ve played here?
Jewel: Are you conflicted about that?: (laughs) Yeah, because I always avoided it. This is all friends of ours so it was easy to say yes. We’ll probably be back every year now.
Words by Jacob Cottingham, Photos by Dustin Downing
