Austin Sound Check

Call it metal, stoner rock, or psych, Kylesa has developed a reputation for music on the cutting edge of the metal genre. Kylesa is deservedly referred to as avant-garde and experimental.

Founding members Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants carry the Kylesa torch proudly, providing a dual vocal onslaught that is unparalleled in heavy music today. Lacuna Coil pairs lead vocalists similarly, but where Lacuna Coil is gothic and melodic, Kylesa is driving and psychedelic. Pleasants took time to answer some questions for Austin Soundcheck. You can read more on that after the jump.

Kylesa is currently on tour in support of their new album Static Tensions out this Tuesday, March 17 on Prosthetic Records. They will play SXSW on Friday, March 20 at Red 7, along with locals Dixie Witch and more.

Visit Kylesa’s SXSW profile to download their single Said and Done from Static Tensions. In April,  Kylesa will join up with Mastodon to tour North America. For more information visit Kylesa’s website.

Ana Wolken : First, congrats on the tour with Mastodon. Is there a story behind how that tour came about?
Laura Pleasants : Thanks. There’s a lot involved with these sorts of tours…I did talk to Troy on the phone about it.

AW : Kylesa are SXSW veterans. Do you have any advice for the first timers playing the festival?
LP : Have patience when it comes to parking and allow yourself plenty of time. And, if possible, allow your band more than one day in Austin. It’s much more fun and relaxing when you have more time to enjoy SXSW.

AW : Do your expectations for SXSW 2009 differ from years past?
LP : Well, last year I just went by myself while Phillip was in the studio recording a band. It was way more relaxed than having to play and a lot of fun. I think I was there for 3 days. However, it’s awesome playing SXSW and I had the itch to play last year. I wish we were there for more than one day. My expectations are about the same. We’ll have a good time. Austin is always good to us.

AW : Are there any SXSW acts you’re excited to see while in town?
LP : Yes…but will I see them? Maybe… but we’re in and out so quickly so maybe not : (

AW : What inspires the diversity in Kylesa’s sound?
LP : A diverse taste in music and inspiration.

AW : Static Tensions is receiving lots of praise from critics, who note a positive progression in the band’s sound. Do you agree regarding the progression? If so, what has helped Kylesa evolve?
LP : Yes, I do agree with that progression. I think Phillip and I understand each other musically and work well together and let each other’s ideas come to fruition organically. We’ve done a lot of experimenting over the years and we were able to refine a lot of the ideas that we began with some of our previous albums.

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