Jona Bechtolt is no more a normal human being than a toaster is a Ferrari. His eye and ear-boggling work with his pet project YACHT testifies to the hamster on acid that is constantly running in the wheel full speed in his head. As part of the duo that is The Blow, he is at least partly responsible for last year's awesome Paper Television. We e-cornered him to share a bit about himself and the prospect of performing here in March.

Share a story about a visit to Austin or a previous trip to SXSW.

The last time I was in Austin I was given an air organ that was later stolen out of my car after its window was smashed. I'm pretty sure Austin's air organs are fucking cursed! Weird, right? I was also told that on my way west I should stop in Marfa, Texas to check out these weird supernatural lights. I'd never heard of Marfa or the Marfa Lights and seeing them totally blew my mind! Now it seems like Marfa is blowing up.

Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?

What industry? Those people won't have jobs in 6 months! THE INTERNET RULES!

What’s your favorite song on the new record? Why?

The new YACHT record doesn't come out until May and it so hard to keep it a secret! My favorites change every time I listen to it, but right this second I think it's "Women Of The World." Ivor Cutler represent.

Is there an album an ex ruined for you that you’ll never be able to reclaim?

Luckily no. I don't know how that hasn't happened.

Name one record that has influenced you (musically or otherwise) the most.

Nirvana's In Utero changed my life. My Mom and I heard "Rape Me" on Seattle's 107.7 The End a couple months before the record came out and our minds were blown. My Mom is amazing. She still asks me to play "About A Girl" off of Bleach every time I'm near any musical instrument.

Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?

Tacos! I have a weird relationship with burritos. I don't want to be told I have to eat that whole thing. Margaritas taste more like candy to me. I like candy. A lot.

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Yes and there probably will be for a long time. Hopefully it won't keep getting increasingly boring.

If you could open for any artist living or dead, in any era of their career, who would it be?

Bach in 1708. Straight up. People would be completely freaked out. On a side note if I got to stick around after I played it would be pretty amazing to see Bach as an organist in his most productive years.

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

Architecture in Helsinki! We're both putting out new records and touring together in the spring. I've only heard one new song and it's epic! They're also some of the sweetest people I've ever met.

YACHT will be playing SXSW at Lucky Lounge on March 16th and Emo's on March 18th.

[YACHT Myspace]
[YACHT Official Site]