For a band putting out records on Buddyhead, self-described "steampunks" The Cassettes spend a remarkable amount of time busking for quarters on the streets of DC, their hometown. Perhaps they just belong to an earlier, simpler time; singer/mandoliner Shelby Cinca throws around old-timey words like "bourgeois" and "Al Jolson" like it was 1928 all over again. Then again, he's apparently a huge Oasis fan. Oh, contradictions...

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

I saw The Cult play once a few years back and I was disappointed that Ian Astbury had short hair and was wearing some ridiculous large fur coat and eyeliner opposed to his other outfits of looking like someone straight of a Mad Max film.

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

I played a few times at SXSW with different bands since early 00s, I would say that I always felt like SXSW was more people checking out shows than industry from my experience. CMJ always felt more industry for me.

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

I like "Muja Achi Larki Daydo" as I feel our drummer/tabla player did a great vocal performance. I also like that it is sung in Urdu, the language of Pakistan.

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

Fortunately, no.

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

Probably Rites Of Spring - S/T (Dischord Records) - it inspired me to play music and put everything I have into it.

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Not really. Rock N' Roll is pretty much dead and very few bands such as Oasis really keep it alive. Them being an example of working class folks really giving it their all to make their dreams come true without any monetary or family connections. But it really doesn't bother me because we play Steampunk.

Is SXSW fun or business?

Fun... maybe business.

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

Al Jolson.

What’s your mode of transportation for the week going to be? Tell us about your van, car, caravan, bus or donkey.

Van. Though if I had my ideal choice it would probably be a Donkey Caravan.

What album of 2006 can you not leave at home? All time?

Ellen Allien & Apparat - Orchestra Of Bubbles

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

I don't know who is playing! I'm excited to see my friends though!

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?

I've successfully avoided reading Pitchfork like the black plague since the year 2000.

Any previous trips to Austin? Betcha something fun happened-share it please.

Running around blissfully with a comrade and ending up at random hotel dinner areas blending in with the local bourgeois and exploring empty banquet halls.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Whale.

BBQ or Tacos? Margaritas or beer? Parties or distro deal?

Tacos! Margaritas! And distro deal!