We keep reading that My Latest Novel are being compared with Arcade Fire. Obviously, there are major differences. First, My Latest Novel is a five-piece from Scotland, and Arcade Fire is an eight-piece (or more) from Quebec. And while you can see Arcade Fire this week on SNL, you have to wait until March 16th to see My Latest Novel. Wait you must; for now you can read drummer Ryan King's take on the band's maiden voyage to Texas and his distrust of any taco filling resembling Michael Jackson.

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

We've never been to Austin or played SXSW before, so we are really looking forward to getting over there this year.

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

I think it's still fun to play, no matter who the audience is. We have had some industry gigs feel quite stuffy in the past, but being on stage and playing our songs is still fun.

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

I'd find it hard to pick a favorite from our record. Even the songs that regularly get dropped from our live set get a certain sympathy. You feel sorry for them a bit and feel as though you are neglecting them. I think if I had to pick a song that I enjoy playing the most it would be "When We Were Wolves" because I get my only vocal part.


My Latest Novel plays SXSW at Lava Lounge on March 16th and Buffalo Billiards on March 17th.

[My Latest Novel Myspace]
[My Latest Novel official site]

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

At the moment I would definitely have to say Paris 1919 by John Cale. Loads of records have influenced the band over time, but at the moment a few of us have been listening to this album over and over, and personally it got me thinking about music in a new light again.

Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?

Tacos & Beer

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Yes there is. Some of it is really good, and some bands are really good at it. Some of it is really bad, and some bands are really bad at it.

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

If I was making a personal decision, I would probably say Radiohead . However, if we all had to decide as a band it would possibly end up being the Smiths, Nick Cave, or Joy Division. You see... we could probably write a long list, but you have to do your own gigs sometimes.

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

We are traveling to Texas by plane but after that I wouldn't be surprised if we were traveling by donkey. However in reality it's probably going to be a van... well... hopefully something with wheels, and isn't a skateboard. Well, I suppose a skateboard is quite realistic too. I suppose it's safe to say that our mode of transport is TBC whilst in Austin.

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

Well, there are a few albums I have enjoyed in 2006, and I seem to have a complete inability to choose just one, so I'll write three, and let you know that there are more:

1. Beirut - Gulag Orkestar
2. Joanna Newsom - Ys
3. Thom Yorke - The Eraser

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

From what I've seen so far... probably Morrissey.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Michael Jackson.