Friend of Austinist and the dude responsible for last fall's wicked Ghostface Killah-Ghostland Observatory mashup (download it here), Chris Rose is half of DJ duo Car Stereo (Wars), with whom we've partnered to throw many a get-down in the past months. CS(W) is making its SXSW debut as a proper showcasing artist this year -- check 'em out at the Beauty Bar on Wednesday, March 14th, at 11pm.

[mp3] Car Stereo (Wars) - SXSW Mixtape Preview

Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?
I'll just be really excited about an audience!

Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?
Tacos is the obvious choice, and I think the better one. I wish I knew where my favorites were, but the fish tacos at Trudy's are pretty close to the top. Margaritas, unless it's a Michelata from El Chile. The goblet they serve it in makes me feel like I'm in Indiana Jones.

Photo by Chad Wadsworth, originally part of a photoshoot for SPIN magazine

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?
Not since the Hard Rock Cafe closed down on 6th Street. Or since Emo's Lounge opened up.

Is SXSW fun or business?
The best week of the year! The only business is trying to get as many free drinks as possible before 4pm. It would be nice if some opportunity came from my showcase too, of course, but mainly I'm just thrilled to be involved.

If you could open for any artist living or dead, in any era of their career, who would it be?
Steve Martin playing "King Tut" on his Wild and Crazy Guy tour in the 70's. My second choice might have to be opening for Ghostland Observatory in the present...which I have the fortunate opportunity to do at most Austin shows. Those guys get more and more amazing every time!

What's your mode of transportation for the week going to be? Tell us about your van, car, caravan, bus or donkey.
My goal is to take the Segway Tour of Austin throughout Red River and 6th every day, but if that doesn't work I would like to get one of those license plates that the ambassadors to America receive that make you exempt from any parking ticket or tow truck. Probably though, I'll beg my roommates or friends for rides or shell out $5 for parking.

What album of 2006 can you not leave at home? All time?
I think the record that I was totally floored by was The Sword - Age of Winters. I remember the day I bought that, I took the CD literally everywhere I went. Forced people to listen to it and love it. I still think it's as good as my first listen. Dirty on Purpose / Peter & The Wolf / Silversun Pickups were close contenders, though.

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?
I haven't spent enough time looking over the list yet, but right now I'm really hoping to catch Chromeo / Chamillionare / Bonde de Role / Girl Talk / Riverboat Gamblers / Peter & the Wolf / Andrew W.K.'s scavenger hunt

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?
Yeah i do... How else am I going to find out possible White Stripes track titles 6 months in advance?

Any previous trips to Austin? Betcha something fun happened-share it please.
I live here, but I'm trying to think of any exciting stories about Round Rock...