Metromix caught up with Dustin Wong, the guitarist from Baltimore’s own experimental pop band Ponytail, to ask burning questions about this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival—and, of course, burning questions about Texas barbeque. Given the band’s rising success on the East Coast, the local mavens of pop rock are getting pumped for their second trip to Texas’ annual music industry mecca.

Is there a good story behind your band's name? Why not, say, French braid?
Our friend Kieran gave us the band name Ponytail, when we were trying to come up with a band name. I like the name a lot because it’s a girl’s hairstyle and a pony’s butt. I find something very perverted about that, in a very immature way. I think that really sums up our band.

Have you ever played SXSW before?
We did play SXSW last year.

Are you psyched? Freaked out?
Very psyched! We had a lot of fun last year.
 
What are you doing to prepare?
We’ve been practicing once or twice a week and have been writing a song using parts from most of our songs from our first album. It’s been really fun.
 
Many people have said that bands at SXSW are like cats in heat, trying to do as many shows in as short of a time period as possible. I see Ponytail has two official shows slated. Any others?
There are a few other unofficial shows that we are doing. I think we’re playing about five or six shows, which isn’t that strenuous actually. I think this year is going to be pretty easy since we’re going to be there for three or four days. Last year we were only there for a couple of days, and I was in another band called Ecstatic Sunshine playing other shows, which made it a lot more active. It was quite an adrenaline rush; it was exciting.

What do you hope to get out of the festival in terms of either exposure or just experience?
We definitely want to have a good time, but I would be lying if I said exposure doesn’t matter, because it totally does. SXSW is exactly what that’s for.  

Any other bands playing there that you’re excited to see?
Really psyched to see Abe Vigoda!

Are you looking forward to lots of Lone Star and barbeque?
I did have barbeque at a truck stop once in Texas, and I was totally blown away with the quality of the meat and richness! Never knew I could eat such good food at a truck stop.

If you’re heading to Austin, you can catch Ponytail on Thursday, March 13 at Emo’s IV Lounge (11 p.m.) or Saturday, March 15 at the Mohawk Patio (10 p.m.). Metromix will check in with them again while we're there.

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.