But their second album, "Migration," may throw fans for a bit of a loop when it arrives this summer. "It's a real departure for us," says lead singer Gabe Levine, who reveals that the record is about coming to terms with his mother. "It's a lot darker, and we played with a completely different sonic palette. It's a lot more atmospheric." As they head down to South by Southwest, the beefed-up band (now a five-piece) is looking to figure out how to replicate their new sound live.
What is your history at SXSW?
This is our second one. Last year was awesome. The food was really good, and we probably saw 40 bands…all these wonderful bands that I never really have the chance to see. And I saw David Byrne riding a bicycle!
How do you prepare for SXSW? Do you rest or go out a lot to train?
Resting, although I've been going out a lot, so a little of both. I've got a friend who's a triathlete—I should really get him to give me some indie-rock training. The goal is to try not to drink too much on the way down, to try to save yourself for Austin.
Who are you looking forward to seeing? Other NYC bands?
R.E.M. and Daniel Lanois. He's a producer who's produced Bob Dylan and U2, Peter Gabriel. He's awesome. He's also an amazing musician. R.E.M. will be impossible to get into, though. The Forms are gonna be down there. Bell, who plays the piano on our record, she's just amazing. I just went and saw (and got shit-faced with) a band called the Acorns the other night and I'm oddly really excited to see them play.
So are you guys looking to make any professional connections?
I hope so. For the last South By, we really needed to get the word out about Takka, but now we have a label and I'm less stressed out about it. I really just want to see what people's reactions to the new record are.
What about love connections?
Oh yeah! I myself am married and my wife is going to go down with me, so I'll be having my own love connection. My band is generally an amorous band. I'm not gonna say who, but there's definitely some Takkas looking for love. And they generally find it in the wrong places.
So, like, what are you going to wear?
Last year I bought a pair of prescription sunglasses that I was really excited about, so I'll probably wear those again. Other than that, I'm probably going to be wearing this exact outfit I'm wearing right now. [Ed note: Le Tigre track jacket, dark jeans, ski hat.] Even the ski hat, which will look really out of place down there. I hate combing my hair.
Takka Takka plays March 13 at Thirsty Nickel (2 p.m.) and March 14 at Friends (9 p.m.).
