Like the tenacious music bloggers we are, we have spent the last few weeks tracking down some of our favourite bands from our trip to this year’s SXSW. Today we are really pleased to be able to bring you this interview with the lovely Carlee Hendrix from You Me & Us.
For those of us from colder climates, a band that come from California and plays fuzzed-up guitar pop probably cannot fail to conjure up images of sunshine and warmth. You Me & Us definitely had this affect on us, and not just because our introduction to the band was in Uncorked’s heat-trap of a backyard in Austin, under clear blue skies and blazing sunshine.
A shy and unassuming trio, the band really came to life as they powered through a host of two minute spiky pop tunes that jumped out and grabbed your attention, only to then disappear just as quickly, leaving you wanting for more.
For those new to the band, please tell us the essentials.
We are a three piece band from Bermuda Dunes, California. We play noisy, fuzzy pop songs.
How was your SXSW experience?
It was a little bit hectic in terms of traffic and driving around a huge van in Austin, but we got to play some really fun shows and eat a lot of pizza and cupcakes, so overall it was worth it.
We saw you at Uncorked on a very hot afternoon and loved it – did you enjoy the show?
Yes! It was definitely hot though. Unfortunately we didn’t get to stick around because we had to leave to play another showcase right after our set.
You had a ‘superfan’ in the audience that day – is he at all the shows?
That was Thor, the music director at KWVA, and that was his first time ever seeing us live.
You’ve been playing at Coachella – how did that come about?
We were a late addition to the lineup. Goldenvoice called us two days before and asked if we wanted to play.
Was that your biggest audience to date?
We played another festival that Goldenvoice put on in between both Coachella weekends called “Tachevah” and that was probably the biggest audience we have played for.
Any plans to come to the UK?
Nothing as of right now, but we’d love to soon!
Your tunes tend to be very short, sharp and to the point – any plans to write any 3 minute epics 
We’ve been writing longer songs since releasing “Paperweights.” I think overall it’s just about what each specific song calls for.
Who is Steve Holt?
He’s a character from the TV show “Arrested Development.” If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it!
‘Bright Red Marker’ is a great song but it makes us feel a bit sad. There is a great lyric, ‘put a sweater on if your hearts grown that much colder’. Is it odd playing such an emotionally charged song over and over?
It is, actually. That song hits much closer to home for me than most of the other songs I write, and it can sometimes be weird to bring up those feelings so often.
What’s next for recorded material?
We’re about to release a new EP in late June. We’re really excited!
What has been the best medium for sharing your music and finding new fans?
I think touring is the best thing you can do in terms of getting your music out there. You’re playing a show for a completely new group of people every night that might not have otherwise ever known you existed. I also think it’s the most sincere and honest way to connect with people who listen to your music.
What other bands do you recommend we go listen to?
La Luz! We played with them at Burger Records a couple of months ago and they were incredible. We’ve been listening to their record pretty much nonstop since.
See you back at SXSW next year?
Definitely!
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Find out more about You Me & Us at the following links,
http://grumpybear.bandcamp.com/,
http://youmeandusband.com/,
https://www.facebook.com/youmeandusband,
https://twitter.com/YouMeAndUsBand
As always thanks to Victorsson for his excellent photos – please check out more of his work: http://www.jvictorsson.com/
