Floating Action Interview: SXSW 2010 - Spinner

Seth Kauffman, frontman of the North Carolina entourage Floating Action, recently spoke with Spinner in preparation for the band's upcoming visit to SXSW. The singer discussed the group's roots and influences, as well as what awaits them at this year's festival.

How did you come up with your band name?

I have an old Gretsch bass drum pedal called Floating Action. I was going to call my last record title that, but then decided it was a good band name.

How did your band form?

I figured out how to press a record, and that opened the door to me playing all the instruments and being able to write songs I could stand behind. Then, when people expressed interest in the recordings, I tracked down some cool dudes that don't mind driving around the country for no money.

How would you describe your sound?

We're a southern band that longs for the West Coast. Our sound is gritty, straight from the soil/soul. Live sound has evolved past its means. It's too teched out -- no bands ever sound good now. I want to start a festival with Juston Stens of Dr. Dog, where we mic every band like they did for the late '50s Newport Jazz Festivals.

What are your musical influences?

Snowboarding, the Supremes album 'Love Child,' Charlie Watts' drumming on 'Jigsaw Puzzle,' the bassline on Eddie Money's 'Baby Hold Onto Me.'

In what ways, if any, do you intentionally infuse these influences into your sound?

As a producer, it seems like there's always some song or sound you cite, like, "We're going to give this one the Jeff Lynne treatment," or whatever. Some people would never know you were going for that.