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What they say is true : everything is bigger in Texas. Even a band's Texas fan base can be bigger than in other parts of the country. Then again, if you are performing a showcase presented by SXSW, and you have some sort of industry recognition, maybe a couple of albums, and you’ve been at it a while, you’ll probably have a high school gymnasium type of draw. Most of the attendees would probably be a part of the industry, and defeating the purpose of even being there in the first place. This may give you the idea that you are a big band (not in the Stan Kenton sense of big band), perhaps even the greatest rock n’ roll band in the world. This is the Supersuckers claim to fame, and in some cases they live up to it.
In recent years, the Supersuckers have appeared on a couple of soundtracks, in addition to five album releases, and have been doing some good things outside of the music industry. If you have seen the HBO documentary "Paradise Lost," you may know the name Damien Echols. He and two other young men were implicated in the brutal murder of three young boys in the Robin Hood Hills, just outside of Memphis, Tennesee. They have been convicted of these atrocities, and are serving life sentences. Echols is on death row, and has until sometime this year for his last chance to appeal. The boys were initially questioned because of the way they dressed, and the music they listen to. Unfortunately, one of these young men was scared into a false confession that was recorded by the police. This confession brought the lives of three innocent people to a life of institution.
Since the conviction, many people, including the Supersuckers, have been trying to help the boys obtain a fair trial. They contributed money and support to Echols, and are still at the forefront of their support team. Find out more about "Paradise Lost" and Damien Echols here.
Contributed by Sonicpress staff writer, Kevin Cole. |
