The Untitled Interview #141 – BiMA.fest Edition: Starring Andrea Connolly (Birds and Arrows)

It's just about that time, to once again venture up the I-95 corridor to partake in some Baltimorean musical hijinks at the BiMA.fest 2011. After last year's fun, my expectations are high. I spoke with a few of the bands you need to know about playing BiMA.fest this year about all things festivus.

Up next is one of those North Carolina bands I've wanted to see for a little while now, otherwise known as Birds and Arrows. They are super, super cute, and to borrow from their bio, they totally and utterly make music that's "full of romance and energy" and "the kind you fall in love with." I'm all sorts of looking forward to seeing them. For your perusal, the multi-taskingly awesome Andrea Connolly (vocals and guitar, y'all) answers some fest-related queries.

Fuzzy Logic: Inevitably, you will forget to bring:
Andrea Connolly: Well, we are usually pretty good at checking off everything before we hit the road but if we forget anything it's usually merch related. A few tours ago we forgot to bring the suitcase of our vinyl which was no good. Needless to say, we haven't forgotten that in awhile.

FL: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
AC: We are looking forward to seeing a lot of bands but a ton of them playing the fest are friends of ours which is going to make it extra fun. So we are most looking forward to hanging with all of them up there. after our show, we plan on trying to see Gray Young and Free Electric State at Joe Squared...that's going to be an amazing show as always.

FL: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Baltimore?
AC: Well, we may have to go straight load in depending on the time we make on the road that day but, I always love seeing different parts of Baltimore every time we're there. I grew up going to Fells Point a lot where my grandparents lived so I make the guys go to that area for my own nostalgia almost every time we play up there. But, if we have time to take a walk and explore my plan will be to go walk around up and around Federal Hill again. Very beautiful area. Man, I love that city so much.

FL: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
AC: Well, my first festival was in Richmond, VA when I was a little kid, can't remember the name but my folks would always take us to music and events downtown while growing up. My first one after moving to NC about 8 years ago that really made an impression on me is Shakori Hills Grass Roots festival. It's such a simple yet beautiful fest and we always have such a great time playing and just hanging out there.

FL: Favorite thing about festivals?
AC: Being around other musicians and getting to spend lots of time together catching up.

Birds and Arrows plays the second night of BiMA.fest.

mp3: Sugarlicious (SWASO cover) (Birds and Arrows - more here) (thanks, Tsururadio)

[photo by Bill Hudson]