Austin indie rockers Shearwater formed out of Okkervil River members Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff. Their music has been called Shearwater’s recordings-the epic “Island Arc” trilogy of Palo Santo, Rook and The Golden Archipelago in particular-have been expansive (some might say bombastic) in a fashion like none of their contemporaries. Clearly an indie darling, Jonathan joined us before their show at The Earl on Wednesday.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I saw Paul Simon when I was 14 in Chapel Hill. It was amazing. I learned how to play guitar by listening and playing along with my dad’s Simon & Garfunkel vinyls.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?
Last year…We played all three of our last records in Austin, and it was surprisingly emotional. It was like closing a chapter in my music life.
What is the best gig you have ever been to?
Oh definitely when I saw the Page/Plant tour in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome. That was literally like watching Led Zeppelin play…it was a once in a lifetime experience. I think that, or the time that I saw the Stooges play, and hundreds of kids rushed the stage, and they played “I want to be your dog” three times in a row.
Gig you would most like to play?
I would love to play the Royal Festival Hall…or the Hollywood Bowl…or the Austin City Festivals.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
My favorite musician of all time is Nina Simone. So I think my dream gig would consist of a series of showcases including Nina. Then Talk Talk would have to get back together. And then with all the money we make, instead of giving it to the promoters, we would take it and buy a time machine and go back and see the Beatles when they first started out.
Catch Shearwater Wednesday at The Earl
