It’s a different Austin that Will Sheff has encountered as of late. The drastic changes in landscape and skyline are obvious ones, but there’s also something a bit more hurried in the pace, more hustling – maybe characteristics of a bigger city crammed into a smaller, unsuspecting one. It’s an entirely contrasting vibe to Sheff’s arrival in 1998, and the beginnings of Okkervil River. The early aughts ushered in the release of Down the River of Golden Dreams (2003), breakthrough album Black Sheep Boy (2005), and The Stage Names (2007), the latter of which Sheff’s longtime friend Michael Booher regards as “‘a poet’s party record,’ which is one of the sweetest things anybody’s ever said about anything I did,” says Sheff with a grin.
Sheff spoke with host Laurie Gallardo about his time in Austin and the rise of Okkervil River. Tonight, he’ll be joined by former and current members of his band for a show at Haute Spot, 1501 E. New Hope Dr. in Cedar Park, with Booher opening the show. Doors at 7 p.m.
Interview with Will Sheff of Okkervil River
Will Sheff chats with host Laurie Gallardo about forming Okkervil River in Austin.
