Similar to their name, Feathers, fronted by lead singer Anastasia, gracefully flourishes with moody, atmospheric synths, and angelic vocals. Upbeat, electronic percussion looms in the background, resulting in the perfect soundtrack for a somber dance. Although the new band on the block (the group played their first show at The Mohawk back in October of last year), Feathers has already made an impression, receiving a slot for this year's SXSW Music Festival, and performing alongside local acts Love Inks, Learning Secrets, and many others. Anastasia was kind enough to discuss the band's origins, groups she looks forward to seeing during SXSW, and having awkward pictures taken of her while she performs.

Eli Watson: I noticed on your Facebook that your locations are listed as Texas and New York. Who came from where, and how did the band form?

Anastasia: I moved to Austin from NY, but still feel like Austin is new to me, and though I love it, I'm still a New Yorker. The band members are friends who I asked to help with the live show, and three of them are Austinites: Galexy, Kathleen and Courtney. Destiny is another close friend I asked to help when possible, and she's in Brooklyn. You guys received a warm welcome at your Austin debut at The Mohawk. How was the experience and playing alongside Washed Out?

A: It was the best first show a band could ask for. The venue and sound were great, and we just came out with our own excitement and happiness to be there, and I'm sure it was apparent. It was really fun. We had a really great time hanging out with Washed Out's members, and our friends in SleepOver. Ernest and Blair were really friendly, and Phil and Ray were hilarious.

Anastasia, for your recordings do you solely make most of the music, or now that you have a band do you plan on incorporating them for recordings now?

A: Yes, for the moment Feathers is my project in terms of the songwriting and recording. The band brings together the live end.

“Land of the Innocent” is very atmospheric; it reminds me of Depeche Mode because of its somber, yet dance-like feel. What are some of your influences, and would you say there is a definitive artist or album that made you lean towards the music you create?

A: I absolutely love Depeche Mode, but I’ve been trying to write without any regard to genres or artists, so it’s hard to say what's leaked in where. I didn’t write these songs thinking that I was going to make an electronic record or a new wave record, for instance. I'm trying to keep it pure, I suppose, and just work on what feels right, and just letting what comes out, come out.

You guys are gearing up for this year’s SXSW. Are there any bands you are looking forward to seeing?

A: I'm looking forward to seeing Grimes again. I saw her at Fun Fun Fun Fest, and really enjoyed it. It's just her on stage with a few electronics and she still pulls it off beautifully, quirks and all, even as she apologizes for food in her teeth or whatever. It all comes down to her really enjoying herself up there and her knack for very pretty melodies over dance music. I've now seen Austra play four times, but I would see them again. I love that record. I just found out Outfit, a band from Liverpool I'm really excited about, is not going to be able to make it and I'm disappointed. I really wanted to see them. Soft Metals will be staying with me, and I'd like to see them play. They put on a great show as well.

Anastasia, by what I’ve seen in pictures you seem to have a captivating stage persona when you perform live. Do you take inspiration from movie characters, plays or other musicians?

A: No, I can't say I have. I'm not thinking about anything other than what I'm doing and the moment's inspiring enough. Such a funny question. I've seen some photos where I guess I understand where it's coming from. I've had a laugh seeing some photos where I am like "Oh nooo... I look like Ozzy!" But I think that's just the camera catching me in a particular second's animation. I don't think it's really like that if you're there. At least I hope not!

What can we expect from Feathers besides SXSW for this year?

A: A record very soon, and more tour dates. We're heading to NY and the UK, including ATP in Minehead this March, right before SXSW.