As if The Arc Angels announcing a reunion record, DVD, and tour wasn’t exciting enough for their longtime devoted fans, they got to watch them kick it off at home in Austin during SXSW festivities. While the city filled with bands from across the map, with offerings in every possible genre, great attention gathered around our own blues rock establishment, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall II, and Chris Layton.  Making their first stop at Auditorium Shores Friday night, and then Antone’s Tribute to Clifford party Saturday afternoon, they started what will be a summer of releases and opening for Eric Clapton in London.  Kicking back in the Gibson promo bus parked outside Antone’s, the Arc Angels shared with us a little bit about what’s to come, and what the fans can expect from them.

Why, after a decade of not recording any material, did the band decide to give it another go? Bramhall has been touring as a member of Clapton’s band, and Charlie Sexton found success as a solo artist. Layton, drummer of Double Trouble, has continued his work there, and side projects, such as Storyville. Quite simply, they decided to stop denying the undeniable chemistry they have together. As Sexton put it, “You can’t chose who you have chemistry with, and this works for us”.

The room at Antone’s Saturday was abuzz with new album talk, curiosity about the new bass player, and Charlie was keeping the buzz of Friday night’s Metallica appearance alive on stage. There was no sign of fatigue, despite playing a set just 18 hours before.

After some considerable excitement about my archaic RCA cassette tape recorder that I pulled out to use in the interview, we got down to business.

austin m+e:: How important was it for you guys to do this first set of official reunion shows at home in Austin, during SXSW?

Sexton: Well, it took some time to decide if we could launch what we were doing at SXSW, because it is not an easy thing to pull off. But it was a no-brainer to do it here in Austin, since we all live here, and this is where it originated… it definitely made the most sense.

Layton: It was significant for us that we got to play that show at Auditorium Shores, and the significance of the shows that have happened at that spot. The idea that people could see it for free and without a wristband. We could just say, “We’re here, we’re a band, just come hang out and see us.”

Bramhall: We originally had some big shows at Steamboat during SXSW.

Sexton: Yeah, once that [Auditorium Shores] presented itself, we decided to do it. It’s also great to do a show outdoors, where you can hedge your bets for production value. So once they said we could get that show, we said yes, and worked backwards from there. And South by, in particular, is where a lot of things historically have happened for the band.

austin m+e: How different is SXSW now as opposed to what it was 10 years ago, with the explosion of the scene?

Sexton: Oh man, almost unrecognizable for me. Just incredible!

Layton: It’s been 18 years in Austin for me now. I came in 91.

austin m+e: Can we not talk about ’91 being 18 years ago? You meant eight years ago, right?

Sexton: [laughs] Eight months ago!

austin m+e: Let’s talk a little about the writing of the new record. You guys have said you’re in the developmental phases, but can fans expect that classic sounding Arc Angels record?

Sexton: There are certain parameters of the band that are always going to be there. Obviously, different people are going to bring all different influences. But we are not giving any less care than we did originally. Once we originally became determined, “Hey, we’re really going  to do this”, we did some shows locally, and started rehearsing together to see what came naturally. Then, you decide what you can push a little bit, and create a balance. I still think of projects as records.  I guess everyone does, unless you’re a kid, excited about sharing just one new song.  I do that too, but I know that when that happens, you get sick of that song pretty quick. I want to create an entire body of work.

austin m+e: Is there any idea as to an exact time it will come out?

Sexton: It will go in stages. The first thing that will occur is the completion and release of the Live DVD. There will be portions of different shows, including Antone’s, some documentary style footage, video from the studio, and some interviews with the band. We’ve been working on the DVD a long time, and so you’ll see all of us, including Tommy Shannon.

austin m+e: Can we talk a little about Tommy Shannon not being with the band anymore?

Bramhall: Sure, we love Tommy! We were just talking about him.

Sexton: Absolutely.

Layton: I just talked to Tommy Thursday after rehearsal, and he asked me, “How’s the new bass player?” I said, “He’s good!” Tommy just replied, (smooth voice) “Cool.” And that’s just him. He’s a sweetheart and a very talented guy too. Great person.

Sexton: We were just talking about him the other day, and what a stylist he is.

austin m+e: Was there a decision that it wasn’t good for Tommy to go out on the road?

Sexton: Ultimately, specific questions, to a degree, should really be directed to Tommy.

Layton: He left. We have a lot of work cut out for us, and he left the band. But specific questions should be answered by him. It was pretty much that simple, but beyond that it should be left to Tommy to answer.  We are going to spend a long time out on the road, as opposed to just here locally. So that’s pretty much that.

austin m+e: Sure, but I wanted to ask, especially since I think the Austin fans will be curious where Tommy Shannon is.

Sexton: You’re right, sure.

austin m+e: But the new bass player sounded good!

Sexton: Yeah, he is. His name is Mark Newmarc.

austin m+e: Guys, I think that’s about all the time we have.

Sexton: [laughs] It always cracks me up the way people end interviews! But I understand you have time limits. Especially with the positioning of how they set this up.

austin m+e: Yes, it can be quite awkward, especially in this environment.

Sexton: Actually, this environment (gestures to the space of the Gibson bus) is pretty nice!

Bramhall: This is the best environment around here!

Sexton: Yeah! Once I was able to break away and head over here, I was impressed.

As I got up to leave, saying my farewells, Layton reassured me they would be “lusting after my tape recorder” once I left.