In 2008, Tom Schraeder’s three-day trip to SXSW ballooned into a twelve week stay in Austin. By the time the singer-songwriter was ready to return to his Chicago home, he had completed his sophomore effort, Lying Through Dinner, which features a number of contributions from local Austin musicians. His alt-country/Americana sound is bolstered by a rotating cast of collaborators known as His Ego. His Ego, whose numbers have fluctuated between five and twelve, boast an impressive range of instruments, including violin, cello, vibraphone, washboard, and singing saw.

Before heading back to Austin, Schraeder took a few minutes to answer our SXSW questionnaire.

–Tim Burdick

Quick! What’s the first thing that pops in your head when you think of:

-Boston?
I’ve canceled three shows in my life due to weather and two of them were in Boston. Hopefully, I’m not cursed.

-Chicago?
Too much…

-Nashville?
I just respect the hell out of that city.

-Austin?
Austin is the greatest city in the world.

How do you think your city has contributed to the national music scene?

Boston is the one city I haven’t been through on tour yet. Although, I’m into Frank Smith quite a bit. Nashville makes you want to try to be better yourself as an artist, musician, and mainly as contributor to the industry entirely. Chicago has the best songwriting scene in the states right now. Austin is such a tour-friendly city with the greatest human beings around.

What’s the best part about being a musician in your city?

Chicago has the strongest songwriting scene around and I’m honored to be apart of it. Joe Pug, Curtis Evans, Matt Ammerman, Robbie Fulks, and many more. It’s a great scene right now.

What’s the best non-musical part about your city?

My family, friends, piano, dog, & pretty much everything other than our mayor.

What’s one group (other than yourself!) from your city that you think the whole world should know about? Why?

Bailiff, hands down…Bailiff. Go check them out and you’ll know why.

Who are you excited to check out at SXSW? Why?

I’m not going to have that much time. I’m playing 11 shows right now and possibly 13. So I should probably sleep instead of seeing any acts. However, I’m really into Jesse Woods, Danny Malone, and Pretty Good Dance Moves.

Who are you most excited to share the stage with at the EWR/TPB showcase? Why?

Jacob Jones. He quite impressive.