Those of you headed south to Austin City Limits this weekend, may or  may not know about the concerts that happen after the festival. Many bands that play the festival also play venues around Austin. One of those bands is Broken Social Scene, which features Dallas’ Ariel Saldivar. She’s been busy getting ready for ACL, but she took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions ahead of her big weekend:

Art&Seek: Can you tell us a little about your journey as an artist and how you got hooked up with Broken Social Scene?
Ariel Saldivar: It’s crazy how things in life happen. I have been playing music since I was 15 years old and have had amazing opportunities to play with some really talented people over the years, from Sufjan Stevens, Your Midway Host, Broken Social Scene and even the Jonas Brothers! I have always kept myself open and available to play music. Music and art have been the driving forces in my life. I just feel so lucky that I am able to do both. I went to school in New York, and being surrounded by the energy that city has was an inspiration and life changing experience for me and continues to inspire me. Getting the opportunity to rock out with BSS was so amazing and ridiculous! I met Broken Social Scene at a Super Bowl party in Austin hosted by Dallasite Andrew Kenny [of American Analog Set] and his wife, Shelia. It was a hilarious mix of people. I like to call it the indie rock Super Bowl party, because Explosions in the Sky, Lymbic System, Spoon, The Wooden Birds and  Broken Social Scene were just hanging out placing bets on what songs “The Boss” was going to play during the half-time show. At the party, I talked to Brendan Canning and Justin Peroff of BSS, and they mentioned they were sometimes in a jam, because all of the BSS leading ladies [Emily Haines, Leslie Feist and Amy Millan] each have their own solo projects and are on tour the same times as BSS. I said, “Put me on that call list!”  Eventually, I spoke to [front man] Kevin Drew, and he asked me to sing.

A&S:  For those who have not Broken Social Scene, how would you describe the band’s sound?

A.S.: It sounds like a space rocket landing in a symphony hall and eating your favorite ice-cream all at the same time!

A&S:  As an attendee, which performers are you most excited to see at Austin City Limits?

A.S.: Geez. There are so many great bands playing this year!  Andrew Bird, Grizzly Bear, The Walkmen, John Vandersclice, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, John Legend, Passion Pit, Deertick, Girl Talk, oh, and I hear the B52’s are gonna be there this year! Last but not least, Pearl Jam! Ten changed my life when I was 13! Eddie Vedder was my first crush.

A&S:  What is the best thing about performing at music festivals?

A.S.: All the people you get to meet. I was just at a Virgin Mobile Music Festival in Maryland, and I met Flavor Flave and Sir Richard Branson all in the same room. Crazy!

A&S:  What is the best thing about attending a music festival?

A.S.: Depends on where you are! Music festivals are different all over the world, but I would say the food, culture, all of the amazing people watching and, of course, the music.

A&S:  Any tips for first time Austin City Limits festival goers?

A.S.: I always take three things, like a survival pack. 1. water bottle. 2. sunglasses, because you don’t want the Texas rays blocking your view of your favorite rock star. 3. Sunscreen. You don’t want to hurt the second day into the festy because of a bad burn.

A&S:  How does North Texas benefit from the ACL hoopla in Austin?

A.S.: A lot of the bands that play ACL come through Dallas, and you can have the chance to see them play a longer set at a venue, versus seeing bands play a shorter set at a festival. It is a huge bonus that Dallas and Ausitn are so close together. We have a unique opportunity to see our favorite bands play twice in two different settings.

A&S:  What’s on the horizon for you and Broken Social Scene?

A.S.: I just hope they keep calling!

Broken Social Scene will perform a free show at the Seaholm Power Plant in Austin on Friday at 10 p.m.