SXSW Watchlist: The Hours

hours_closeup_mattiaThe Hours are a band making their first trip to the US from across the pond in the UK.  Antony Genn and Mark Slattery are founding members of the band and began recruiting additional musicians since forming in 2004.  Mixing and blending pop driven rock similar to other hot UK bands, yet creating their own sound, The Hours are a band you won’t want to miss during SXSW.  Follow the jump for a short interview with Antony Genn of The Hours, see some SXSW dates and grab a song.

ATH: Is this your first trek to the US/Texas?  What are some things you’re looking forward to doing?

Antony Genn: This will be our first proper shows in the US & we are frothing at the mouth with excitement.  Can’t wait to check out loads of other music.  We are all music obsessives in The Hours and are looking forward to breathing in the creative air that will descend on Austin.

ATH: I’ve never seen The Hours live before.  What’s in store?

AG: We make ballsy, anthemic, emotional pop music that you can sing along to.  We also have 2 drummers so the sound is massive.

ATH: What’s the current status of your new album?  Release date, title, etc.?

AG: Album – See the Light. Digital release is April 20th with no physical release in the US yet.

ATH: What can we expect sound wise from the new album?

AG: We have worked with legendary producer Flood (Killers, NIN, U2, Sigur Ros) & he encouraged us to record the album as if we were playing live all in a room together.  When you make a record like that you capture all the raw energy & humanity which together has made for a rich multi-layered epic sound.

ATH: UK bands always show up in numbers for SXSW.  Can you think of one we have to see?

AG: They are not a new band but they are one of the greatest bands ever to come out of the UK – Primal Scream, loads of amazing songs and they are awesome musicians too.

SXSW Dates:

Saturday March 21st – Dirty Dog Bar – 11pm (free)

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/the_hours_-_ali_in_the_jungle.mp3]

Download: The Hours – Ali in the Jungle [MP3]

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