SXSW Interview: Annabel Allum

Just last week we brought you a brand new Annabel Allum tune, indicating she’s tweaking her sound just a bit…leaving us with anticipation. We reached out to her with our SXSW questions, and she graciously responded. Click the jump and read her answers, as well as a chance to give that new hit another spin.

ATH:For a lot of bands, this is their first time coming to SXSW, Austin, or even the United States. What are you anticipating for your arrival into our town? Anything youre really hoping to do(again)while youre here?

AA: I love Austin! I was over last year for the premiere of Spaceship (BBC, BFI) and fell in love with the city. First place in Texas I could find a bloody good veggie burger and lots of live music! Looking forward to being back on sixth street and maybe getting another tatt!!

ATH: For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. What’s your plan of attack? You have a set list mapped out yet?

AA: I’ll play what I feel. I have a few ideas, if people like it, cool

ATH:The festival caters to music fans, but food and booze are an important aspect of the fans and the bands. What’s your band’s food and beverage of choice?

AA: A plate of vegetables with more than 5 different colours! And a local ale. Preferably Amber or an IPA.

ATH:Describe the music community where you come from -Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?

AA: Competition, yes… but it’s healthy. Everyone is supportive and wants each other to do well.
ATH: What are a few bands wein Austin and the Statesmight not know about that should be on everyones musical radar?

AA: The Dabhands! They’re my very best friends and kicking ass.

ATH:Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of6th street(where a lot of shows are set up). The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd seems angry at the world. How would your band deal with such a situation?

AA: Life’s short. If the sound is horrible, let’s unplug. Sit down, take a moment, and be together as one. Maybe even have a chat. I do what I do to connect with people, and honestly I might even enjoy an unplugged and an imperfect show more than one that’s as smooth as silk. It feels more real then.

ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus/van?

AA: PJ Harvey- The Hope Six Demolition Project

ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora,Youtubeetc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?

AA: They are what they are, use them, abuse them, as long as they serve a purpose it’s all good.

ATH:Clearly coming over to theSxSWto play shows is something a lot of bands are excited about, but what are some other life or musical highlights for you this year? Wed like to get to know you.

AA: Ah! So many things! Well… I just released a single! It’s a sound I’ve been crafting for a while now and to finally open up and let the world hear it feels both scary and exhilarating! Getting played on BBC 6 was pretty mad too! Travelling, meeting new people… the list goes on!

ATH:Arent you happy we didnt ask about Trump?

AA: Ha… I think you’re happy you didn’t ask about Trump!!

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