SXSW 2015 Interview: Gengahr

March 4, 2015 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

Gengahr is building upon the hype they’ve been awarded in the UK, and now that they’ve got some acclaim overseas, they’re looking to make it big this year at SXSW…introducing themselves to US audiences. We caught up with the band briefly for a little history on their name and some other points that should get you ready to catch one of the hottest new acts in Europe. All answers come from Felix. ATH: What’s the significance of the name? Is there a story behind it…other than a possible Pokémon reference? Are you tired of being asked about Pokémon?

Felix: We really weren’t taking ourselves very seriously with the name. We loved being called RES and when we had to change it for legal reasons it really bummed us out. I think felt like every good band name had been taken and so we went with our favorite Pokémon. It is pretty dumb really but fuck it. It’s just a name at the end of the day; the music is the important bit.ATH: There’s a lot of variance on the She’s the Witch EP. The first track’s really upbeat and playful. Have you guys mapped out the direction of the band as far as recording a full length? A particular style you’re after?

Felix: Not really, we have finished the full length now and the whole idea was just to capture all the best work we had done that year. Writing-wise it wasn’t labored over at all. We did co-produce it though and that was a fairly challenging experience.ATH: A lot of SXSW is about press, building some buzz…who in the band is going to get the most face time with the public? Any one in the band you’ll have to hide away?

Felix: That’s a funny question! I guess I do most of the talking. We are all still pretty new to the whole interviewing process. Not sure how much we enjoy schmoozing but we’ll give it a go.

ATH: Are there any particular acts you’re looking forward to playing with when you get to Austin, or trying to catch? You have any friends you’re hoping to meet up with once you arrive?

Felix: Yeah there are loads of things we want to see. Really into Kaytranada at the minute so hope to catch him. Our pals Spring King and Wolf Alice are going to be there too so we will definitely be seeing some of them.

ATH: Your fans can only bring you one gift to your first SXSW show. What do you want them to bring you?

Felix: The Ruckus.

ATH: What’s the most exciting thing about coming to the States for tour? You seem like you’ve been touring quite a bit through the UK/EU, so will anything be different?

Felix: The plug sockets are going to be different. Honestly I’m really excited, I’ve only been to the States once before and that was a very long time ago. Big fan of westerns too so I think I’m going to like Texas.

ATH: Here’s your forum…what’s your thoughts on Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith? Most overlooked band in the UK?

Felix: I’m afraid I’m not an Ed or a Sam fan. It’s really not my cup of tea. I feel slightly embarrassed having them so heavily representing the UK over in the States. We definitely listen to more current American bands than British at the moment but Joanna Gruesome are definitely an underrated UK band.

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tagged with 2015, austin, felix, gengahr, interview, pokemon, sxsw

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SXSW 2015 Interview: Gengahr

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