SXSW Interviews: Holly Macve
It’s here! SXSW is here and with it comes all sorts of folks looking for something new to catch. We were able to grab a quick interview with Holly Macve, the newest signing to Bella Union…she’s making her way to the festival for her first time, so read below to see what she has to say.
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 while youre here?
Holly: A lot of my music has been inspired by American songwriters so I’m particularly excited to experience playing to an American audience and hope they enjoy what I do! It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but so far haven’t had the chance. One thing on my to-do-list while in Texas is to find some amazing cowboy boots…
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?
Holly: I don’t have a set list yet, I tend to do it on the day as it can change depending on my mood or on the atmosphere I sense when I arrive somewhere. I’m just going to be myself, play my songs and hope for the best!
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?
Holly: I’ve heard there are some really good Mexican food places in Austin…and guacamole is one of my favourite foods of all time, or just avocados in general… So I’m happy if I can find anything with avocado in! I change my preferred choice of beverage all the time so I’ll just see how I feel on the day I guess.
ATH:Describe the music community where you come from? Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?
Holly: I grew up with a family full of musicians so that in many ways was a kind of musical community. It was very supportive and I was always encouraged with my songwriting and singing. When I go back to my parents house now we often have jams together and sing Irish folk songs or Dylan classics… It’s something I enjoy very much.
ATH:What are a few bands we might not know about, being in the States, that should be on everyones musical radar?
Holly: This is almost certainly someone you would know about but I only recently discovered a singer called AURORA. She’s going to be massive, her songwriting is fantastic.
ATH:Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th 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?
Holly: I would try my best to get something good out of the situation… I have played difficult gigs before (maybe not quite like the scenario you are suggesting!) But even if there is just one person at the front I notice is enjoying my set its enough to keep me going.
ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus/van?
Holly: A lot of 2015 consisted of listening to ‘I Love You, Honeybear’ the newest Father John Misty record. I also went to see him for his Glastonbury warm-up show and he was phenomenal.
ATH:The digital age is upon us, like it or not. What are your band’s thoughts on streaming services like spotify, pandora, etc.? Blow em all up? Or embrace the future?
Holly: I feel like there are so many mixed opinions on this subject and also many pros and cons… Personally I just want people to be able to hear my songs and hopefully get something out of them. I’m not so bothered about the money side of things. I am very glad that vinyl is still alive and growing though as I think it’s the best way to listen to an album as a whole.
ATH:Clearly coming over to the States to 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.
Holly: The high light of last year was definitely signing to Bella Union. I initially met Simon (owner of Bella Union) in a cafe I worked at in Brighton. I used to make him scrambled eggs on toast! That is where I invited him to see me play an open mic I was playing and begin this amazing journey with all these great opportunities. (Like playing SXSW). I’m very grateful.
Here’s her schedule:
16- Wed 8:15 PM Holly Macve Elysium Bella Union Showcase
18 – Fri 5:20 PM Holly Macve Acoustic Stage in Chapel Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion Show
19- Sat 6:00 PM Holly Macve Liberty Tavern @ The Hilton Hotel SXSW Second Play Stage Series
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/241419183″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]