SXSW Interview: Hers
I know for a fact that B. Gray and I have Hers high up on our list of acts to cover at SXSW. This is the new band that’ll make you want to dance your night away, smiling until the end. They’ll be blowing into Austin, a week after the release of the much anticipated Songs of Hers, so sample a tune below. Mark em’ on your calendar for the fest; it’ll be a hot ticket.
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?
Hers: This will be our first time in Texas, and Stes first journey outside of Europe, so its a biggie! We anticipate heat, nice big food and the odd Hi, how are you? frog here and there.
Everyones hyped on 6th street, so well be checking the scene there no doubt!
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?
Hers: Weve conjured up quite the set for SXSW, were currently touring it and its magic. Its the smash hits combined with the moody epics. We just hope well have enough time to be cheeky chaps between songs.
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?
Hers:
Food: Auduns out to get some sushi or Korean food, Stes heading towards the falafel or Chinese cuisine. We usually end up just getting burgers last minute though
Drink: Were embarrassed (not embarrassed) to say we love Monster energy (still looking for that endorsement) but for alcohol its gotta be Red Stripe or G&T.
ATH:Describe the music community where you come from – Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?
Hers: The music scene is scattered in Liverpool, I guess. We have our own thing going with our friends which is nice. Id say its a supportive scene with a healthy motivation *thumbs up*!
ATH:What are a few bands we in Austin and the States might not know about that should be on everyones musical radar?
Hers: Trudy and the Romance, Pink Kink, The Orielles, Broom Of The System – all the Liverpool fam basically.
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?
Hers: These are the situations when you have to literally go insane, as if its your first band practice as a 13 year old. Just let them know youre having fun regardless of the situation. We thrive in these situations – feed us your hate!
ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What's playing in the tour bus/van?
Hers: Our tour Vauxhall Astra has been playing Whitneys debut album a lot, also Magnificent Fist by Sean Nicholas Savage – You cant beat a bit of BBC Radio 3 Classical on the road though.
ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Youtube etc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?
Hers: Were doing all of the above! Spotify is especially helpful, we might not be making loads money, but the point is that we get thrown in these playlists and everyone gets to discover us, which is magic.
ATH:Clearly coming over to the SxSW 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.
Hers: So this year is gonna be our first taste of touring. Were currently playing a string of dates with Wild Nothing which is well exciting. Theyre very fun and down to earth guys! Were also going on tour with Dutch Uncles and Happyness. Also the release of our 8 track collection of songs – Songs of Hers, will be out May 12th baby! Hella sexy times!
ATH:Arent you happy we didnt ask about Trump?
Hers: Who is that?
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