SXSW Interview: Hoodlem

One of the great things about SXSW is that folks come from all over the world. We’ve had interviews from South Korea and Germany, and now we’ve got Australian artist Hoodlem on the line with a quick interview before she crosses the great pond. She’s got a brand new Teenager EP coming later this Spring, and we’ve got the title track streaming down below.

ATH: Every Year there is a lot of hubbub concerning corporate sponsors and pay to play and what not at SXSW. As a band, what’s your reason for coming to play at the festival? What do you hope to get out of it?

Hoodlem: I have been almost going to play SXSW for a couple of years, but it never fully worked out for me. This time I feel I have more behind me and feel ready to tackle the intensity. I moved to Canada from Australia, so I am in a way starting afresh and as I am releasing my new EP this year, I hope to gather a nice little North American music family.

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?

Hoodlem: I think that for me, 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time to deliver a “power set” of my best work and give that 30 minutes all the energy I’ve got. Also, I guess it is good for days I have two performances haha. I have got a set list mapped out with some old and some new songs, of which I’m excited to debut at SXSW.

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?

Hoodlem: There are not a whole lot of food or beverages I don’t like.. I’m going to say tacos and tequila for the win and a strong combination in the pursuit for culinary happiness

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Who would you ideally like to play with of the 1000s of bands gracing our city? Make your own optimal line-up.

Hoodlem: Ooh, well I’d start with the following who are already on my list of artists to try see AND they’re all ladies so my optimal line-up is:

Alice Ivy, Elohim, LAPS, Ryan Playground, Billie Ellish, Bishop Briggs, Germans, Suzi Wu, Anna Wise, Kelela, Lee Hi, Lion Babe, Savannah R, Tinashe

ATH: We are partial to SXSW obviously, but what festival do you feel is the best around?

Hoodlem: I haven’t been to SXSW yet so I’m up for having my mind changed but I do love Australia’s mini version called Big Sound.

ATH: Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street. 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?

Hoodlem: I play by myself, so I would probably signal my manager to get me a shot of tequila and go with it. If the sound failed too much I guess I would try to just DJ some 90’s Pop/RnB and start a dance party to soften the mood.

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

Hoodlem: Off the top of my head right now my favorites are Richard Russell “Everything is Recorded” and The Code “Paramount”. That will probably change tomorrow.

ATH: Who wins the World Cup this summer?

Hoodlem: I’m an Australian so the only sport to me is Australian rules football and I am not going to spill who I go for and start footy rifts between Aussies at SXSW.

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