SXSW Interview: Catholic Action

SXSW is meaningful time to all of us here at ATH. It allows us to now only see some great bands, but to also meet some truly amazing people from all over the globe. One of our dear SXSW buddies hails from Glasgow and originally turned us onto Catholic Action a few years ago at a showcase he helped put together. Today I am pleased to share this short interview from the band prior to their appearance in Austin next month. Hit it after the jump.

All questions were answered by band member Chris McCrory.

ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

CM: Hello, we’re Catholic Action and we’re from Glasgow, Scotland.

ATH: Describe your group’s sound.

CM: We’re an indie rock band essentially, but we like a lot of 70s art rock. Singalong songs, and strong, harmony guitars. My friend said we sound like Slade if they were German.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases from 2020?

CM: Our most recent release was a single called “Another Name For Loneliness”. Its from our forthcoming album, Celebrated By Strangers. It’s our second full length, and it’s out on March 27th. In fact, there’s a Dallas-based record label called Palo Santo releasing it in the US. Austin has always treated us well, and it seems Dallas is now too – we get on well in Texas.

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?

CM: Usually, we just play our songs. I often make sure my shirt is tucked in, and my fly is properly done too.

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 is growing ancy. How would your band deal with such a situation?

CM: Sounds like a SXSW classic. I would make doubly sure that my fly was properly done, we all would. And then, we would play our songs.

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Of the 1000+ bands coming into town, who would you ideally like to play with. Which band friends will be here?

CM: My friend Seth Evans will be there. We produce bands together when were not touring with our projects. In fact, we produced Walt Disco who are also playing this year. Anyway, he sometimes plays keyboards for us, but this time he’ll be playing keyboards with HMLTD. We normally get on very well, but if I see him on 6th street at high noon, I don’t know what will happen.

ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

CM: I don’t know what they listen to, but I can tell you this for free: I don’t listen to music anymore, I only listen to my heart (and Chris Cohen and Alice Coltrane).

ATH: Describe your perfect festival, real or not? Who’s headlining? Where’s it take place? Etc.

CM: The hotel room is luxurious and conveniently located, the drinks are free and the food is plentiful. There is no mud on my shoes and the sun hangs low in the sky. The air is warm, Pavement are tuning up as I’m sitting on a little grassy hill overlooking the stage. Instagrammers will be shot on sight.

ATH: Whats on the band’s rider? If were bringing you food and booze, what can we bring you?

CM: A crate of Tennents lager and four King Size Pot Noodles. Original Curry or Bombay Bad Boy only.

ATH: The band gets to create their own taco pop-up shop at SXSW? What’s the name, and what sort of tacos will you have? Any sides?

CM: I wish Ryan and Jamie could answer this one, they are the resident foodies. I hope they’d at least trust me to name it though, so I think it’d be called Holy Trinity Tacos. We’d serve a Haggis and Hot Sauce Taco with cold beer and a side of Catholic Guilt.

Thanks again for making the time to do this!

Catholic Action have an official showcase planned on Thursday, March 19th at Cheers.