SXSW Interviews: Fanclubwallet
SXSW has officially begun down here in Austin, though the music doesn’t kick off until next week, so you’ve got a bit of time to go through all our interviews to find some cool artists. One of those, Fanclubwallet, just dropped her recent single “Gr8 Timing,” with an album on the way; she mentions that below. She’s got three shows scheduled for the week that I know of, so be sure to jam to the tune below, and read all about the project.
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Hannah: Fanclubwallet! From Ottawa Ontario.
ATH: Describe your groups sound.
Hannah: Id say its a mix of lo-fi and pop/rock. I really love dancey beats and that fun sticatto guitar, but am a huge fan of rock and the lyrical style of Midwest emo.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2022?
Hannah: I recently put out a single called Gr8 Timing! Its about always seeing the best in everybody until you cant anymore. Its off an album Im releasing called you have got to be kidding me!
ATH: Everyones been focused on the negative aspects of the last few years? What are a few good things that came about for you as an individual or the band as a whole during the last two pandemic-stricken years?
Hannah: Ive had a rough couple of years, but the pandemic actually gave me a lot of time to recover from some personal things and spend more time on my music and with my lovely partner! Fanclubwallet started getting attention during that time, so its been interesting for sure.
ATH: Why play SXSW? Whats the draw for the band? What about this festival will bring you to Austin?
Hannah: I was actually watching the movie Frank, and they go to SXSW in that film. The next day I got an email about playing SXSW and I was like whoa its fate I gotta do it!. I hope at least one person goes home after our show with a good memory!
ATH: Lets say your band has 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 antsy. How would your band deal with such a situation?
Hannah: I feel like Ive been in this situation but mostly as a fan. I always feel like the vibe is just totally off. I think personally Id try to make people laugh, or feel like were really all in it together. Maybe Id do a funny little dance.
ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town, but if you could create your own perfect festival, who would you have playing? Would it have a sick name? Where would it take place?
Hannah: Maybe like clubhouse music festival? Thats a little cheesy but y’know. Id want modest mouse, pinback, hop along, Rilo Kiley and the 1975. Doesnt make a lot of sense with that last band but thats what Id want! Id have it in Ottawa because Im a bit of a hermit and we need more music here.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Hannah: I actually work really hard on playlists for everyone in the van. Theres Talking Heads, Modest Mouse, AFI, Coldplay , Big Thief, I set my friends on fire, LCD Soundsystem, This is Lorelei.
ATH: Theres been a lot of discussion about Spotify and streaming and all that these last few monthswhere does the band stand? Whats your solution?
Hannah: Im not sure I want to try to touch this one. I think its really complicated. I’m buying things on bandcamp and making mixed CDS.
ATH: The band gets to create their own food truck to take on the road. Whats it called, and what are you serving?
Hannah: Its probably burritos, I dont like them but everyone else is vegan and almost exclusively gets those on tour. Maybe a burrito truck that also had mashed potatoes because thats what I eat on tour. Call it Mashed Burrito.