Meet The SXSW Band: Lontalius

We are officially counting down the days at this point as we build our anticipation for SXSW Music Festival next week. Somehow we are sort of prepared, but as usual, one can never be fully prepared for the fun that awaits. Here’s yet another interview for you, this time from Auckland based artist Lontalius. Hit the jump for them questions, music and show dates.

What’s the name of the artist? Where are you from?

Lontalius from Auckland, New Zealand

Describe your sound using only adjectives or superlatives.

Melancholic, bittersweet, confessional

What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2023?

I just released a single, “I Want I Want I Want.” There’s plenty more to come this year.

Why play SXSW? What’s the draw? What about this festival will bring you to Austin?

I’m hoping to play more in the US in the future and SXSW felt like a good place to start. I assume it’s going to be quite chaotic, but I’m excited to experience it.

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? Feel free to disregard the rules of time and space.

I’ll put on whatever it takes to get REM to reunite.

What have you been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Paramore, James Ivy and Ice Spice.

Obviously you have seen or heard about the issues coming up this year about fair pay for artists at SXSW? Care to offer any insight or comment?

The whole festival is kind of absurd. I’m not even sure what fair pay would be – as an international artist the costs to get over there are extreme.

We’ve been seeing more and more artists get into the food and beverage game, whether it’s pierogis from Pavement or Deftones’ beer. If you ever got into the game, what would be your food or beverage and what would it be called?

I want to be the 7th M&M character

Thanks again for this time! Current SXSW show dates:

• Tuesday 3/14 – Victorian Room at The Driskill – 9pm
• Wednesday 3/15 – New Zealand @ SXSW 2023 Official Party – @ The 13th Floor – 4:30pm