Meet the SXSW Band: Jess Cornelius
Trying to get as much coverage out as we can before SXSW comes our way, as, despite its faults, it still remains a pretty special fest to those here at ATH. An artist we’d like to throw our support behind is Jess Cornelius, who will be coming into town with at least four shows under planned for the festival…dates included after the jump.
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
My name is Jess Cornelius, and I perform under my name with a 3-piece band, which includes Mikal Cronin on bass and Steven Urgo on drums. I’m from New Zealand originally, and lived in Australia for quite a stretch, but Ive been based in LA for the past 6 years and that is where my band is, too.
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
I think theres a real focus on songwriting and vocals (my bandmate Mikal and I both sing and I also use a kind of trippy vocal harmonizer pedal) but Im also lucky to have bandmates that rip on bass and drums. There are introspective quiet moments but also plenty of noise and fuzz and string bends and organized chaos.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2024?
I just put out a single called “People Move On” and we made a slightly warped video where were all dressed as sort of Victorian-era futuristic cult members. The song itself is from my new record CARE/TAKING which comes out on June 14 on Tender Loving Empire.
ATH: SXSW is often called a sort of initiation which can lead to increased exposure. As a
band, why did you choose to play the festival? Whats your aim for the week?
It felt like good timing because of the single release and having the album coming out. I like the manic energy of SX and the fact you get all these musicians and music-loving people all in one place. And I love Austin. We have great management and booking so were lucky in that regard, but Id like to meet publishers and sync agents from around the world. And other artists.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Im often listening to Meg Bairds Furling, which is a perfect example of a record thats heavy-ish, but lush and shimmering at the same time. In the tour van it could be anything from Can to Dolly Parton.
ATH: If you’ve had a chance to check out any of the artists coming into town for the festival – Anyone you are excited about trying to see during the week?
I haven’t had as close a look as I would like to, but Im excited about doing that. I get homesick, so Ill probably see lots of NZ and Australian bands.
ATH: Disregarding the constructs of space, time, and availability – If you could construct a power group of artists to make the supreme, all powerful super group of a band, who would be in it?
Pick as many members as you like. Who is on vocals, drums, guitar, etc.? All submissions will be judged with a winner awarded during the festival.
Oh gosh. I mean, thats hard because you might get the most amazing players but would they play well TOGETHER? And who is writing the songs?
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
Well, my personal advice to myself this year is to not drink booze during the festival. Or at least till the last night. Well see!
ATH:What concerns do you have as a band or a human or both? In regards to music, the world, really where does your mind tend to wander these days?
WHOA. I have a million concerns but listing them all here feels like a bummer. I have a little kid so everything gets amplified. Climate change. Guns. Gaza. The end of US democracy. I could go on. But lets be grateful for art and music, right? And live music. For many its our place of worship and refuge.
Here’s a few of Jess Cornelius’ shows:
Thurs March 14th -2:15 pmSounds Australia Presents Showcase @ Australia HouseatLucille’s on Rainey St -77 Rainey St
Thurs March 14th -9:00 pmOfficial SXSW Showcase@ Iron Bear-301 W 6th St