Meet the SXSW Band: Holiday Ghosts
If there was one band I could pick on my “SXSW” to see list, it had to be Holiday Ghosts. I’ve adored the work for years, but like most acts, its hard to always get across the blue pond to play in the States, so hopefully we’ll be able to catch them this week! They’ve got a slew of unofficial shows, as they’ve backed out of the official part of the festival. They’re prepping for the release of their new LP, Coat of Arms, which I reckon is going to be chocked full of rad tunes. Check the shows after the jump!
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Holiday Ghosts – Brighton – south coast England
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
Clean , jangly , varied , sharp , great songs with punk intensity.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2024?
Big Congratulations single just came out on March 5th! album is upcoming 29th March its named : Coat Of Arms and is our 5th full length record . Its on Fatcat records
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?
Were not taking part in SXSW officially anymore , we have decided to boycott it due to the companies involvement with the USA military and Raytheon which is an arms traider currently supplying weaponry to Israel and profiting from the genocide in Gaza.
We have 5 unofficial shows left across Austin during the festival though:
Wednesday 13th
2:35 – 3:10 All ages show at Sidebar
5:45 Outer Heaven
Thursday 14th
6pm, at White Tiger/ Goorin Bros
Friday 15th
4pm, Hotel Vegas, Volstead Stage/ Space Agency Showcase
Saturday 16th
10pm, Hole In The Wall/ Psychic Radio Show
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Me and Kat have both been on a Dean Blunt binge for a little will. That guy is so damn good. I also listen to a lot of experimental new wave stuff such as Thomas Leer , Robert Rental , John bender, really love DEUX. I wanna shout out to an amazing Plymouth band that H.G play with a lot and love theyre called Ubiquiteous Meh! Thats my fav current UK artist .
As a band were into very varied stuff Id say…
Morgan: Exit Order, Being Dead, Lumpy and the Dumpers
Ben: Ive been loving Winton Hightower, As Per My Last Email is so fresh and the compositions are so interesting and unique, I think theres a K release coming soon too which is exciting. J. Macfarlanes Reality Guest also just put out an amazing album called Whoopee that Ive had on repeat. Lastly my friends in Vehicle recently put out a single Fancyman/If I dont say a word which everyone should listen to; wry lyricism and steezy guitar riffs oplenty, sure to be your new favorites.
ATH: If youve 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?
The Spits , Being Dead, The New Eves , Automatic, Beebeesea
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.
Charlie watts is in the drums. Sun Ra on keys , Bootsy Collins is on bass , The Legendary Stardust Cowboy is on vocals .
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
Apparently those who eat bananas on the reg get more mosquito bites .