SXSW Interviews 2025: Population II
The ATH team is still thrown off with how early SXSW is going down this year, and it seems insane that things kick off in just over a week. How is this possible?!? Well, ready or not, things are set to go down soon as we close out the long AF month of February. Hopefully some interviews and guides will help you prepare yourself and find some bands to follow around town. Today our next interview set comes by way of Montreal based band Population II. Hit the jump for full interview, show times, and tunes.
ATH: What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Population II : The name of the band is Population II. We’re from Montreal, Quebec in Canada.
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
Population II : Population II is a psychedelic rock band directly plugged to Quebec’s very own Baie-James hydroelectric dam. A Monolithic kraut funk canterbury prog phasered out punk & roll where freedom is free from the need to be free experience.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2025?
Population II : We’ve just released two singles ”Le the est pret” & ”Mariano (Jamais je ne t’oublierai)” from our upcoming album Maintenant Jamais out March 28th 2025!
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? What’s your aim for the week?
Population II : We’re releasing a new album around SXSW 2025. That’s the main reason why we decided to play the festival this year. Our aim for the week is to play as many shows as possible and to get the best taco spots we can while exploring the beautiful city of Austin, TX.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Population II : We listen to so many artists, bands, movies and even comedy. Lately, we’ve rediscovered the films of Pierre Perrault, an important figure of Quebec’s cinema history. It’s all free on Youtube on the ONF page. On the comedy side, there’s an amazing podcast called “Tu Me Niaises” streaming on Youtube. It’s “bazou baseball coco crazy le grant est tomb sur la tte” level good! Music wise, in the van, a lot of Sly Stone, Crass, Lucien Francoeur, Can, Gerry Boulet, Matching Mole, Alice Coltrane and Miles Davis. From kosmiche musik to psych funk to modal spiritual jazz to Quebec’s rock & roll.
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?
Population II : We won’t have time to check artists since we’re playing everyday. All we can say is people need to go see Yoo Doo Right.
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.
Population II : The supergroup already existed. Listen to Can and the albums Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi and Future Days.
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
Population II : Eat tacos, drink water, take showers, take naps at Barton Springs and sleep at least 7 hours.
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? How do you refocus
Population II : Don’t expect anything from music. Wander in free energy like love. You’ll instantly refocus on the main goal : Playing music with your friends to hopefully inspire people to do something different.
Thanks again for making this time to speak with us! Here are some shows we know about for Population II during SXSW week:
3/11 – Austin, TX – Swan Dive Patio (Project Nowhere Showcase)
3/12 – Austin, TX – Swan Dive (Pop Montreal Showcase)
3/12 – Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas (Space Agency Showcase)