SXSW Interviews 2025: Two-Man Giant Squid
It’s hard to pigeon-hole Brooklyn outfit Two Man Giant Squid; they often change directions from song to song, and sometimes within the songs themselves, as in the case of last year’s “Weird Recordings.” I think that’s what makes them great for a festival like SXSW, as they can lock into a groove or a set, and manipulate the audience depending upon the vibe…or maybe they show up and melt faces. Think you’ll be satisfied either way. And, if you don’t know about them, check out our brief interview below!
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Two-Man Giant Squid from Brooklyn, NY
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
We are an eclecticband with a unique post-punk sound known for our high energy live performances and ambitiousrecordings. We’ve been compared to LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse, and DEVO among others. We often use a variety of instruments to achieve our unique brand of post-punk including a theremin among others.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2025?
We have a new album that will be out March 7th to coincide with the festival! We just released some singles off of it and are very excited to bring it to SXSW.
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?
Known for touring inside the Brooklyn, NY scene, we want to broaden the outreach of our band. We’ve heard great things about the festival from friends who have played it before and we hope that our appearance here will turn some heads onto what we are doing.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
We’ve been listening to alot of 90s indie psych like Mercury Rev and Spiritualized. We actually have a new cover of Spiritualized’s1997 song “I Think I’m in Love” out now. I’ve also been listening to alot of Friko and Water From Your Eyes. Two acts who I think are doing really interesting thingsright now.
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?
I am a big fan of the Montreal band “Le Securite.” They play a similar high energy dance punk sound that we look to achieve so i would love to connect with them at the festival! Some great artists from our NYC scene will be there as well. Including Consumables, Nara’s Room, & TVOD.
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 wow, I’ve never had such power. I would pick the rhythm section of Blur and then throw the Gallagher brothers up there on vocals & guitar. We’d either get some incredible music or the greatest on stage brawl anyone has ever seen. A win-win either way.
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
I think we are that band looking for tips lol! But from our experiences I would say to make sure your car packing tetris skills are polished. No one wants to drive hours to a gig only to realize that their symbolswere crushed under a guitar case.
ATH: What concerns do you have as a band or a human or both? In regards to music, the world, reallywhere does your mind tend to wander these days? How do you refocus?
I’m often concerned about the state of music and art in today’s society. These are important things that used to be a main cornerstone of what it meant to be human. It feels like people are prioritizing them less and less. I think this de-prioritization of what makes us human has contributed to all the terrible sh*t going on in the world politically and socially. We try to refocus by lending a hand to people who need it, and getting out there and playing the best shows we can.
Here’s the planned dates for SXSW: