SXSW Interview: Cloth
I know SXSW has made some errors, and it’s hard to support something so massive in the current climate. But, one thing I’ve always appreciated it that a lot of country’s send their favorite artists abroad to spread the word on their art scenes…and Scotland’s Cloth is one such group we’re excited to get to know better when they make their way next week. They’ve got a new record titled Pink Silence coming out in April, so take a quick read below and get to know them!
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Cloth: Were called Cloth and were from Glasgow, Scotland.
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
Cloth: We make spacious alternative rock with a pop edge which takes influence from some of the great indie acts from the last 30 years (think Cocteau Twins, Low and the xx). With strong female vocals, interweaving guitars and groove-laden drums, our music is the perfect soundtrack to those contemplative moments in the wee, small hours.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2025?
Cloth: We released our new single Golden in February. Its taken from our
upcoming album Pink Silence which comes out April 25th on Mogwai’s Rock Action Records.
ATH: SXSW is often called a sort of initiation which can lead toincreased exposure. As a band, why did you choose to play the festival? Whats your aim for the week?
Cloth: Weve always wanted to play in America and SXSW is the perfect opportunity for us to begin expanding our fanbase in the USA. It will also allow us to get our music in front of some key US industry professionals. We would love to come out of the week having had some promising conversations with US booking agents.
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Cloth: At the moment were really into a band called Being Dead, who we only recently found out are from Austin! We saw them play live in Glasgow the other week and they were amazing. Were also really digging Youth Lagoon’s new album, Rarely Do I Dream.
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?
Cloth: Were looking forward to catching jasmine.4.t, Personal Trainer, Mary in the Junkyard and Honeyglaze. We also really want to try and get along to see Confidence Man as that will be some party.
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.
Cloth: Vocals would have to be Elizabeth Fraser from Cocteau Twins as she has the most heavenly voice. Annie Clark would be on lead guitar, with Mk.gee holding things down on rhythm guitar. On bass we have to have Thundercat. Drums (probably the one wed be most excited about) would be Stella Mozgawa as everything she does is so cool and interesting.
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
Cloth: A 100% must-have is a portable phone charger, as your battery dies so quickly when your using it as a sat nav, music player and whatever else. It’ s important too to carve out some time for yourself now and then when you’ re on the road. Being cooped up in a small van for hours on end and then being on for shows can be intense so its good to take some time out to chill and look after yourself.
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?
Cloth: Id say we are pretty optimistic people in general but it can be hard to
ignore how difficult it is to make a living from doing music these days, especially with the cost of living continually rising. Fortunately, this is our passion so were going to keep putting out music and playing live as long as we possibly can.
SXSW Dates:
03/11 – 8:40p @ British Music Embassy/Palm Door on Sixth
03/12 – 8:20p @ Wide Days Scotland Showcase/The Creek & The Cave
03/15 – 1:15p @ Bar/None & Trash Casual Party @ Hotel Vegas/Volstead Stage