SXSW Interviews 2026 – Cashier

Really just a day or so now before we sort of shut this machine down and head out to cover as much SXSW madness as we can. It’s a new year and I know the crew has a few “must see” bands not to miss this time. Cashier is surely one of those bands on our list, and are seeing a huge rise right now with our indie music community. We are super excited to share their interview answers with you. As always, full responses, show dates and tunes are after the jump.

Responses all come from Kylie Gaspard.

ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

Cashier from Lafayette, LA.

ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.

Cashier is a mix of alt rock, shoegaze/alt-gaze, and 90s emo

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2026?

We just released our last single from our new EP called The Weight, which is the title track of the EP. The entire project comes out 3/13 during SXSW. As for the rest of 2026, nothing is set in stone yet, but we are in the process of writing our first LP.

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?

We love playing SXSW- last year was our first time and it was just so fun. Its like rock camp with everyone youve ever met from across the country. My goal is to play as much as possible, see all of my friends, and have the time of my life. Any connections/fans we make from that is lagniappe.

ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

Jejune, Fugazi, Watermelon by Driver Eight, Faking the Books by Lali Puna, Children of the Corn by lil Grimm, the Neon White soundtrack by Machine Girl, Doughboys- in the van we listen to a lot of stuff probably every genre possible. We usually have a song of the summer- this year its Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik.

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 cant wait to see our friends Rocket, Worlds Worst, Drook, Proun, Good Flying Birds, Touch Girl Apple Blossom, and many others.

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.

Steve Perry on vocals, Prince on guitar, Jaco Pastorius on Bass, Buddy Rich on drums

ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?

Sounds obvious but make sure you have snacks and water on hand every day. If you sing then try your best not to be loud every night -no talking over house music or people playing. If you can have someone else run your merch do it. Network as much as possible, make as many friends as you can, and support each other- both band members and other artists. Dont take everything too seriously. We are rockers, we should be having fun. Keep your cool and go with the flow always because anything can happen, so you have to adapt to whatever is going on around you. Try to stay authentic and real in all your interactions, and just have fun!

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?

This is a big question. As a band, I think there is less worry. Im a big believer that if you make good music and stand by what you release while making good connections with people and keep your heart pure and genuine, you will be successful. Obviously we want people to listen to our stuff and like what we are doing, but what matters most is if we like what we are releasing. Everything else will follow.

 

As a person, Im increasingly aware of the state of our country and our political climate. To be a musician is to be political, and we stand against ICE and the current fascist government, as well as the environmental destruction of our land for use of capitalist means (such as AI data centers). We live in a poor area that is suffering already from coastal erosion and no funding for preservation, and now we have data centers in Louisiana that are wasting our already small amount of clean water. I fear for the integrity of our Cajun culture and the lack of preservation to keep it alive- although there is a wave of revivalism amongst young people in Lafayette. I also tend to worry about money a lot- how can I juggle everything and still afford to live as an artist.

 

How do I refocus? Well, to me, all of this is related. If I am successful in my art then I have a chance to speak out against oppression and evil forces, and I can speak on being Cajun and share my culture with the world- and if I pop off then there are funds that I can not only pay for myself to live, but support my community. I am of the mindset that if I am up, we are all up shared success is the way to help those around you. So I focus on my work, kind of all the time. I stay busy and creative because my career and ability to help those around me relies on the success of my work.

ATH: SXSW has changed a ton from year to year, with this year adding a lot of new aspects and totally altering the festival as we used to know it. If youre a returning band, how did you anticipate things might be different for you this year? Anything you wish had stayed the same or any changes you look forward to discovering?

Weve only done this festival one other time (last year) and honestly we had a lot of fun. I got to make friends with artists that I really respect and admire. I definitely knew we would be playing more, which is crazy to say because (if Im not mistaken, the music days either got changed or shortened? Fact check me if Im wrong.) Last year we played 9 sets and I felt like that was a lot this year we are playing 14. I think it will be a little different for us because instead of networking with mostly bands this year, we are doing a lot more with businesses and brands as well as doing more press, which is awesome. My dream for SXSW is artist parking and big dollies for moving our gear around Austin- key word dream. I dont really have the context of the festival to know what has and hasnt changed, just excited to participate again!

Typically this is where we would give our usual “thanks” to a band for participating in these interview questions. I wanted to give a personal and heartfelt thanks to Cashier for feeling safe and comfortable with providing some super personal responses about the current state of the world. Growing up in Deep East Texas, I know where you’re coming from, I hear you, and I stand with you. Thanks again for bringing this unique perspective to Austin. #IceOut – RayRay

Current Cashier shows in the coming days:

Fri, March 13 Julia’s War Showcase @ The Ballroom (1:45 PM)

Fri, March 13 Planetary Group (Official) @ Valhalla (9:30 PM)

Sat, March 14 Winspear x Vertigo Vinyl Day Party @ Cheer Up Charlies (1:30 PM)

Sat, March 14 Tweedy’s Block Party @ Tweedy’s (3:45 PM)

Sat, March 14 Good English Showcase @ Chess Club (11:00 PM)

Sun, March 15 Benefit Show @ Hole in the Wall (2:15 PM)

Sun, March 15 Grillo’s Pickles @ Hotel Vegas (6:15 PM)

Mon, March 16 Digital Twang Night @ Las Perlas / Seven Grand (10:50 PM)

Tue, March 17 Tour Peachy Showcase @ Brushy Street Commons (2:30 PM)

Tue, March 17 Vulgar Records @ Friendly Rio Market (6:00 PM)

Tue, March 17 Smartpunk House @ Hotel Vegas (9:15 PM)

Wed, March 18 Tito’s Showcase @ Love, Tito’s (5:15 PM)

Wed, March 18 Julia’s War Showcase @ Alienated (10:10 PM)