SXSW Interviews 2026 – Hana Lili
Well it is here people, and having been in the downtown area early this morning, I can tell you that the festival has started. So get your last minute prep in and come say hey to us this weekend. We’ll likely be kicking things off tonight somewhere on Red River. Before we lock it up for a few days, we have another interview to share, this time from rising Welsh act Hana Lili. Check out all them deets and tunes after the jump.
ATH: What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Hi I’m Hana Lili and I’m from Wales! Or as we say in Welsh, Cymru.
ATH: Give us a short pitch for you and your music, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
I make alt-rock music. I like to rock out, I get my hair bleached blonde, my favourite drink is squash and I’m a secret nerd for reading books and the physics of sound. My favourite song to play on guitar is My Own Summer (Shove It) by Deftones and I use two overdrives in my live show.
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2026?
My most recent release is a song called Complicated from a new EP I’m releasing in April. It’s about the turbulences that are left behind from previous relationships, and how that can make it hard to trust somebody again. Even if they’re great, you do things in spite of yourself as a way to try and protect yourself.
ATH: SXSW is often called a sort of initiation which can lead to increased exposure. As an artist, why did you choose to play the festival? What’s your aim for the week?
It’s so awesome to be around so much great music. I think I just prefer to be playing on stage if I’m honest. The plan for the week is to rock out, go to Trader Joe’s and make the most of the festival, meeting new people and watching live music!
ATH: What have you been listening to, or what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
I listen a lot to Vein.fm at the moment. Also Basement, Love Is Noise and Mouth Culture. I recently went on tour with Mouth Culture across Europe and it was such an awesome experience. I recently got wired headphones and it’s the best.. currently listening to Hannah Montana while answering these questions.. it’s a vibe (really good drum fills in the songs).
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?
Panic Shack! Fellow Welsh musicians! I also just love watching and going to gigs.. I don’t know if there will be any mosh pits at SXSW but usually you will find me there at a gig.
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.
Okkkk waw! Umm.. Nirvana, No Doubt, Radiohead and Deftones have to all be there in some capacity. Also Turnstile and Basement are there… Ecca Vandal, Linkin Park and Cocteau Twins. Everyone can backflip and the concert is only filmed on Hi-8 cameras.. and can we throw some pyros in for good measure? Also everyone gets a free party bag at the end of the concert. Also just to clarify we are all on stage rocking out and backflipping with fire. Side note I really want a tortoise so I’d also have a tortoise be a part of the show so after the show I can take it home.
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
I’m still learning to be honest! But drinking water? Of course.. being present in the moment and knowing when to take time for yourself!
Thanks again to Hana for making this time! We will se ya’ll out there, and catch Hana here: