SXSW Interviews: Sinead O’Brien

Well it is nearly time people, we have but one week left before things get a little nuts here in Austin and SXSW gets underway. Make sure you’ve stocked your fridge with the essentials and finalized any travel plans if you are visiting us from out of town. It will be a crazy week and you don’t want to lose time by not being prepared. With one week to go, we still have a few of our SXSW interviews to share with you all. Today I am pleased to share this one with Irish artist Sinead O’Brien. Hit the jump for full interview.

ATH: What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

SO: I’m Sinead O’Brien, from Limerick, Ireland.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2022?

SO: My latest single “Holy Country” came out on February 16th along with the news of my debut album Time Bend And Break The Bower which is out on June 10th.

ATH: Everyone’s been focused on the negative aspects of the last few years? What are a few good things that came about for you as an individual or the band as a whole during the last two pandemic-stricken years?

SO: Appreciating that “in-the-room” connection when we get together for writing or rehearsals. Nothing can substitute that because it’s so purely physical. But on the other hand, having a system in place or the right habits for working remotely is great as a way to keep continuous momentum even when you’re not together. I definitely benefited from changing my setup and adapting.

ATH: Why play SXSW? What’s the draw for the band? What about this festival will bring you to Austin?

SO: SXSW has been on my radar for such a long time. Friends have taken their bands and come back with stories about the experience it just sounds so intense and exciting. It’s going to be our first trip to play in the US which is a big thing in itself and I’m really looking forward to also getting a feel for the place and hopefully it’ll be the first of many visits.

ATH: Let’s say your band has booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street. The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd is growing ancy. How would your band deal with such a situation?

SO: I think situations like that are often better than a quiet, neat show. We definitely play off of the crowd and a charged energy or something unexpected always works to the bands strengths. I don’t even mind if people are talking or distracted to begin with, it urges me to get in control of the room and kind of intensifies the performance.

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

SO: Bit of Nick Drake, The Fall, Fleetwood Mac, Dylan, LCD Soundsystem, Prince

ATH: The band gets to create their own food truck to take on the road. What’s it called, and what are you serving?

SO: It would be called “Spare for my size, me” and it would serve tiny versions of our favourite meals taking the key ingredients (maybe 2 or 3) in the format of sushi like just one bite! That’s what you want to eat before playing a gig!

Thanks again to Sinead for making the time to do this! Here is her latest single “Holy Country”. See you next week!