SXSW Interviews 2026 – The Family Battenberg
Wow yeah, so this year has definitely snuck up on us, and somehow we are just one week out from SXSW staring next week. Many of us are still unsure what to expect with all of the changes coming in, and how we deal with the lack of a large, centralized meeting space. Either way, we will be out and about, doing our thing. Our interview series continues today with another one from a band on my personal must see list – The Family Battenberg. As always, you’ll find the full interview, set times, and tunes after the jump.
Responses today come from band member Ethan. Thanks Ethan!
ATH: What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
TFB: We’re The Family Battenberg from South Wales!
ATH: Give us a short pitch for your band, describing sound, ambiance or whatever you feel like.
TFB: It’s spider rock baby, always has been! It sounds a bit bad but in a good way. Money back guarantee if you’re not a fan, TFB approved!
ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2026?
TFB: In 2025 we released our chart topping* EP Spider Rock Forever which we recorded three trillion years ago (2024) and were very happy to set free last October. *no chart was in fact topped, just kidding!
Without spilling ALL of our metaphorical beans, we have been back in the studio this year cooking up an absolute storm (no beans included).
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?
TFB: Our fellow Welsh mates Panic Shack are at the fest again this year, everyone should definitely go and see them as much as physically possible. In 2023 they wore one of our tees at SXSW and we all freaked out at the idea that our merch had made it to the states, so it’s pretty bonkers to be making our way over this year.
ATH: Any road survival or SXSW survival tips for newbie bands? What are some must haves to survive the road?
TFB: Painkillers for sure. It’s a bad day to be a bottle of tequila when we’re across the pond.
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? What’s your aim for the week?
TFB: One of our main objectives as a band is to have as much fun as possible, and playing 5 shows in Texas (especially at South By), sounded like the chunkiest amount of fun we could have. As long as we’re having fun, the music tends to flow quite nicely!
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.
TFB: Most powerful group of all time? Fam Batt all day baby. Billy Stillman smashing tubs, Jess Pritchard keeping it low, Ethan Duck playing half written guitar lines and Eliot Jones shouting a whole bunch.
Thanks again to Ethan and The Family Battenberg for making this time.
Current known dates and times to see the band next week:
Friday, March 13th – 12:20PM @ Valhalla – Planetary Presents Day Show
Sunday, March 15th – 8:00PM @ Swan Dive – Focus Wales Official Showcase
Monday, March 16th – 2:00PM @ Palm Doors – British Music Embassy Showcase