SXSW is weeks away and while we pack our bags for another chaotic trip of music discovery out in Austin, we’re checking in with some of the Australian artists bound for the music festival. One member of the local contingent we’re keen on seeing out in Texas is Running Touch. Having had a brilliant 2016, the musician looks ahead to the release of his debut EP A Body Slow, due out at the end of March.
Have you played SXSW before? How are you anticipating heading to Austin?
I haven’t yet! More than anything, I’m excited to introduce my music to another country. I haven’t done much travelling, so I’m very curious as to what the USA is like.
Tell us about (any) new music you might be hoping to showcase in Austin – how long has that been in the making for?
It really depends on the set length. The shorter sets will be mostly packed out with the released music. But I will most definitely try and jam in new music when I can. That material is all soon-to-be released music on my upcoming EP. I’ve been sitting on those for over a year.
SXSW can often be a platform for new musicians to gain exposure and also link up with potential collaborators/discover new artists themselves. What’s exciting you the most about heading over, as a creative?
A lot of the creative growth I’ve gathered has been from other arists… or any like minded people really, so I’m really excited to learn and take in advice. I think more than anything though (as mentioned before) is taking music to a completely new scene. A new world of challenge.
Have you worked much in the American market before?
Never! I’m extremely excited to do so. I’m venturing around the US for around three weeks. LA, New York etc. Covering all your basic tourist checks.
Have you performed at any of these sorts of festivals before?
Conference-wise, I’ve performed at what I imagine our Australian equivalent is. That’s BIGSOUND over here. As for festivals, I’ve been lucky enough to play most of the touring festivals we have.
If you’ve seen the SXSW line up – who are you looking forward to checking out?
Medasin, Sam Gellaitry, Chrome Sparks & POMO just to name a few. Those are guys I’ve been following for some time, so it’s absolutely ridiculous to see them all on the same bill. It’s funny thinking about it. It’s probably not a big deal to those heading to SXSW from the United States, because that’s so in the norm for them. For us, those are acts that would make a once a year festival line up.
How would you say the Australian presence is growing at these international showcase events – what would you say it’s doing for our industry?
It’s almost like a graduation process. Although I think Australia is definitely coming into its own, in terms of history and world class acts. I think it’s really healthy. An injection of an artist(s) from a different scene, [a] different country. New perspectives and sounds sometimes have to be influenced externally and I think we definitely bring that (and of course vice-versa).
RUNNING TOUCH SXSW SHOWCASES
March 16th | Swan Dive Patio
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES…
April 1st | Miami Horror Block Party, MELBOURNE
April 2nd | Miami Horror Block Party, SYDNEY
April 8th | Hot Dub Wine Machine Festival, SWAN VALLEY
April 21st | Uno Dance Club, GEELONG*
April 22nd | Corner Hotel, MELBOURNE*
April 29th | Groovin’ the Moo, MAITLAND*
May 5th | Cats @ Rocket Bar, ADELAIDE*
May 6th | Hooch @ The Brighton, MANDURAH*
May 7th | Aviary Rooftop Sessions, PERTH*
May 19th | Elsewhere, GOLD COAST*
May 20th | The Foundry, BRISBANE*
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