Melbourne’s Owen Rabbit makes his return to the UK for The Great Escape this year, bringing with him a whole swag of new sounds and material to showcase for the British audiences. We find out a bit more about how he’s been anticipating his shows in the UK, as well as plans for the rest of 2016!
Have you played The Great Escape before? If so, how many times?
I haven’t played The Great Escape before. I played CMJ last year in New York and I think the vibe is pretty similar, in that it’s chaotic. I wish I had another copy of myself so I could tap out and have another me to replace me. Funny to think that if I’d invented cloning, I would just use it for naps.
What are you hoping will come out of this year’s event for you?
I’m here to make some headway into setting up a sustainable touring circuit for me to do through Europe. Meet with festival organisers, labels and agencies to help me share my music with people. It’s also a lot of fun and there is a lot of free beer.
Why should The Great Escape attendees come and see you?
I’d go see myself because it would be an incredible advance in science for me or a clone of me could go see me at one of my shows. But as I said before, I’d probably leave early and have a nap. Sorry, that’s a smart ass answer. It’s magic to share moments with people and I get to do that sometimes when I play. Also, I do a lot of looping and get the crowd involved in the process.
What is a track that you think best represents where you are right now, and what audiences can expect from your sound and your set?
This is my new single “Weeds”. I go mental in it and shout a lot.
What made you want to showcase at The Great Escape?
I love Brighton. I used to live in London and went down there as often as I could. It’s a magic place. Europe is such a nice place to be in general. I’m showcasing at TGE, so I can come back here more often.
Wil Wagner from The Smith Street Band. Also Andy Stott – he makes the weirdest dance music and it breaks my brain. And um, Portishead, David Byrne, Kanye West, Brian Eno, Thom Yorke, Bjork, William Basinski, Deru, The Books, Apparat, Robert Smith, Crystal Castles, Chance the Rapper, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Coco Rosie, Xiu Xiu.
How much more international touring is on the cards for this year?
Don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but I’m hoping to come to Europe again before the year’s out. Watch this space, I guess.
How do you hope the British crowd will receive your music?
I’ve already done a few shows in Britain as I’m writing this. They’re keen as mustard. I had a show in London that was packed out. British people get pretty rowdy at the pub, that’s something I’ve noticed.
What other Aussie act playing The Great Escape would you recommend the rest of the world needs to see?
City Calm Down! Holy shit, go see that band they are mind blowing.
Please list your The Great Escape showcases (to now) and give us a link where we can find your most up to date list!
May 19th | Sound Gallery @ Komedia Studio Bar – 2:50pm
May 22nd | Aussie BBQ @ Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London – 7:10pm
The Great Escape Artist page can be found HERE.
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