OEB’s Five SXSW Qs - Syd Arthur

This year, I am kicking off a SXSW interview series to engage some of our favorite artists performing in 2013.  The response from showcasing acts has already been overwhelming, so be on the lookout for a new interview at least once a day up until showtime.  We’re keeping it simple with five questions and be sure to click on the OEB SXSW 2013 Review link to listen along.  We’ve got an OEB Freshman Favorite - British indie pop band Syd Arthur to kick things off.  Read below about their excitement on their first musical trip to the States this year.

Hometown: Canterbury, UK

OEB SXSW 2013 Review 

In your music, I hear strains of different influences from experimental pop to hypnotic jazz. What drew you to create such an eclectic sound?

Quite simply we have such a varied and wide reaching appreciation of music. We listen to everything from Beefheart to Miles, Stockhausen to The Beatles, Classical, Jazz, Folk…. as you could probably imagine, that list could go on for a while… And it all filters its way through into our music. Whether we’re jamming or writing a more concise song, these influences bubble away and somehow manage to sneak their way in, enhancing what we do. We are quite harsh on ourselves as to when its not working as a positive to the song, so lots of ideas get left behind, but for the better.

Our sound is also a result of us having played music together for the last 5 or so years, without the pressure of trying to pigeon hole our sound too much, or the pressures of releasing a full-length. We spent a lot of time playing live and experimenting.

I hear On & On is getting a nice reception over in the UK. How’s the last few months been since the release of a full-length?

Its been a great reception over here, yeah. And it’s been very nice to be on the receiving end of positive reviews, and new and interesting reflections on our music. It’s amazing what people hear in what we do – it can take you by surprise!

We’re really looking forward to capitalising on the success we have had with the UK/EU festival season, an upcoming headline UK tour, the release of our new double a-side single and of course, heading over to the US will be great!

Will this be your first trip over to the States? Anything else planned in addition to SXSW?

Yes our first trip over on musical business. Can’t wait! Some of us have visited before, but never Austin…. We do have some plans to play in New York and LA. We are talking to some promoters about this at the moment. They really want to make it happen, and so do we, so fingers crossed on that one…

Any SXSW appearances lined up yet? Anything you are looking to accomplish in Austin?

We are being showcased by SXSW and Communion, but we’re also looking for other opportunities for shows, live sessions and such.

We have a plan for our time there, and we’re in the process of sorting this out. Obviously we want to play music as music as possible for people, but we also want to look to secure the possibility of a US release for ‘On An On,’ US publishing and further contacts in the wider industry. See who else wants to get on board the train…

Any bands on the SXSW lineup you are looking forward to catching yourselves?

You know what, we haven’t even had much of a chance to look… But now that you mention it…

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 22:

In a way, this project is all about pacing.  It’s been about 24 hours since the second wave and I’ve already got a set all served up for you, including a top Freshman Favorite.  Highlights:

Syd Arthur (9) - The most impressive aspect of Syd Arthur’s music is the complexity found throughout every track, from the dark, jazzy melodies of “Dorothy” to the tense orchestral plucking of “First Difference”.

The Airborne Toxic Event (8) - From a few early listens stemming from an orchestra-backed show at Red Rocks this summer, look for the band to push more towards a dramatic and sweeping sound, not too unlike The National.

Allo Darlin’ (7) - Allo Darlin’ is one of the most laid back pop/rock band I’ve come across this year, settling into pocket grooves amid breezy melodies.

Absynthe Minded (6) – Belgium rock band Absynthe Minded takes influence from 90s alternative rock and melds it into dreamy, garage pop numbers.  Their eclectic catalog spans the last decade and Absynthe Minded’s latest record, As It Ever Was, continues to explore different indie rock corners.

Alpine (6) – Indie rock and electronic pop converge in Australian band Alpine’s sound.  They especially excel when there is a hint of funk webbing through their songs like in the key track “Gasoline”.

Alpha Rev (5) - While I’m a sucker for the soaring melodies of Alpha Rev’s biggest track “New Morning”, Alpha Rev has been hit and miss with me as they make their third consecutive SXSW appearance.  If you’re looking for dramatic piano pop at SXSW, locals Alpha Rev will certainly fit the bill.