Melbourne’s Running Touch just keeps going from strength to strength, returning from SXSW in Austin, Texas a few weeks ago to release his debut EP A Body Slow. I caught up with the man himself to talk about his time in America, the new EP and the tour which is taking him all over the country as we speak!
How did your shows go in Austin, Texas at the iconic South by Southwest (SXSW)?
Comparing them to my expectations, extremely well. I’d heard on arrival of how notorious SXSW was for being tough to get crowd for new acts. But thankfully, I didn’t see any of that.
Did you discover any new artists yourselves?
I did. I got to see a group called KLYNE who really took my ear. I played on the same bill as some of my favourite artists (Medasin, Pomo, Geotheory) … but I had a show later in the night elsewhere that clashed with seeing them, which I was shattered about.
How did you find those changeovers? Did that give you a new appreciation for the lengthy soundcheck?
Absolutely. A fraction of a sound check never goes under appreciated. That being said, I’ve done a few line checks before… and I was lucky enough to have my extremely (and much more so than me) capable sound tech with me to help!
From what you saw at the event, how do you think Aussies in general fare in the US compared to the rest of the world?
I think even if not currently – our presence is definitely becoming a influencing force. We have such a nurturing, unique music/festival culture and I would like to think you can hear and see it in our art. From what I saw, the Aussie barbecue tent was always to the brim or lively.
What piece (or pieces) of advice would you have for future Aussies heading to perform at SXSW?
Go in with your skill set, your best attitude and thats it. Don’t hold expectations or ideas, don’t be your favourite artists, just be you. Focus on being there and milking this incredible event for what it’s worth.
You return to Australia just in time to release you much anticipated A Body Slow EP. Congratulations! How have you found the reception to be so far?
I have! Thank you very much. I hope you heard it and enjoyed it yourself! It’s been phenomenal. I mean, I’m a relatively new artist releasing a body of work in a singles era… a daunting combo. I think you could almost argue an EP’s relevance in an artists early days in the industry currently. But with that being said, it’s been really positive and I’m ecstatic to finally have a platform of sound to mature off of now.
And at its most basic level, how does it feel to have your musical baby finally out in the world?
A relief. That and I feel excited, of course. I can now open a new chapter. What every musician loves!
You’ve been working on this for a while, how far back do some of the songs on the record go?
“She’s Waiting” and “You’re Saving That For Me” were both at the time I made Courtesy Of. The EP took on two different versions before it’s final release. I originally had a completely different tracklist, concept, art work etc… so it really terraformed before it saw the light of day.
Are you the sort of performer who is already thinking about what you want to release next?
For sure. I have around 40 or so tracks either on the shelf or that are in progress.
You’ve got a massive tour around the country to celebrate its release – are there are any shows you’re particularly looking forward to playing (and is there anywhere you’re playing that you haven’t played before?)?
I’ve never played the venues i’m playing in Bendigo and Adelaide, I believe. So it’s always a new challenge taking new experiences on. I’m really looking forward to Melbourne, being my home town and all. But honestly, I’m really looking forward to all of them, I’m doing some new bits and pieces and I’ve got some surprise guests… it’s going to be sick.
What can fans expect from the shows – what do you have in store from a production point of view at the shows?
Always something new. I’m very aware of how often Australian artists get regurgitated and cycled around the same bills and cities all the time… so I’m always looking to try bring something new (even if it’s only small) to every experience. So you can expect the EP, and plenty of solos!
What is a post SXSW US strategy looking like? Are there any plans to get back over to the US later in the year?
I think so. Right now I have a whole basket of video projects and music to sink my teeth into. I have some long term pieces I’m working on and putting into place too which I’m really looking forward to. And of course, I have the next Ocean Grove record to think about too.
Don’t miss Running Touch as he takes his A Body Slow EP tour around the country.
April 13th | Star Bar, BENDIGO | Tickets
April 20th | Corner Hotel, MELBOURNE | Tickets
April 21st | Uno Dance Club, GEELONG | Tickets
April 22nd | Corner Hotel, MELBOURNE | Tickets
April 28th | Hudson Ballroom, SYDNEY | Tickets
May 5th | Cats @ Rocket Bar, ADELAIDE | Tickets
May 6th | Hooch @ The Brighton, MANDURAH | Tickets
May 7th | Aviary Rooftop Sessions, PERTH | Tickets
May 19th | Elsewhere, GOLD COAST | Tickets
May 20th | The Foundry, BRISBANE | Tickets
For more details head to his Facebook Page.
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