BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: darvid thor

Give us a short description of your music: Woozy, daydreaming guitar-pop music that is full of meandering guitar lines, warm, gooey synthesisers and melodic bass-playing. My voice is a warm tenor with some floating falsetto too.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Hannah Blackburn, Obscura Hail, Close Counters, Gordon Koang, Hemm, murmurmur, Huntly, Fan Girl.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I'm playing with my wonderful band! Lewis Coleman on synths and guitar, Levi Heeringa on bass and Hudson Whitlock on drums. It'll be my first time with this project at BIGSOUND, and if you're a fan of dark and murky alternative/indie music, then you might wanna come!

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? In less of a 'commercial' sense, I think instrumental music is making a bit of a comeback, which is really exciting for me as that's how I started playing and making music. All I can say is, c'arn The Boogers. Haha.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Dustin Payseur from Beach Fossils came to my first ever show, upstairs at The Gasometer in Melbourne last year. It was crazy seeing him in that tiny room from up on stage. His music and productions have been a huge inspiration for my music. 

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? Not really sure actually. I just want to make some new friends in the industry and with the bands up there. Hype and 'buzz' aside, it's worth remembering that everyone up there is human and that just being a good, friendly human is probably the best thing to be.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I think it's still an underrepresentation of First Nations, LGBTQ+ and women in music. We're putting in a lot of work to change this, but there is still a lot to do to challenge the white-washed boys' club that still seems to be the backbone of the industry.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Well, I've been a few times, but have never had to sing. It's really easy to go hard and ruin yourself. So my advice to myself will be to chill out, stay healthy, eat well and bring a tonne of throat remedies.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, Heya Bar, 9.10pm; 4 Sep, Woolly Mammoth Alehouse Stage, 10.40pm.