BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Lo!

Answered by: Sam Dillon – vocals

Give us a short description of your music: We are an aggressive sludge-metal act that performs violent anthems about the sorry state of our modern world.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? I'm most interested in catching Mojo Juju for her honest and powerful voice, Electric Fields for their unique and intimidating talent and Wreath for the anger and rawness.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Without a doubt we are the heaviest and most theatrical of the bunch on offer. We take great pride in startling fresh audiences and delivering our songs in all their furious power. Contorting bodies and mammoth riffs are on the menu.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? There is a modern renaissance happening for metal. Iconic acts are celebrating a second life playing for new fans and the diehards. Extreme acts are 'in vogue' and will tour as a result of healthy metal communities' appetite for live music and unwavering loyalty. 

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Releasing our third album Vestigial in 2017 was a game-changer. It was received well internationally, and its anthemic scope in a genre that can be a bit indecipherable quickly won over audiences on tour in Europe and Japan. Selling out shows this year with Cult Leader was another highpoint.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? Practical networking, more touring opportunities to extend our reach overseas. Smarter, slicker, more focused ways of handling future releases. Writing the album is often the most painless procedure, but then comes marketing! it's getting it heard and seen that is at the heart of conferences like this.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? Fresh perspectives on how labels nurture artists and how music is packaged. The wellbeing of artists and the stigma of mental health issues. I feel the economic value of art in this country is always grossly undervalued despite the great wealth it provides.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Meet everyone!

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, Crowbar, 11.30pm; 5 Sep, The Elephant Hotel, 11.20pm.