BIGSOUND Artist Profile: Howqua

Hometown: Melbourne

Short description of your band and your music: I try to keep my music as honest as I can. It's pretty raw at times but it's me.

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? It can be pretty hectic touring around, stopping at a new venue each night with new people and more beer. But moderation can be fun too kids!

What is the best thing that's happened to you/your band so far? Getting the opportunity to head over to Canadian Music Week and having an amazing booking agent at The Agency Group get on board. Also selling out my first show was a real thrill!

Are your ambitions mainly artistic or commercial? Definitely artistic. In saying that I suppose the irony is that sticking to this seems to breed a lot of commercial opportunities.

Is your music best rendered in the studio or the live realm? I've always felt my biggest strengths are on the stage. The energy from the people in the room tends to help me get in the zone. I find this harder to do in a studio.

If you could have any act past or present join you on your next tour who would you tap? I'd love to hit the road with Bon Iver and get a little deeper into the head of Justin Vernon. Otherwise maybe The Doors — that'd be a fun tour. 

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I'm just keen to meet a heap of like-minded people who love music. Maybe after BIGSOUND I might have a better answer for this one.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at the BIGSOUND showcase? There's a bunch, but Methyl Ethel, Pearls and Gang Of Youths come to mind.

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at BIGSOUND? I'll be sharing all the feels from inside to out. It'll be guards downs and I'll be giving it all I've got. Blood, sweat and tears. What you see is what you get.