Popstrangers Ditch SXSW To Take On Europe

There will be plenty of bands showing off their stuff at SXSW, which kicks off tomorrow in the States, but New Zealand band Popstrangers will not be one of them. Instead, they'll be focussing on their plans to take on the European market, according to singer/guitarist Joel Flyger.

“We were accepted for SXSW this year and we planned to fly there from Sydney or Melbourne but we've got plans to go to the UK in April so in terms of funds and timing it made sense to not go to SXSW,” said Flyger.

“We've been in NZ for the last few years and in Auckland particularly and I'm kind of sick of it. We are talking with European booking agents at the moment and things wouldn't happen the same way if we were still based in Auckland.”

Flyger also admitted the band feel more secure with their move from iconic label Flying Nun to Carpark and Spunk Records.

“We are definitely in a much better position now. It was exciting to sign with Flying Nun at the time but they just weren't working at the speed we wanted to be. I guess the new manager will now fix that up but we're a lot happier with Carpark and Spunk; they've just been so much easier to deal with.”

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