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What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

I’ve been playing music since I was 7 and haven’t stopped since. Piano was my main focus. After studying it for most of my life, I picked up guitar and started writing music for what is now Löwin.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

This release marked a shift in sound for us. I was writing on keys/synth more and less on guitar. I wanted this record to be more lyrically and melodically focused than our previous releases.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

I listen to everything except country music. I think it’s important to find something positive in any genre. I have days where I listen to Prince and days where I listen to The White Stripes. The Pixies and Sonic Youth were a big influence on me. I also listen to a lot of jazz like Sarah Vaughan and John Coltrane. I love Jeff Buckley’s songwriting and vocal style. For more current stuff, I’ve been really into Shannon and the Clams, Tame Impala, Mitski, Real Estate.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

When I started shaping songs for this record, genre wasn’t really something in my mind. I just wanted to write good, catchy songs that meant something to me and would hopefully mean something to other people. I think the vibe for this record is a healthy mix of dream pop and post punk. I love dynamics.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Albums: Feist – tie between Metals and The Reminder, Jeff Buckley – Grace.

Movies: Willow, The Fifth Element, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

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Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

I’m happiest when I’m writing and recording new ideas. I love performing live but it’s not something that has come naturally to me. Playing shows is a necessity for being in a band and it is cathartic for me in a lot of ways because I’m a shy person. But 9/10 I’d rather be recording than playing live.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

There are too many honestly. One time when I was on tour in Europe, I got into the wrong car after too many beers. The Austrian owner was not amused (DAS IST MEIN AUTO!).

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

I think “Maybe It’s Over” was the first song I sat down and wrote from start to finish in one session in a really long time. I feel like it embodies the overall tone of the album all on it’s own. I was feeling used up and that maybe the whole music thing needed to be over for me. It’s a “should I throw in the towel or keep trudging away” song.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

We’ll be an official SXSW band for the second year so that’s our big focus after the release show. We’ll also be heading out on a midwest/east coast tour in April. Then it’s back to work in Austin recording new tunes and playing more shows.

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

Photo credits: Kate Blaising

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

Recommended listening:

Connect with Löwin:

@lowinatx (instagram, twitter, facebook)