A Minneapolis band returned to Austin for the fourth time to perform at South by Southwest (SXSW).
Night Moves is a four-person space twang disco rock melted pop sludge band based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Austin Journal interviewed the band and asked what kept Night Moves coming back to SXSW.
"Delusion. But honestly, mostly friends and perhaps a good show or two," John Pelant lead bandmate of Night Moves told Austin Journal. "We only ever come down here if we have new music to promote."
The band doesn't make a profit from performing at SXSW. Instead, they attend the festival to raise interest for their band and increase networking opportunities.
"We don't make a profit. We barely break even," Pelant told Austin Journal. "Normally SXSW shows don't pay."
Pelant said he's open to "random possibilities" with no expectations.
"You mostly meet other bands or venue owners. As far as new fans go, I'd say maybe 50. It's all so ridiculous I don't even know how you'd quantify that. The delusion is that that one person would see you who'd make it happen for you, but the reality is you just have to do the work and put in the time," he said.
According to Rolling Stone, 2022 marks the second year that Night Moves has performed at Luck Reunion, a music festival held on Willie Nelson’s ranch. This year's event was held March 17.
"They reached out because they're fans of the group," Pelant said. "Lots of great groups this year – Weyes Blood, Japanese Breakfast, so many great groups! We shall see what next year holds for us, I'd imagine we'll take a break from SXSW."
Austin Journal asked what the band's favorite venue to play at in Austin was.
"Cheer Up Charlies outdoors – love those lights and disco ball!" Pelant told Austin Journal. "Mohawk is lovely too. Don's Depot is our favorite bar."
Pelant called Austin a "legendary city with an amazing range of venues and players," but also added, "Just don't come during SXSW if you really want to experience Austin."
In 2011, Night Moves self-released their first full-length record, “Colored Emotions,” which was later re-released by Domino Records. Their second full-length album was released four years later, titled “Pennied Days,” and their third-recorded in Austin with Jim Eno in 2019 titled “Can You Really Find Me.”
SXSW, often referred to as “South By,” is a mix of music festivals, film, interactive media and conferences held annually during a two-week period in mid-March in Austin, according to its website.