How Chvrches used SXSW to crack America

Back in 2013, Chvrches were one of the new bands at SXSW with a fairly ad hoc set-up.

"I remember the van breaking down," says singer, Lauren Mayberry.

"We did loads of shows then. We would throw the gear on stage, do the show and then drag it down the road to the next place."

In 2016, in Austin, things are a lot smoother and the band is one of the more established acts playing the festival.

"We now have fewer shows and more keyboards," explains Lauren.

They remembered their time at the Texas festival with a compare and contrast tweet which says "@sxsw 2013 vs @sxsw 2016. All grown up."

The band return to SXSW with bona fide US success - sold out shows, a top ten album and appearances on high profile chat shows including Jimmy Fallon.

"Coming through SXSW in the way that we did last time set us up in the States in a huge way," says Martin Doherty.

"Obviously it's not the case for everyone but we're really fortunate that almost everything aligned in the perfect way in 2013."

Since then, the band have played hundreds of shows across America.

"It's best to stop counting," says Lauren.

The touring has been relentless, but it's paid off.

"The internet's been really great for our band and radio's been really great," continues Lauren.

"But there's been no substitute for just going out and touring and touring and touring, playing a slightly bigger venue every time."

Band mate, Iain Cook, adds: "I feel like we've grown a lot as people and as a band."

"It took a long time to get to this point and we've still a long way to go. It does feel like we've still got a tonne of work to do."

One of their more surreal American stints was a recent mini tour with Paramore on a cruise.

The gig was called - no eye rolling - Parahoy.

"It's on a cruise liner with a load of cool bands," says Iain.

"We play a lot of shows in a basement with no light so to be on a sail boat for four or five days felt quite decadent."

Lauren struck up a friendship with singer Hayley Williams on Twitter and invited the Paramore front woman on stage with them in Nashville.

Here's an Instagram of Chvrches and Paramore

American success aside, the band are coming back to the UK later this month to play a couple of high profile shows.

First up is the Royal Albert Hall in London which Iain says they are "so excited" to play, as well as a homecoming gig of sorts in Glasgow.

"There's going to be added pressure having been away for so long," he explains.

"We haven't been able to play Glasgow as part of this album yet so it's going to be very special and very memorable."

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