Austinist Interviews SXSW: Sondre Lerche

We've been fans of Norwegian singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche ever since happening upon his spectacular 2004 release, Two Way Monologue. Lerche (that's “Lurk-uh”, not “Lurch,” or "Lur-chey") credits his heartfelt, folksy pop stylings to a veritable goulash of decades-spanning influences, from Brazilian psych-rockers Os Mutantes and Elvis Costello (whom he recently toured with) to XTC and Fleetwood Mac. His latest album, Phantom Punch, was released a few weeks ago, and brims with the same youthful exuberance that's made this talented 24-year-old a hit everywhere from the US to his coastal hometown of Bergen, Norway.

Share a story about a previous trip to Austin or SXSW.

Well, SXSW has become a pretty big deal in Norway because so many Norwegian bands go there every year, and thus the Norwegian press follows. When I was there for the first time, in 2003, we were just finishing off my first ever US tour. I had become accustomed to playing for the Americans and I quite liked it. I was playing a Norwegian/Danish showcase, so strangely my first gig in Austin, Texas was in front of an audience consisting of loud Norwegian music journalists, members from other Bergen bands and an American lady who claimed to share my last name (Lerche is not a common name anywhere!)

How do your parents describe your music to people?

Oh, I don’t want to know. I would blush.

Is rock and roll dead?

I don’t believe so, I was rocking out just the other day!

What music are you looking forward to in 2007?

At SXSW specifically? A lot of great Norwegian acts, as well as maybe stumbling upon something real exciting. But most importantly, SXSW is the start of our US tour and the first time I bring my band The Faces Down with me to Austin.

Is SXSW still fun if most of the people watching you play are industry?

It’s fun because of all the other great bands that you meet and hear, no industry presence can take that away.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Mussels.

BBQ or Tacos? Margaritas or beer? Parties or distro deal?

Tacos, margaritas, and parties!

[Sondre Lerche on Myspace]
[Sondre Lerche Official Site]

Photo credits unknown.