News Austra

What’s the best way of finding out lots and lots about a new artist in quite a short period of time? Just ask them lots of questions really quickly.

We put our quickfire Q&A to Katie Stelmanis, frontwoman of Canada’s Austra, who are on the verge of releasing their debut album ‘Feel It Break’ via Domino. We’ve also a slightly more traditional interview with her in the first issue of DIY magazine - make sure you check it out.

Why did you start the band?
I started performing as a solo artist about three years ago. I’ve played with a lot of different musicians since then, and the ones that have stuck around I now have a band with.

Where did you all meet?
I met Maya about 7 years ago when she was in high school and I had heard about her from another friend because she was supposedly a great drummer. My old band galaxy was looking for a good player so we phoned her out of the blue and we’ve been playing together ever since. I met Dorian through Carmen, who used to play guitar for me.

What’s the best thing about being a band in Toronto?
There are a lot of musicians from Toronto that have found success all over the world, and its really inspiring to be surrounded by people that are so motivated constantly. Its a good incentive to keep on working at what you do.

What has been your favourite moment as a band?
Favorite moment has a band so far has probably been getting signed to Domino, just because I think it made all the work we’ve been doing for so long legitimized.

When you first started to get into music, who was your favourite musician?
I’ve been into music since I was 10 years old. I guess my first favourite musician was probably Mozart.

Name one album that would appear in your Top Five of all time (so far).
Bjork - ‘Medulla’.

If you had to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
I’d love to learn to play the saxophone.

What’s your favourite ‘being in a band’ perk?
I get to travel all over the world and eat at a new restaurant every day. I’m basically on vacation for life.

Where would you most like to be right now?
I would most like to be in London, England, and that’s where I am so I’m pretty happy.

What would your superpower be?
Flying.

What’s your most unappealing habit?
I like to brush my hair with my fingers.

Who would you most like to go on a huge world tour with?
Shakira.

Are there any parts of being in a band you’d leave out if you could?
I would love to not have to soundcheck or carry gear ever again.

Would you ever go solo?
Did that, over it.

What was the last album / single you bought?
Portishead - ‘The Third’.

What is your music-purchasing format of choice?
Well I usually download from iTunes to be honest just because when I feel like I need to hear something I usually want to hear it immediately. If I really like the music I’ll buy vinyl or CD.

Recommend us a new band.
Tasseomancy from Toronto.

Where would you like to be this time next year?
Touring.

Describe your debut album in three words.
Long, electric, dramatic.

What’s next on the cards for Austra?
We will be on the road touring the record with no end in sight.

01 BEAT AND THE PULSE by AUSTRA

Austra will release their debut album ‘Feel It Break’ on 16th May via Domino.