SXSW 2016 Interview: Craig Johnson of Autobahn
Autobahn are a post-punk band from Leeds who are, to me, a good representation of what it means to be a band from not just Yorkshire but also the North. They are one in a long line of artists from the region gifted with what called a “dark intensity” in her Bands to Watch ahead of their appearance at this year’s SXSW 2016. The intensity is part of their sound – loud and uncompromising – and their dark and desolate yet beautiful lyrical, both of which were impressive when the band performed their final show Saturday afternoon at the British Music Embassy’s special Northern Powerhouse showcase that highlighted the heft of bands from the Northern half of England.
There is something very special from being from this part of the world and while Autobahn’s commanding frontman Craig Johnson acknowledges that you might not ‘get’ their music, it’s not all about darkness and depression and there are many more facets to their art that those who do get them can hear and appreciate. We also discuss the making of their debut album ‘Dissemble’ with fellow local producer Matt Peel at the studio he and Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines of Kaiser Chiefs built within in a church in town as well as what inspires him and his writing.
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