BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Semantics

Answered by: Callum Robinson – vocals and guitar

Give us a short description of your music: Energetic, emotive punk-rock focusing on topical issues such as mental health, working-class lifestyles and interpersonal relationship building. For fans of Basement, Luca Brasi, The Hotelier. Upbeat and fun instrumentation, but deep and sincere songwriting.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? TOWNS, Bad//Dreems, Bakers Eddy, Being Jane Lane, Concrete Surfers, DREGG, LOSER, MID CITY, Outright, Private Function, SCABZ, The Dead Love, These New South Whales, Wither. All the punk, rock and hardcore we can find!

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? We perform our songs to the brink of exhaustion. Semantics is all about its community, sharing the space and the sound with the audience. We blend modern contemporary songwriting with classic punk and hardcore intensity. Punters never leave our set without a massive smile and dripping with sweat.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? We're really lucky to be a part of the growth in the 'emo' side of the scene which is tackling mental health head-on. Say goodbye to self-deprecating catharsis, the wave we're on is here to help and is here to stay. It's ok to be sad. People are listening.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Our achievements with the support of triple j have been monumental. We are the Unearthed comp winners this year and have received endless praise from the curators, which is incredibly humbling. We've also supported some of our favourite acts including Clowns, Luca Brasi and Press Club.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? All four of us want to learn more about the business side of our craft. We're doing well on our own, but we want to learn what the labels, managers, and agents have to say about our industry – how to plan a tour, a new release, all of it.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? The [vulnerability] of our venues is getting frightening. We're fortunate in Brisbane to have so many venues, but many members of our direct network (the venue owners) have their livelihoods at stake. They risk it for small bands like us and we want to see them supported much more.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? We need to be attentive, efficient and we need to be the best at our showcase. We need to exploit every opportunity to converse with industry pros and show them what we are all about. Our performance is one thing, but our effort to communicate outside of that is vital.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 4 Sep, Famous Nightclub, 8.10pm. Come rave, or mosh. Not sure yet!