SPOTLIGHT: Fetch Tiger on SXSW, Their Evolving Sound and What’s Next
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SOPHIE GRAGG ☆
At this year’s SXSW, New York-based indie duo Fetch Tiger made their festival debut, diving headfirst into the chaos with three performances on their very first day. Comprised of Lorenzo Montali and Tanner Davis, the band has spent the past few years refining their sound, and it’s been a journey that has taken them from folk-inspired roots to an evolving blend of melancholy pop, indie rock, and experimental production.
SXSW proved to be a crash course in adaptability. Performing in venues ranging from intimate club settings to backyard parties, the duo quickly learned the importance of rolling with the unpredictable nature of the festival. “You just kind of take whatever the sound situation is and roll with it.” Whether they were performing for a packed venue or a mixed crowd of industry professionals, casual festival wanderers, and Austin music veterans, they found ways to adjust their setlists and energy levels accordingly.
SXSW also reinforced the importance of audience connection. “We realized we need to lean into audience participation more,” Davis said. “It’s one thing to sound good technically, but the people watching only experience the final five percent of what we’re doing. So much goes into making it feel effortless.”
With two Texans in the live band, they also had a unique connection to the Austin crowds, blending their high-energy night sets with more reflective daytime performances.
Beyond their live shows, Fetch Tiger is gearing up for a pivotal year. They recorded an EP last year that they’re eager to get out to fans, and in just a few months, they’ll be heading back into the studio to record their next album.
For those who have followed Fetch Tiger’s journey over the past five years, their sonic evolution has been steady but unmistakable. “If you go back to our earliest stuff, it’s very folk-influenced,” Davis said. “But over time, we’ve been blending more pop and electronic elements into what we do.” Their upcoming EP is their most experimental yet, leaning into synthetic drums, atmospheric production, and layered textures. “There are no live drums on this EP.” they revealed.
Lyrically, the project covers a broad spectrum, from failed friendships to falling in love, showcasing the depth and emotional range that defines their songwriting. “More than anything, this EP gave us the flexibility to try new things,” Montali explained. “We weren’t worried about a strict concept, we just wanted to make something that felt good.”
With SXSW behind them, Fetch Tiger is looking ahead. “I think after we get back, we really want to focus on writing this next album,” Montali said. “In the past, we’ve tried to do everything at the same time - touring, writing, recording. But right now, we have this unique window where we can just write.”
As they continue to evolve, it’s clear that Fetch Tiger is carving out a sound that is both introspective and sonically adventurous, and whether it’s through their high-energy festival sets or their deeply personal songwriting, they’re making sure there’s something for everyone.
