BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: The Buoys

Answered by: Zoe Catterall – vocals and guitar

Give us a short description of your music: The Buoys write glittery '90s garage-punk-rock embellished with pop melodies. The Buoys have been described as sweet and savoury, writing heartstring-pulling and anthemic songs.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Bad//Dreems, Pinch Points, Chakra Efendi, 100, City Rose, Gauci, Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? The love that the girls have for each other and their artistry translates into a ridiculously fun, energetic and unique experience for the punters. The Buoys will take you from angsty punk songs to cruisy heart-jerkers and back into huge anthemic tracks, keeping you guessing the whole set.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Diversity has been at the forefront of the scene, we're seeing more artists from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as increasing trans/female-identifying artists enter the spotlight. They have always been there slaying at their artistry, but it's good to see the focus turn here.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? We were offered a full national tour with DZ Deathrays and a BIGSOUND showcase pretty soon after each other. We were gobsmacked and thought it can't get any better. We're so grateful at every turning point and looking back on how much has changed in just a year.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? We're going into BIGSOUND like li'l sponges. Being purely writers/performers, we'd love to get a better idea of how the industry works. It'll be great to be surrounded by so many performers, there is always something you can learn; whether it's about being on the road, gear or random tips.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? Tightening regulations are making it harder for existing performers, and a lack of funding to arts in schools is making it harder to develop new performers. With us being a band from NSW especially, the idea of losing boutique festivals that showcase grassroots acts is worrying.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? My goodness! Friends have said sleep well, eat well, hugs, heaps of hugs. To each other we just say, no matter what, have fun – that's what it's always about for The Buoys.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, The Outpost, 9.40pm; 4 Sep, Crowbar Black, 8pm.