Texan challenges

James Milne, who goes by the performance name of Lawrence Arabia, is one of a number of New Zealand acts playing at the SXSW in Texas this month. He talks to the Austinist about his Austin connections and New Zealand beer (they’re big fans of Macs and Monteiths). “Wait till you try Emerson’s Pilsner,” Milne says. “I think it’s just because we’ve got superior beer drinking abilities to Americans. You may consider that a challenge if you like.” The Austinist asks: “There’s a strong sense Chant Darling that much of your record collection hails from the ’70’s. Anyone you’d care to name check as a strong musical influence?” “If you’re talking ’70’s, particularly Neil Young and David Bowie, both through the same period, sort of 1971 to 1978. Kind of screwed up years for both artists personally, but yet insanely creative.” Chant Darling was released in 2009 on Honorary Bedouin Records.