The Boat People are no strangers to concepts like music industry summit Big Sound, having been a part of it before but also representing Australia in the Austin, Texas’ South By Southwest and The Great Escape in the UK. With Big Sound already under their belt James O’Brien had no problems describing how the inner-city comes alive for the event.

“It’s always a really fun time in a city where not only is there more music in the central business district and more happening stuff and goings on, there is also a huge influx of people which gives the Valley part of Brisbane a real buzz.”

As for the new record that is expected to be out early next year, James tells “We’ve done a little under half, but we’ve recorded our new single which is going to be out quite soon. It is coming out at the end of next month.” This is about where the information stopped, however when it comes to new music from The Boat People just watch this space as there will be an announcement in the not-too distant future.

Don’t expect the same upbeat, good time as their previous release Chandeliers. “It’s more moody, possibly darker. It’s a lot more artificial sounding in some ways. There is a lot of looped and affected instruments and it’s a lot less natural. It’s hopefully going to retain the fun element of our last record which has become a feature of our gigs.”

With the band split between Melbourne and Brisbane, James described how the four gents work around this logistical nightmare. “When we get together we use our time very well to work on new material. It is definitely challenging and when we get together for a show we try to schedule a few days around it before playing together and developing. It can be frustrating but thankfully for the time I’ve been down here we’ve done lots of travel and never really stopped. This has meant we’ve got together quite regularly whether it’s here or Brisbane or Sydney which is kinda cool.”

The Boat People play their part in Big Sound Live – the event’s showcase element – at the Alhambra Lounge on Thursday 10 September with Mary Trembles, Bertie Blackman, Super Massive and [Me].

Big Sound Music Industry Summit takes place September 9-11 at Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art with showcases at surrounding venues in Fortitude Valley Entertainment Precinct.

Head to www.bigsound.org.au for more information.