Molly Burch is our queen | INTERVIEW x SXSW

Hi Molly! Thank you so much for taking some time out with Gold Hand Girls today. We’re big fans over here! Could you please start out by telling us how old you are and where you’re from?

Thank you for having me! I'm 28 years old and I'm originally from Los Angeles, but I have been living in Austin, TX since 2013.

Have you ever played SXSW before? If so, what showcases and was this year any different? What are some of your favorite parts of SXSW?

I've played SXSW the past three years -- too many showcases to list! This year was pretty busy and very fun. My favorite parts are spending quality time with my band and getting free stuff, duh!

Who are some of your biggest female influences in the music industry? 
Currently, I'm in awe of every female making music! I really look up to Fiona Apple, Jenny Lewis, and Sharon Van Etten. My favorite albums lately have been from Julia Jacklin, Natalie Prass and Mitski. I also am so inspired by my entire team who is made up of mostly women. 

We LOVE the song Candy. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the lyrics?
Thank you! Definitely. "Candy" is all about anxiety and the voice in our heads that tell us a negative narrative. When I was writing the album I was living out in Lockhart, TX and was dealing with a lot of anxiety and self doubt specifically with my songs. I would call my dad a lot for pep talks and after one of our phone calls I wrote "Candy".

Did you go to any showcases at SXSW? If so, who did you see?
Only one I think. I went to the Spacebomb showcase to see Andy Jenkins, Bedouine, and Jackie Cohen.

What does it mean to you to be a female in the music industry?
It means everything to me.

What first sparked your interest in music? Did you grow up around it?
I grew up with creative parents so I was exposed to adults taking artistic paths. I discovered I could sing when I was in middle school and it was the first thing that gave me confidence so I kept with it.

What does it feel like to stand on stage and have your audience sing your lyrics back to you? 

Surreal.