Interview With Austin Based R&B Soul Musician Lew Apollo @ SXSW

I spoke with breakout soul performer Lew Apollo, a musician that NPR calls “one of the most compelling new voices of modern soul”. In an interview with the young Austin based musician, Apollo spoke at length about his official live shows at SXSW: 

How did you get your start working in the music industry?

APOLLO: I grew up in rural Northern Minnesota in a very musical household. My parents played guitar and piano and taught me my first chords when I was young, so music was always around me. I started writing songs early and spent years learning guitar and performing before eventually moving to Austin, Texas. That’s where things really began to take shape professionally through live shows and building a band.

What have been your greatest inspirations in your music career?

APOLLO: A lot of my inspiration comes from storytelling artists like Bob Dylan and Prince, which were big influences growing up in Minnesota. I also draw heavily from blues and soul artists like B.B. King and Albert King. On the modern side, artists like Hozier, Jungle, and Labrinth inspire me because they blend emotion with cinematic production.

Can you tell us what kind of music you play?

APOLLO: I describe my sound as cinematic soul or indie R&B. It blends vintage soul influences with modern indie production. I’m drawn to music that feels warm and emotional but also atmospheric, almost like a soundtrack to a moment in your life.

In all your works thus far, do you have one you are most proud of?

APOLLO: My debut album Fool’s Gold is the work I’m most proud of so far. It’s a very personal record and almost a concept album in disguise. The songs trace a journey from illusion to truth and from surface-level living into something deeper and more emotionally honest.

At a time when the entertainment business is harder than ever, what has been the greatest challenge you have faced so far?

APOLLO: The biggest challenge has been balancing the creative side with the business side. As an independent artist you’re responsible for everything, from writing and recording music to marketing and touring. It can be a lot to manage, but it also forces you to stay focused and build something that’s truly your own.

You performed at SXSW. Can you tell us what you performed and how was that experience?

APOLLO: SXSW was an incredible experience. We performed songs from Fool’s Gold along with some newer material and really leaned into the cinematic side of the live show. Austin is such a special music city, so being able to perform there during SXSW and connect with new audiences and other artists was a huge moment for us.

Do you have an album? How can people find your work?

APOLLO: Yes, my debut full-length album Fool’s Gold is out now. People can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and pretty much any streaming platform. You can also follow along through my website and social media for new releases and tour updates.

Why is it so important for indie artists to attend events like SXSW?

APOLLO: Events like SXSW are incredibly valuable for independent artists because they bring together fans, industry professionals, and other musicians all in one place. It creates opportunities to connect, collaborate, and reach people who might not otherwise discover your music.

What will you be working on next?

APOLLO: Right now, I’m focused on the next chapter creatively. I’m writing and developing new music and continuing to expand the live show. I’m always chasing that next evolution of sound while staying rooted in the emotional honesty that defines my music.

ABOUT LEW APOLLO:

Lew Apollo an Austin-based R&B artist blending cinematic soul with modern groove. His debut album Fool’s Gold just released, and the project has grown through national press via NPR, Stereogum, and Earmilk, KUTX rotation, 600,000+ streams, and national touring. He performed seven official shows across Austin this week during SXSW. 

https://www.lewapollo.com
✦ “A cinematic soul sound that feels both timeless and modern.” - EARMILK
✦ “One of Austin’s most exciting rising soul artists.” - KUTX

Interview by Vanessa McMahon