The group has also signed to European booking agent ATC Live, which represents Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Melbourne rock band Amyl and the Sniffers. The deal means Floodlights, which began over a conversation at The Tote in Collingwood five years ago, now has a clear vision ahead.

“We’re hoping to record a third album in London when we’re overseas ... so from that point of view it was certainly worth the risk of going (to SXSW),” Parsons said.

Floodlights were among 30 Australian bands that showcased at the annual SXSW music festival, including the Northern Territory’s King Stingray, Melbourne rock bands Civic and RVG, and Sydney three-piece group Brekky Boy.

In October, SXSW will also take place in Sydney, in what will be the first time it’s been staged outside Texas.

Ashlee Kehoe shares songwriting duties in Floodlights, sings, plays guitar and harmonica. Kehoe said the band felt lucky to be at South By Southwest. After lengthy COVID lockdowns and cancelled shows, they were keen “to get the ball rolling” again and find new audiences.

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“It was such a crazy experience, we haven’t even been overseas before,” she said. “We were just about to release our first album and do our first Australian tour when the pandemic hit. We delayed that album release a bit, but then decided to put it out. In hindsight, that was a good decision, and we got on with writing new songs.”

Before forming Floodlights, none of the members had played in other bands.

Painting Of My Time also features the newest band member and pianist Sarah Hellyer. Hellyer also plays trumpet, which adds an extra ingredient and new possibilities to their live shows.

“We’re all good friends, and really wanted to get Sarah on board,” Kehoe said. “Having someone who can play keys and trumpet adds so much to our sound.

“And that was the focus when writing Painting Of My Time, to build on (first album) From A View and showcase our progression as a band.

“I suppose that was one good part of lockdowns, it gave us time to think through things, and consider how we wanted the album to sound ... themes and putting more thought into the lyrics.”

Parsons said Neil Young and Lou Reed had been influential on him as a songwriter, and both he and Kehoe are fans of Australian music, including albums released before they were born.

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“I grew up listening to Aussie rock, we all listen to Australian music,” Kehoe said. “Our parents all listened to Aussie rock ... and when I go for a run, it’s probably the best music for running.”

In the tradition of Midnight Oil and Goanna before them, Floodlights also use songwriting to tackle issues they see around them in everyday life. And it’s proven to be a powerful way of expressing emotions that otherwise might not have an outlet.

“It’s good to have a creative outlet ... otherwise ideas can get trapped in your mind,” Kehoe said. “It’s cool to see it become a song that has an emotion, and attachment to you.”

“Music is a good medium for self-expression,” Parsons said.

“Sometimes I can’t communicate my feelings, but if I use writing and the music behind it, it’s a good way to express yourself, and the emotions you want to convey to other people.”

Painting Of My Time is out now on the Virgin Music Australia label. Floodlights begin their Australian tour on May 26. For rickets and tour information, go to floodlightsband.com

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