X Ambassadors talk new music, SXSW history & working with Lizzo

Derrick Weber

Longtime Variance favorites X Ambassadors stopped in for a chat with us during a very quick stint at SXSW, literally performing just one show at the Auditorium Shores.

Ahead of their performance, the band estimated this was probably their eighth visit to the Austin fest, including a couple of times they showed up when they weren't performing. 

Their latest Austin comes at a busy time for the trio, which has been quickly finishing up a new album, their second proper studio record, which is expected in June, according to the band. But as we recently mentioned, they've also been in the studio with Lizzo.

Last month, she released the title track for her new album Cuz I Love You, which was co-written by X Ambassadors. Frontman Sam Harris tells us they actually contributed three songs to her album, explaining they have been major fans of her music and "somehow convinced her people to get us in the studio together." 

See more from the conversation below.