CHALK
TMN EXLCUSIVE
We Didn't Want To Be a Traditional Band
Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard of CHALK. Waterloo Records, Austin. March 2026. Photo by Micah Bierman / TMN®.
We met CHALK in Austin during SXSW 2026 for a conversation that moves through their origins, creative process, and the evolution of their sound. The Belfast based duo reflects on how the project started, how it developed over time, and how they define their project today.
AUSTIN | Text: TMN® Editorial | Interview by Pablo Herrera | Photography by Micah Bierman and Pablo Herrera
The band met while studying film in Belfast, initially coming together in a loose and informal way. Early on, making music was not driven by ambition but by curiosity and shared taste. They started by playing covers and experimenting with a more traditional guitar based setup before gradually shifting their approach.
“It was just a very fun thing to do at the start… and that kind of became a more serious thing over time.”
That shift becomes central to understanding CHALK. What began as a garage rock oriented band slowly moved into a more hybrid territory, shaped by the tools they were using and the environments they were working in.
“We just didn’t want to be tied to a traditional band set up.”
The transition toward electronic production did not happen immediately. It took time, trial, and a process of learning how to work outside the rehearsal room. Writing moved from physical spaces into laptops, where sampling, programming, and production became part of the composition itself.
“I think that just came down to not really knowing how to work music software… and learning how to write a song that’s not in a room.”
Photos below: CHALK performing at the Radio Day Stage. Photos by Pablo Herrera / TMN®. Tap the images to enlarge.
This shift also redefined how they perform. CHALK approaches live shows with a sense of continuity and intensity, often treating performances more like DJ sets than traditional concerts.
“We didn’t want to have any silence ever… every song just went into another one.”
At the same time, their connection to Belfast remains an important part of the project. While not originally from the city, they describe it as the place where everything started to take shape, both creatively and personally.
“It’s where we met… and where a lot of the best times of our life have been.”
The conversation also touches on Crystalpunk, their debut album, and the ideas behind it. The record reflects both their sonic direction and their relationship with music as something shaped over time, not instantly defined.
“We made this album mostly for ourselves… it was an exploration of things we went through when we were younger.”
Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard of CHALK. Waterloo Records, Austin. March 2026. Photo by Micah Bierman / TMN®.
Throughout the interview, there is a consistent emphasis on process over outcome. CHALK speaks openly about time, patience, and the importance of continuing to make work without overthinking early stages.
“The one thing everyone who makes it has in common is that they didn’t stop.”
That perspective closes the conversation on a grounded note. There is no fixed formula in what they describe, only a commitment to keep working, adapting, and building something that feels honest to them.
Watch the interview below:
CHALK exclusive interview. Recorded at Waterloo Records, Austin, TX.
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