Interview: Darkwave artist Jonathan Horstmann of Urban Heat
On Saturday, January 11, darkwave artist Jonathan Horstmann and I met at Talisman Coffee Co. in Austin to discuss Urban Heat‘s recent tour and their latest release, The Tower. The interview focused on the band’s recent, successful European tour with Molchat Doma, the new album and what’s next for Urban Heat.
For those unfamiliar, Urban Heat is an Austin-based band known for their darkwave sound, a modern blend of 80s-inspired synth sounds with post-punk, industrial, and gothic rock influences, reminiscent of artists like Q Lazzarus, New Order, Depeche Mode, Ultravox, and early industrial bands. The group’s sound is built on Kevin Naquin’s driving beats, Paxel Foley’s heavy bass, and a foundation of dark synths, creating a sonic landscape with industrial and punk undertones. Jonathan Horstmann’s heavy guitar, evocative lyrics, and captivating theatrical performances further enhance the music, culminating in a uniquely immersive Urban Heat experience.
The trio’s efforts have propelled them to international recognition, including the aforementioned European tour and performances at major festivals like Austin City Limits Music Festival, last year’s Darker Waves Festival, and Pasadena’s Cruel World Festival. Urban Heat is maintaining this momentum with an early 2025 tour supporting their critically acclaimed album, The Tower. The Cosmic Clash covered their tour stop in Salt Lake City last year. From the first note, The Tower takes hold, as if an external force essentially taking over your consciousness as each track courses through your soul.
On a brisk winter morning outside the coffee shop, our conversation turned to Urban Heat’s first European tour, a topic Jonathan discussed with excitement. While acknowledging the challenges they faced, he emphasized the overwhelmingly positive reception, the connections they made with new people, and the valuable experience gained for future tours. It was insightful to hear a musician’s perspective on music festivals, contrasting it with the typical audience experience. Jonathan detailed the different festival vibes and crowd reactions, his expressive responses underscoring the positive impact of the his experience.
Our conversation shifted to their latest release, The Tower, and Jonathan explained the distinct creative processes behind it and their debut album, Wellness. He described Wellness as a collection of individual songs, whereas The Tower was conceived and written after extensive touring, drawing inspiration from various bands while staying true to Urban Heat’s core sound, with a deeper exploration of darker themes.
Horstmann then elaborated on the track “Sanitizer,” referencing the lyric “But your operating table needs a sanitizer hit” and explaining the song’s subject matter. In order to come close to someone you have to trust them. It’s like you are laying on an operating table, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Although the person turns out to be a total hack.
We concluded the interview discussing Urban Heat’s upcoming tour, which will take a different approach than previous outings. This time, they aim to break new ground, performing in locations they haven’t yet reached including the American Southwest, expanding their reach before returning to their regular, shorter tour runs.
Horstmann also mentioned that Urban Heat has been nominated for three Austin Chronicle awards: Band of the Year Urban Heat, Album of the Year for The Tower and Song of the Year for “Sanitizer.” He encouraged everyone to vote. We cannot think of a more deserving nominee to be honest.
You must be logged in to post a comment.