Phoenix's Snailmate has so much fun on tour

Phoenix-based electro-noisemakers Snailmate are a traveling band.

Their music is a synth-y swirl-up of nerdy rap and pop that rattles the soul. It makes the live show a total blast.

The duo — Kalen Lander (vocals, synth) and Bentley Monet (drums, vocals) — likes to hit the road and share their songs about things like their obsession with hot sauce and the many challenges that are part and parcel of the human experience.

Their social media was giving us fomo, so we thought we’d check in to see how it’s going and what their top tour moments have been so far. Here’s what they have to say:

1. Hosting the 5th Annual “Slime Fest” during SXSW!

We have been throwing an unofficial showcase during SXSW for the last handful of years. Hosted by Cherrywood Coffeehouse, we invite some of our favorite touring bands and Austin locals to rock out with us for an entire day. Combine that with super cool artists, vendors, and craft hot sauce… well, it’s a pretty good time, if we do say so ourselves.

2. Playing with our favorite friends/bands in their hometowns!

We are very fortunate to know some amazingly talented, sweet, and generous musicians all over this world. Touring can be hard… but knowing that we are gonna see our homies, like Honey Bunny (SA TX), The Talking Hours (ABQ NM), Boosty (EP TX), and Dogjoy (TorC NM), makes it all a bit easier.

3. Balloon Party with Æpeshyt in Beaumont, Texas!

I’m not entirely sure how this started, but for the last 3 years when we roll into Beaumont, our friend Brooke cooks us an incredible feast, and her partner Ramsey fills an entire room with balloons. They outdo themselves every year, which culminated in their living room being packed with over 500 balloons in 2026. It’s such an overwhelming display of love. Even though it’s kinda out of the way, we can’t ever stop going to Beaumont, where they make us feel at home.

4. Playing the Peelander-Fest at SXSW!

People have always told us that we need to play with Peelander-Z from Japan. All of our music-nerd friends speak of this band in reverent tones. Well, it finally happened at South by Southwest this year. Such cool, weird, humble, and kind people. We’ve toured Japan a couple times and played the same venues as them. We’ve performed with mutual friends like Electric Eel Shock. We live for these moments that make the world feel a little bit smaller and more connected.

5. The Loaded Bowl

I dunno about y’all… but food is like our favorite thing. Music is cool and all, but eating is where it’s at! There’s this vegan spot in Oklahoma City called The Loaded Bowl. They have an orange chicken bowl. It’s the fucking best thing ever.

Check out the band’s website for a list of upcoming tour dates.