New York – We’re getting ready for the huge music, food, panels, and party convergence that is SXSW, and it seems that every year trying to pick out the must-see gems gets exponentially harder with the mammoth proportions this festival has grown to. With the plethora of shows and other events all happening, it’s rather tricky to even begin to wrap your head around the festival schedule, and when you’re stumbling around Austin after an intense night, blurred vision and trying not to toss those tacos you just waited in line an hour for, it’s even harder (Just kidding! We know everyone is totally responsible at these festival things!). Regardless, to help alleviate your headache we have some recommendations of artists to see, many of which we have already covered and seen live before, so we know these guys can put on a good show. Below is part one of Artists we want to see at SXSW. As we are making no claims that this list is exhaustive, feel free to tell us who else you think we should tell people about.
Eagulls
Leeds melodic post-punk band Eagulls peaked our interest during this past CMJ, on an eclectic bill that was perhaps a bit haphazard, but neither of those descriptors fit the band themselves. The five lads make true punk music that is pointed and biting, straightforward and in your face. Eagulls don’t stutter with saying exactly what they think, but it’s not as much about getting attention and not caring who gets offended as it is about being spontaneous, honest in the moment, and not taking things too seriously. (Kelly Knapp)
London Grammar,
There’s something about London Grammar, the three-piece consisting of Hannah Reid, Dot Major and Dan Rothman, which seems to connect with all who come across their music, with this universal accessibility leading to the album reaching #2 in the UK album chart upon its release. Reid’s vocals are Florence-esq but somehow smoother and less cutting, the guitars and keys twiddle in the background like a well-rehearsed jam session. (James Somerside)
Jamestown Revival,
Returning home to Texas to perform at a festival that has launched countless musical careers, Jamestown Revival, is on a role. After they sold out Los Angeles’ Hotel Café, the band hit the road for a quick mini-tour consisting of 28 dates. Now, they get to fulfill their Austin rite of passage by performing at one of the industry’s biggest events. Good things come to those who wait and for Jamestown Revival the time for waiting is just about over. (Ian Joulan)
The Strypes,
US audiences will be forgiven if they haven’t heard of The Strypes. You will soon enough. The four-piece blues-influenced rock band formed in 2011 in the small Irish town of Cavan, and the group’s debut album, Snapshot, was released overseas last year on Virgin EMI. Our London-based reviewer called the album “brilliant” and enthusiastically cited such diverse influences as The Beatles, Chuck Berry and Arctic Monkeys (for whom they opened on a recent tour). The album’s US release date is now set for March 18 on Photo Finish Records/Island Def Jam. The Strypes will be touring the U.S. and Canada in Match and are a must see. (Greg Brodsky)
Speedy Ortiz.
Speedy Ortiz is a four-piece band from Northampton, Massachusetts (have you heard of it?) who have up until just about now have pretty much been DIY stars of a super-localized scene. The band was originally Sadie Dupuis’s solo project; with the addition of Darl Ferm on bass, Mike Falcone on drums and Matt Robidoux on guitar Speedy Ortiz has developed into a collaborative effort that speaks to the power of the collective. In 2013, the band released its debut full –length album, Major Arcana, on Carpark Records and hot off the new album, Speedy Ortiz is set to release an EP, Real Hair, on February 11. They’ve released the first single, “American Horror” and are set out on tour now. (Brigit Anderson)
SXSW Crowd Shot By Tye Truitt
