This year’s SXSW experience was a little different than in years past (ie I actually got to GO instead of my usual just listening to all of the artists). Still, I wanted to maintain the spirit of my annual SXSW Mix being a list of artists that are mostly new to me that I somehow discovered or was inspired to write about due to my SXSW experience. I am so excited about every one of these artists/groups. I can’t wait for them to come through LA and play!
For a hot minute, Electric Touch was in LA and I discovered their music here. Then they moved to Austin, so I had to wait ’til SXSW to see them again. Now, they’ve played Coachella and seem to be doing a bit of Warped Tour this year. Keep your eyes open for this band, ’cause your ears will be happy if you do! Here are some tunes including my favorite, “Dominos”.
Ok, I saw this band at The Viper Room well before SXSW…but they were there and this is the perfect excuse I’d been looking for to mention how much I enjoy them. Check out their album, Living Like Kings in Confined Spaces.
Phildelphia’s golden boys, SINAI, gave one of their rare performances at SXSW this year. It was one of my most anticipated performances of the week as I’d been waiting to see this band, comprised of some of my favorite musicians, play since they announced their formation. They certainly didn’t disappoint. I love this video for “American Dream” because quite a bit of it was taken at their Austin performance.
These Brits were a big part of my SXSW experience. The more I see them, the more I love them. Check out their CD, Phobia, which features this song as well as other dance-able hits.
I’m still working on my annual SXSW Mix. It’s shaping up to be mostly new artists that I’d never heard of before or that really came to my attention at SXSW this year. As excited as I am about all my new discoveries, it occurred to me that some of my very favorite experiences of the festival aren’t represented. As such, I was inspired to make a separate list of my top 10 sets of SXSW ’11.
It was their first set at SXSW and I was just SOOOO excited that they were there and that I was there and that everything was happening. The venue itself added the additional bonus of watching Lauren masterfully deal with an awkwardly placed banister AND allowed me to watch all the people walking past, stopping, and being drawn to the window by the music…LOVE watching new people fall in love with my favorite bands! It was a SXSW moment for sure.
I saw The Silent Comedy more than any other band at SXSW. Each set they did was slightly different but their final show at Antiquiet’s The Axis of Audio showcase was the most unique, featuring some new tunes as well as other songs not found in their typical setlist. It also helps that the set was dedicated to me (and Amanda and our TSC gang).
Empires was one of the bands I was most looking forward to seeing play. They had grabbed my attention when they played in LA with Biffy Clyro and seeing them in Austin reminded me why I loved them so much. The way the band, especially singer Sean Van Vleet connects to the audience, drawing them in with an intense energy…it was one of those sets in which I became completely lost in the music.
After a solid day of amazing music, it was incredibly difficult for a band to completely knock me off my feet (as many highly anticipated bands failed to do). Yet Dead Sara had me head banging and rocking out with their 1am set Weds night (or I suppose Thursday morning) at Lipstick 24 like no other. I think this was the hardest I rocked out all week…
You know I love The Kin. Their performance at Antone’s was one of the most memorable of the week. I finally got to hear some of their new material, the audience was completely enraptured especially when they got off the stage to come sing a song on the floor, and Isaac managed to “re-create” his didgeridoo using some sort of pipe that could be found out in the street. When they played “Waterbreaks”, I was SO happy to be seeing them play again (it had been awhile…they’re based in NYC), it brought tears to my eyes.
I had NO CLUE that Doll & The Kicks was even going to be at SXSW, let alone be playing at the British Invasion showcase I was attending on Thursday. It was the best surprise of the week! Their new song “Skeleton” is fantastic and must be downloaded now…!
I had never seen AWOLNATION before, but I’d been enjoying their tunes. I liked the band, but what really gets this set on my top 10 list was the intensity of the audience. I love being swept up in that kind of energy…it was insane without me ever feeling physically threatened. The perfect audience. When they played “Sail”, I was taken to another place…and I couldn’t even really see the stage!
Most of the bands on this list are ones I’d seen (or at least known) before SXSW. It’s easier to really get into a set if you know the songs. But Twin Atlantic I had never really heard of before arriving in Austin. I had come across one of their tunes and that was enough to put them on my watch list. By the end of their set at Antone’s, they were my fave new discovery from SXSW.
9. Viva City at The Dart Music International House
Tuesday afternoon, before the music festivities officially began, we gathered to go see Viva City at The Dart Music International House. I saw this UK act several times over the course of my stay in Austin, and each time it was a crazy fun dance party, but this very first set marked the beginning of my SXSW experience and it will never be forgotten.
That whole evening at St. David’s Sanctuary (one of the Hotel Cafe showcases) was quite magical (see story), but I think my favorite set of the bunch was Brian Wright’s. It’s hard to describe why the set moved me so much. I have seen Brian play plenty of times, but something about this place and time and my specific mood really elevated his performance and songs. It was truly a perfect SXSW moment.
TOMORROW, we leave for Austin. I’m in the midst of frenzied preparations. I haven’t been posting much these last couple of weeks, in part, due to the fact that every spare second I have managed to accumulate has gone to listening to artists I may get the chance to see at SXSW and preparing my lists and schedules.
I thought I’d share some of the artists I’m most looking forward to (a combination of old favorites and new discoveries). So, here it is. My 10 “Must See” Artists at SXSW ’11:
These San Diego boys have been on my must see list for awhile now. Their growing popularity means they’ve been spending more time away from Southern California so I relish even more every chance I get to see them.
I’ve gotta go support my favorite up-and-coming LA band. For those of you not in LA, don’t miss one of the first opportunities to see Queen Caveat play outside of their hometown. SO much love for this band!
These Australian brothers are favorites of mine from back east. One of the exciting things about SXSW is that it brings together favorite artists from all over the country/world. Also, be sure to follow The Kin on twitter so that you’ll know where they plan to do their next musical robbery on Saturday in Austin.
Two girls from Australia whose tunes caught my ear immediately. I’m even more excited to see them and buy their music, because finding their tunes to download in the US= nearly impossible.
I’ve seen them three times in LA in the last month or so and I can’t remember the last time a band has blown my mind quite this much. Any chance I’ll get to see Dead Sara, I’m taking!
I’ve been wanting to see this new band out of Philly since its inception at the end of last year. I’ve been very jealous of all my Philly friends who have gone to their shows. Now it’s my turn!
where to see them: Friday 8pm: Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces) at the Monster Energy Showcase
I adore this band out of Washington. They were actually on my SXSW ’10 mix. I was terribly sad to miss them play The Echo last week. I only justified my absence with the thought of seeing them play multiple times at SXSW.
A band from Canada that I fell in love with a couple years ago thanks to the song “Hayloft”. I keep missing them when they come through LA, so I’m not going to miss out in Austin!
Honestly there are SO many excellent bands I’m looking forward to seeing at SXSW…can we say “scheduling conflicts”..Here are a few more (still not even half of what’s on my list)
It’s Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale! Looks like they’ve finally made it official. This makes me very happy as I LOVE this duo. The formation of The Milk Carton Kids was just announced so don’t forget to like on facebook, follow on twitter, and check out their website.
They have a couple songs up for FREE download on their site. So, what are you waiting for? Just press “download”!
They are on tour this summer, opening for Joe Purdy. That means, The Troubadour on April 30th for all my fellow Los Angelenos. For everyone else, check out their website or just look at the dates and places below:
4/22 Austin, TX: The Parish
4/23 Dallas, TX : The Loft
4/25 Santa Fe, NM: Corazon
4/27 Phoenix, AZ : Rhythm Room
4/28 Solano Beach, CA : Bellyup Tavern
4/30 Los Angeles, CA : Troubadour
5/3 San Francisco, CA : The Independent
5/5 Portland, OR : Doug Fir
5/7 Vancouver, BC : The Rio Theater
5/9 Boise, ID : Neurolux
5/10 Salt Lake City, UT : State Room
5/12 Denver, CO : Bluebird Theater
5/14 Lawrence, KS : Bottleneck
5/15 Des Moines, IA : Vaudeville Mews
5/16 Minneapolis, MN : Varsity Theater
5/17 Milwakee, WI : Turner Hall
5/18 Chicago, IL : Lincoln Hall
5/19 St Louis, MO : Off Broadway
6/9 Birmingham, AL : WorkPlay
6/10 Atlanta, GA : The Loft
6/11 Asheville, NC : Grey Eagle
6/12 Carborro, NC : Cat’s Cradle
6/14 Annapolis, MD : Ram’s Head
6/15 Philadelphia, PA : World Café Live
6/16 New York City, NY : Highline Ballroom
6/17 Fairfield, CT : Stage One
6/20 Northampton, MA : Iron Horse
6/21 Allston, MA : Brighton Music Hall
6/22 Fall River, MA : Narrows Center for the Arts
6/23 Burlington, VT : Higher Ground
6/25 Montreal, QC : Petit Campus
6/26 Toronto, ONT : Horseshoe Tavern
6/27 Pittsburgh, PA : Rex Theater
6/28 Cleveland, OH : Beachland Ballroom
6/30 Syracuse, NY : Westcott Theater
~ Kristen
p.s. Joey and Kenneth playing “Girls, Gather Round” live at the Vail Film Festival:
It’s Tuesday. You music lovers know what that means. This Tuesday is particularly important as one of my fave LA bands has their first full length CD available. Truth & Salvage Co. has been on my must see list for awhile now. They put on one of the most enjoyable live shows and now, their music can be brought to you, wherever you are. Their self-titled album is available on ITunes and in select stores. Their official CD release party is in Ashville, North Carolina tonight at The Grey Eagle. If you’re lucky enough to live close by, go celebrate with the band for me! I, for one, am participating in the Storming the Amoeba event and will be dropping by the Hollywood location later this evening to pick up my copy.
And please, please, please, do yourself a favor and go see their live show. They are touring all over the country. Check to see if they’re coming to a town near you:
May 25, 2010 – Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle (CD RELEASE SHOW)
May 26, 2010 – Charleston, SC @ The Pour House
May 27, 2010 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
May 28, 2010 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
May 29, 2010 – Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Theatre
May 30, 2010 – Little Rock, AR @ Little Rock Riverfest
June 3, 2010 – Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindsley
June 5, 2010 – Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa
June 6, 2010 – Dallas, TX @ Cambridge Room at HOB
June 7, 2010 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
June 8, 2010 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock @ HOB
June 9, 2010 – Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea’s Café
June 11, 2010 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
June 12, 2010 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
June 15, 2010 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Cafe
June 16, 2010 – Washington, DC @ DC9
June 17, 2010 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
June 18, 2010 – Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar
June 19, 2010 – New York, NY @ Piano’s
June 20, 2010 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
June 22, 2010 – Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theatre
June 23, 2010 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
June 24, 2010 – Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
June 24, 2010 – Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
June 30, 2010 – Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
July 1, 2010 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
July 2, 2010 – Jacksonville, OR @ Britt Pavilion
July 3, 2010 – Quincy, CA @ High Sierra Music Festival
July 4, 2010 – Reno, NV @ Aces Ballpark
July 5, 2010 – Crystal Bay, NV @ Crystal Bay Club
September 4, 2010 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks
December 10, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
December 11, 2010 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
Today is the day folks! Mr. Green Vol. I is officially out in stores, on ITunes, etc. Carney’s first full length CD has been on the precipice of release for sometime now it seems, but I’m pretty sure it’s actually happening this time. I would highly recommend everyone go out and get yourself a copy. Once again, for a taste, enjoy the video for the band’s first single, “Love Me, Chase Me” :
The release falls in the midst of a little tour…to get your taste of Carney live (trust me, you’ll love it), see if they’re coming to a town near you. And if you live in LA, I really hope you can come to The El Rey this Saturday to see the boys put on their last hometown show before heading of to NYC.
As for the rest of the dates (copied directly from Myspace):
There are two very important things happening this week. First is the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. This is one of the biggest music (and film) festivals of the year. So many of my favorite bands are going to be there…unfortunately this means, not so many are going to be around this week. And this is incredibly unfortunate considering important thing #2 which is that this Thursday is my birthday! Life would be perfect if I were in Texas this week, but alas that is not my fate. Instead, I will be listening to all the artists that will be playing in Austin via the internet and compiling my best of SXSW ’10 list (last year’s introduced me to bands such as Nico Vega and The Crash Kings!!).
There are still some excellent shows this week if you’re looking for some live music! And if you’re looking to get me something for my birthday…just forward to me the names of some of your favorite bands (especially if you think I haven’t heard of them)…new music is the best gift! 🙂
This week’s shows:
Monday: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at House of Blues Anaheim (8pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: She & Him at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)
Tuesday: The Swell Season at Largo at the Coronet (8:30)
ALSO: The Classic Crime at Chain Reaction in Anaheim (8pm)
Weds: Kingsize at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Brooke White, Nina Storey, and Tommy King at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)
ALSO: The Shakers at Kibitz Room (Canter’s Deli)…part of their residency (11pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society
Thursday: Watkins Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)…fave Nickel Creek siblings Sara and Sean Watkins with special guests!
ALSO: Terra Naomi at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Mississippi Man at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: New Found Glory at the House of Blues (8:30)
Friday: Brian Fallon (of Gaslight Anthem) at The Troubadour (9pm)
Saturday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Cat Club (10:30)
ALSO: Beth Hart at The Echo (7pm)
Sunday: Tears for Fears at The Wiltern (6:30)
To Keep in Mind:
March 26th: Nico Vega and Metric at Hollywood Palladium
March 27th: San Diego Indie Fest featuring Metric
March 27th/28th: Bamboozled Left featuring Something Corporate and AFI
March 31st: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg
April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour
April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia
April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey
April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café
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