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!

Here’s part 2 of my mix (part 1 can be found here):

5. “Weatherman” – Dead Sara

I fell in love with this band before SXSW. They will surely be featured in a “Band Love” post in the near future, but I couldn’t leave them off this list. This band blows me away every time I see them. Singer Emily looks so unassuming, but by the end of the set you find yourself headbanging to “Weatherman” and realize that she (and the rest of the band) have put you under some sort of spell

 

6. “Big Enough” – Taddy Porter

This Oklahoma based band caught my attention when I was listening to the list of SXSW artists. Apparently they caught the attention of Kid Rock as well as they played his showcase in Austin. Check out their album, Long Slow Drag and be sure to see them when they roll through a town near you!

 

7. “Alive” – Makeshift Prodigy

Bandcamp did a really cool thing this year for SXSW. They made a mix of all of the artists registered to their site that were going to SXSW. It listened to this mix in the background for days. Makeshift Prodigy was one of the artists that made me stop and pay attention. I immediately fell in love with this song, “Alive”, that you can download for FREE on their website.  Just one more Chicago band to add to my growing list of reasons to go back to the windy city.

 

8. “Life is Strange” – The Gallery

The Gallery had been brought to my attention in the Rolling Stone cover artist competition and I promptly added them to my SXSW schedule. I was so happy to be able to catch the band’s set at Rusty Spurs. They did not disappoint!

 

part 3 next up…

 

~ Kristen