SXSW

I imagine most of you know what the acronym SXSW means, but just in case… SXSW stands for ‘South By Southwest,’ which is an annual music conference held in mid March in Austin, TX. It is THE music conference to be at, as thousands of artists, label folks, managers, agents and fans gather to see tons of bands in a few days’ time. There are panel discussions and keynote discussions, but let’s be honest, you care about the music. There are unofficial day parties with bands and official showcases that run seemingly all night. The lineup runs the gamut from basement bands in Austin to the biggest bands on the planet (Radiohead is rumored to be performing at this year’s edition!).

This year’s SXSW will be my first ever time at the festival (as well as Texas, but I digress). The lineups are still being finalized but I’m already quite pumped by the artists that will be there. I wanted to share some of the acts that I will see at the festival. Note I tried to focus mostly on unknown/up-and-coming artists.

“Glorify” - Ivan & Aloysha

Don’t worry, they’re not a Christian band! I&A are comprised of several guys who specialize in gorgeous folk-rock. They just put out a stellar EP and have been featured on NPR Music. Expect big things from the group as they work on a full-length.

“Kathleen” – Josh Ritter

Easily one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, Josh Ritter is someone special. It’s been fascinating to watch him grow from making simple folk music to grandiose compositions, all while keeping a sense of childlike innocence and a perennial smile. “Kathleen” is from his magnificent album Hello Starling, which I can’t recommend enough. Funnily enough, the first time I saw Josh was at a music conference (CMJ 2003).

“Oh Canada” – Nicole Atkins

Nope, this isn’t the Canadian national anthem. This was an iTunes exclusive track for her recent album Mondo Amore, but in my opinion, this should’ve been on the record as it’s very strong (full disclosure I helped market this album a bit). Long after listening to the song and album, "Oh Canada" will remain with you. Strikingly, its poppiness contrasts with the rest of the bluesy, psychedelic sound on the album.

“Wild One” – Those Darlins’

A cute country song that Nashville could use more of! Like the Ramones, the three gals that make up Those Darlins’ use the band name as each of their last name. Super catchy, particularly with the vocal harmonies.

“Seven-Mile Island” – Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit

You may know Jason from his days in the Drive-By Truckers. After splitting from the group (as well as wife at the time, the DBT’s Shonna Tucker), Isbell struck out on his own. Not straying too far from the DBT’s sound, Isbell’s outfit blends folk, country, bluegrass and folk together. While he’ll likely never escape his history with the Truckers, Isbell deserves more merit than just being known for that.

“Monte Carlo” – U.S. Royalty

What if Fleetwood Mac was an indie rock band? Close your eyes when you listen or see U.S. Royalty and you’ll see what I mean (minus the copious drug use and inter-band sex, of course). Currently unsigned, its baffling to me after listening to “Monte Carlo” or the rest of their debut album Mirrors that this DC-based group hasn’t been picked up by anyone yet (although I suspect that may change soon). Very engaging live show to boot.

“Unless It Kicks” – Okkervil River

I’ve been a fan of Okkervil River for awhile, so I’m elated that I finally get to see them live in their hometown of Austin. Very literate and well-thought out lyrics that make them stand out from many of their indie rock peers. Cool name to boot!

“Mister Heavenly” – Mister Heavenly

Chances are, you know this band because Michael Cera has played bass for them live. Don’t write them off because of this, though, or think of them as Cera’s band. Mister Heavenly is made up of players from Man Man, Islands and Modest Mouse. Judging from the clips on YouTube and the two songs they’ve released online, Mister Heavenly will live up to their pedigree. Look for a full-length from Sub Pop sometime this year.

“KMAG YOYO” – Hayes Carll

WTF is that acronym, you ask? Kiss My Ass, Guys, You’re On Your Own. It’s the title track from country rocker Hayes Carll’s new album. The jaunty tune details a military guy’s plight about being sent in spaceships and put on drugs for testing purposes, courtesy of the government. Pretty amusing lyrically but Carll does have a valid point about what the military and government will expose its people to for the sake of ‘safety.’ Can’t wait to hear this new album as Carll’s last album was pretty stellar. He also gets points in my book for naming his backing band the Poor Decisions.

“Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster The People

Just try, TRY getting this supremely catchy ear worm out of your head! Having first heard this song last summer, that beat hasn’t left my noggin since.

“Chase Scene” – Zechs Marquise

I’ve been a fan of Sargent House for awhile. The company created a new paradigm to remain relevant and profitable in the music business, being a label and management company under the same roof. It wouldn’t mean much if they didn’t have a kick ass roster, boasting acts like Good Old War, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (from At The Drive In/Mars Volta), Russian Circles, RX Bandits and other acts. Also on the label is Zechs Marquise, who operate in the same realm of trippy instrumental freak-outs ala Mars Volta. It shouldn’t come as a great surprise that a few of Omar’s brothers make up Zechs Marquise. Thankfully, this group isn’t nearly as obtuse and jarring as Mars Volta.

“Work On You” – Mstrkrft

Sure, Mstrkrft can be accused of aping Daft Punk, but why argue? Shut up and dance! Kudos to one of the guys from DFA 1979 for finding success with another group.