With artists coming from all over the globe, there’s hundreds of bands to see at South by Southwest. Every day I’m finding names that I missed on my previous hunt through the A-Z list of artists and adding them to my schedule. I somehow narrowed down my list to the top five artists I am most excited for. This list includes a electro-folk singer-songwriter, English rock band, indie rock group from the north, South African-born English folk singer and a pop duo from the big apple. Only a taste of the vast range of genres that will be gracing Austin next week.
By Miranda Chiechi
Maggie Rogers
Photo courtesy of Paste Magazine
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers had an unconventional start in the music industry. About a year ago, Rogers played her demo “Alaska” in a New York University master class hosted by Pharrell Williams, almost bringing him to tears. After the performance, Williams said he had never heard anyone like Rogers before. Rogers utilizes her background growing up in rural Maryland as a banjo player to make a sound that combines folk with a flair of pop and electronic. She has added on to “Alaska” with four more songs to complete her EP that just came out in February, “Now That The Light Is Fading.” Her album is already #7 in the United Kingdom. She has been playing shows around Europe since February and is making her debut in Texas at South by Southwest. She’s not one you want to miss.
Recommended If You Like: BANKS, MS MR
Temples
Photo courtesy of Temples.
The English rock band, Temples, has a melodic blend of psychedelic and rock vibes. You can’t help but be reminded of another English rock band comprised of four lads from Liverpool, The Beatles. Temples’ two albums, “Sun Structures” and “Volcano,” the latter released this month, are comprised of nothing but beautiful songs that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 1970s. I must say, there’s not a song I don’t like. Each one is a different experience, but sticks true to Temples’ sound and image. The Temples showcase is definitely one you will want to come out for.
RIYL: Tame Impala, The Beatles
Hippo Campus
Photo courtesy of US Entertainment
The cleverly named indie rock band, Hippo Campus, has just come out with their newest album, “Landmark”, this year and is ready to rock it out at SXSW. Their new album maintains the Hippo Campus sound from their first album, “Bashful Creatures,” but adds even more pop and electronic beats to the songs. Frequently compared to Vampire Weekend, Hippo Campus’ upbeat and catchy songs are some of my top picks to see at SXSW. They’re bound to keep you bopping your head along their entire showcase.
RIYL: Vampire Weekend, Bad Suns, Saint Motel
Johnny Flynn
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
You may know this English folk singer as an actor, namely his leading role alongside Anne Hathaway in the movie “Song One.” Flynn is not only an actor, but a singer and a poet, as well. He has toured with Mumford & Sons and made music with friend, Laura Marling. He grew up as the son of an actor in musicals, so he has been surrounded by music since his youth. It wasn’t until he was 11 when he found his folk calling after buying the album “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dyan.” Since his debut album “A Larum,” he has made 3 more albums and come out with two new singles this year, ready to play for Austin.
RIYL: Mumford & Sons, The Tallest Man On Earth
Lewis Del Mar
Photo courtesy of Billboard
Danny and Max make up the acoustic, electronic duo that is Lewis Del Mar, named after their fathers, who are both named Lewis. And from firsthand experience, their show is one you will want to see live. Their crazy, intense energy gets the whole crowd going. Lewis Del Mar has been touring with Young The Giant around the country, showcasing their album made in 2016, including popular single “Loud(y).” This group is growing as one of the hottest groups to see and are playing SXSW before returning to Austin in May for their own headlining show.
RIYL: NoMBe, Young the Giant, Dirty Heads
