As midterms wrap up and thousands of music lovers from across the globe descend upon Austin, Texas for a week of big crowds, good music and electric energy, it is safe to say that the SXSW season is officially upon us. Here is a peek into some artists and events that ORANGE’s music staff members are excited to check out at official and unofficial SXSW music events.
By ORANGE Music Staff
Artists/Bands:
Artist/Band: Oshun
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Song(s) you should listen to: “I Wake Up/Stay Woke”and “The Next Day”
Photo courtesy of Lee Johnson, Impose Magazine.
Oshun is the breath of fresh air that hip hop’s landscape desperately needs. The duo of Washington D.C. natives oozes bold creativity and consciousness into every track they lay their hands on. Members Niambi and Thandiwe originally met at New York University where they immediately bonded and decided to form Oshun, named after the Yoruba deity, goddess of water. The two share a strong sense of love for their community as well as empowerment through teaching, and they try to embody that in their work.
Where/When: Russian House, March 17, 2017, 12 a.m. – 12:40 a.m.
Artist/Band: Walker Lukens
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Song(s) you should listen to: “Jacket On Ya Shoulders” or “Dear Someone”
Walker Lukens fronts the alternative rock group with a smooth voice and the ability to capture an audience. They have one album called “Devoted,” which integrates elements of soul and features plenty of soft jams like “When I Lost You, Goddamn, I Lost.” Their newest EP, “Never Understood,” takes a more edgy, punchy stance on rock and was produced by Spoon’s drummer Jim Eno. Lukens is quickly earning his place amongst other great Austin bands with his vocal and music writing talent.
Where/When: The Main, March 16, 2017, 10:00 p.m., Cheer Up Charlie’s Inside, March 14, 2017, 1:00 AM
Artist/Band: Chastity Belt
Hometown: Walla Walla, Washington
Song(s) you should listen to: “Seattle Party,” “Joke” and “Healthy Punk”
Photo courtesy of Chastity Belt, Facebook.
Chastity Belt formed in 2010 while members studied at Whitman College in Walla Walla. Their two studio albums, “No Regrets” and “Time to Go Home” feature witty lyrics that challenge feminine stereotypes and crunchy guitar parts.
Where/When: She Shreds Showcase at Las Cruxes on March 14 and Modern Sky Official Showcase at Barracuda on March 15.
Artist/Band: Kate Nash
Hometown: Harrow, London, United Kingdom
Song(s) you should listen to: “I Hate Seagulls”
Kate Nash is a corky, creative singer-songwriter. Nash’s debut album released in 2007, and earned her the title of “Best British Female Artist” in 2008 at the Brit Awards. Her soulful lyrics seamlessly intertwine with her soft, cozy voice. If you like songs about real life, love, hate and everyday annoyances, check out Kate Nash.
Where/When: Whole Foods Rooftop, March 17, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Artist/Band: Cherry Glazerr
Hometown: Los Angeles
Song(s) you should listen to: “Had Ten Dollaz”
Cherry Glazerr is a noise pop/garage rock project that combines the talents of Clementine Creevy, Hannah Uribe and Sean Redman. While the instrumentation consists of the traditional trio of guitars, drums and bass, the power that the band packs into each song is a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics are fun and carefree, while their sonic groove is undeniably catchy.
Where/Where: Elysium, March 15, 2017, 12:00 a.m., Barracuda, March 16, 2017, 11:50 p.m., ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, March 17, 2017, 9:20 p.p., French Legation Museum, March 16, 2017, 12:00 p.m., French Legation Museum, March 17, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
Artist/Band: Khalid
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Song(s) you should listen to: “Location” or “Saved”
Photo courtesy of Khalid, Facebook.
Khalid’s music has been garnering a lot of attention since the release his debut album less than a month ago. He’s even going on tour with Travis Scott. He produces songs about love and heartbreak that have such deep meanings. Even if you’re not that into softer music, you’ll be into his stuff.
Where/When: He’ll be at the OU Live in Austin event on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Artist/Band: Calliope Musicals
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Song(s) you should listen to: “Echo of the Whoos”
Calliope Musicals blend folk and psychedelic elements to create a distinct sound that is sure to spark wonder. Audiences are in for a treat when the band brings special guests onstage dressed in spacesuits and animal onesies. Calliope Musicals capture the spirit of Austin’s undeniable weirdness.
Where/When: Spider House Café and Ballroom, Monday March 13, 2017 at noon
Events
Event: Southwest Invasion
Location: Whole Foods Market
Time/Date: 11 a.m. March 17, 2017
Photo courtesy of Quantam Collective.
Whole Foods Market is hosting a three day event with over 40 bands. The event is free with an RSVP. This is a great way to hear new up and comers and a few vets like the 90’s band, Hanson.
Event: All the Friends Ball 2017 curated by Mother Falcon
Location: Spider House Café and Ballroom
Time/Date: March 13 at noon – March 14 at 2 a.m.
KUTX 98.9 and the Austin Creative Alliance present the All the Friends Ball to support local music and art. Over 50 acts in music, comedy and art and five different stages are set for this day-long event. This event is free for all ages and only open to ages 18+ after 8 p.m.
Event: UO Live in Austin
Location: Space 24 Twenty on Guadalupe, right behind Urban Outfitters
Time/Date: Wednesday through Saturday, the event starts at noon and the last act goes on at 7 p.m.
With five days and 30 performances, Urban Outfitters Live will showcase bigger artists like The Internet and D.R.A.M. and lesser-known singers like Khalid and RG Lowe. This event is free and it’s close to campus.
Event: She Shreds Unofficial Showcase
Location: Las Cruxes
Time/Date: Tuesday, March 14 at 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Photo courtesy of She Shreds.
She Shreds, the magazine devoted to covering female guitarists and bassists, is hosting an unofficial SXSW Showcase at Las Cruxes on Cesar Chavez. In addition to Chastity Belt, the all-female, all-day lineup includes Sad13, Lisa Prank, Diet Cig, Thelma and the Sleaze and more. This event is free with RSVP, no badge required.
Event: KGSR’s Live Morning Broadcast
Location: The W Austin (hotel)
Time/Date: March 18, 10 a.m.
RSVP: No RVSP, $5 fee which will be donated to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas
The KGSR Live Morning Broadcast starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and for $5 an individual gets to watch six different groups, including Hippo Campus and Colony House as well as Walker Lukens. Following each artists is a live interview. Those 21 and up can enjoy different drink specials including Bloody Marys, and the first 300 guests receive breakfast tacos.
Event: Soundcloud Go Austin
Location: Mexitas, Bird’s Barbershop and Frank’s Coin Laundry
Time/Date: Monday, March 13 at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 15 at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 16 at 2 p.m.
Soundcloud is making it’s way to the SXSW for three nights of powerhouse lineups in three locations. The showcases will feature artist’s ranging from Ugly God and Masego, to Sohn and Electric Guest.
