It always creeps up on me. One minute, my friends and I are lamenting the fact that South by Southwest is over, and we have to wait a whole year before we do it all again. The very next, it’s time for a constant barrage of music, libations, and general merriment. And so, here we are again, poised on the edge of greatness (or a great catastrophe, depending on how organized you are). What’s that, you say? You don’t even know who is playing this year? Worry not, o yon procrastinator! That’s what I’m here for. I’ve scoured the SXSW lineup this year and have come up with the below suggestions of bands you really can’t miss. Per our usual format, you’ll find below the name of an incredible band, a brief description of what they’re like, a video of a song that encapsulates what they’re about, and the venues & showtimes where you can actually find them. Some are new to me, some are old favorites. Either way — buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
The Apache Relay – Kings of Leon-meet-Young the Giant? I don’t know really, but I LOVE it. Big guitar sound, pretty vocals. Definitely indie-rock, rushing strings, music with movement to it.
Tuesday, March 13 – 9PM, the Bat Bar
Wednesday, March 14 – 5PM, the Swan Dive
– 10PM, Maggie Mae’s Rooftop
Thursday, March 15 – 6PM, Flat Top Burger Shop
Ume – Kind of Metric-y. Smooth, sexy oozing vocals set to alt. rock with electricity throughout. And Austinites!
Tuesday, March 13 – 1oPM, the Bat Bar
Wednesday, March 14 – 7PM, Peckerheads
– 1:20AM, Trinity Hall
Friday, March 16 – between 1PM and 6PM, Friends
– 6:15PM, the Grackle
Yellow Ostrich – gorgeous vocals, interesting rhythms – like Local Natives without the harmonies. This is one of my favorite finds!
Tuesday, March 13 – 11PM, the Bat Bar
Thursday, March 15 – 8:25PM, Red Eyed Fly
Friday, March 16 – 4:15PM, Home Slice Pizza
Saturday, March 17 – 8:30AM, W Hotel
– 5PM, Peckerheads
Follow that Bird! – I’ve been trying to see this band forever, because my college pal Tiffany plays the drums. Now, a chance for all of us! This is great shoe-gazey punk rock with bite. Love the vocals, love the summertime moodiness – all good stuff here.
Tuesday, March 13 – 5:15PM, Cheer Up Charlie’s
– 10PM, Headhunters
Thursday, March 15 – Noon at Swan Dive
Miniature Tigers – I was just listening to Fortress the other night, and it’s upbeat, pop candy gold! So catchy, so lovely, so much fun.
Tuesday, March 13 – 11PM, Hype Hotel
Thursday, March 15 – 1AM, Soho Lounge
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Best day show I saw at Austin City Limits 2011. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. give it 110% at every performance, engaging the crowd, creating a spectacle on a small budget, and singing until you think their lungs may pop right out of their mouths. Plus, watch this video. You will fall in love.
Tuesday, March 13 – 12AM, Hype Hotel
Wednesday, March 14 – 10:55PM, La Zona Rosa
Frank Turner – I’ve wanted to check out this Irish punk-folk singer for ages. He’s like a stripped-down Flogging Molly!
Tuesday, March 13 – 12AM, Latitude 30
JC & Co. – Austinites — in fact, I see Jason Chronis in attendance at most shows I’m at. Adorable poppy sweet daydream fare.
<No video available!! I know, I know – it’s a barrier to entry, but it’s worth clicking over to this group’s MySpace page.>
Tuesday, March 13 – 8PM, the Main
Quiet Company – These guys have only gotten better with age. Austin favorites, and rightly so. Pop rock in the tradition of Ben Folds Five.
Tuesday, March 13 – 10PM, the Main
Wednesday, March 14 – 7:10PM, Austin Music Hall
Thursday, March 15 – 6PM, the Dogwood
Saturday, March 17 – 10:45PM, Chevrolet Sound Garage
Not in the Face! – AMAZING during Free Week, practically stole the whole week. Sexy, bluesy rock with soooo much attitude.
Tuesday, March 13 – 1AM, the Main
Wednesday, March 14 – 11PM, Buffalo Billiards
Marmalakes – Since Brazos left Austin, Marmalakes have been my sweet, melodical replacement. They write lovely folk-pop tunes with jazz undertones, and always leave me with a smile on my face.
Tuesday, March 13 – 10PM, the Parish
Lex Land – Adorable throwback pop music from the era of girl bands produced by Phil Specter, minus the madness and scandal.
Tuesday, March 13 – 11PM, the Parish
Boy Friend – Dreamy, layered, gorgeous, haunting 80s-almost-but-not-quite music, possibly taking a page from Fever Ray.
Tuesday, March 13 – 8PM, Swan Dive
Friday, March 16 – 11AM, East Side Tone
Saturday, March 17 – 3PM, Baby Blue Studios
Little Lo – We saw Little Lo live recently at the Parish, playing their homecoming show after having toured these great United States. They’re growing. Their stage presence continues to mature, and their sound continues to stretch and explore new avenues. For the uninitiated, they create big, bold indie-rock with energy, and are one of the most exciting young bands in Austin.
Tuesday, March 13 – 3:15PM, Cheer Up Charlie’s
– 10PM, Trinity Hall
Sun Boxes – Though this isn’t exactly a musical act, this art installation is one of the most gorgeous things I’ve ever heard. Created by Craig Colorusso, they at once make me feel tranquil, and remind me of the feeling I get during a sweet, quiet Sigur Ros song. Even on 6th Street in the middle of Austin, Texas, I suddenly am transported to the wilderness. Have a listen and see for yourself.
Sunday, March 18 – Uncorked
Brazos – This is one of my all-time favorite Austin bands, and also just all-time favorite bands. Mastermind Martin Crane escaped us to the north, and this will be the first time he’s been back in ages. I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Gorgeous, folky tunes with jazzy undertones, and Crane’s voice soaring through it all. Not to be missed!
Wednesday, March 14: 5PM, Vortex Theater
Thursday, March 15: 8:30PM, Mohawk
Dan Mangan – I first saw Dan at CMJ 2010, and was blown away by his engaging stage presence, husky vocals and folk-rock sound. His new album, Oh Fortune, is fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear what he does with it in a live setting.
Wednesday, March 14 – 1:30PM, Red Eye Fly
Thursday, March 15 – 2PM, Hotel San Jose
Friday, March 16 – 6pm, Home Slice Pizza
– 1am, 512 Rooftop
Saturday, March 17 – 9PM, Maggie Mae’s
Mirel Wagner – GORGEOUS vocals, gentle like a soft river flowing, but dark like the night.
Tuesday, March 13 – 2:30AM, PureVolume House
Wednesday, March 14 – 7:30PM, Sony Club at Red 7
Saturday, March 17 – 4PM, Domy Books
Cowboy and Indian – Although I find the band name slightly offensive and uninventive, this Austin band’s music is anything but. It’s rock done southern, with haunting vocals, gentle guitar picking, and tearful melodies.
Tuesday, March 13 – 7PM, Cheer Up Charlies
Wednesday, March 14 – 1AM, Bat Bar
Teitur – Teitur is an unforgettable artist. He crafts delicate stories with an eye to the everyman, and his soft, sweet vocals make the delivery of any sentiment heart-melting. If you have missed him all these years, you must familiarize yourself immediately.
Wednesday, March 14 – 11PM, Beale Street Tavern
Turbo Fruits: There is a nod to the Strokes here, but more youthful, sock-hoppish and with a southern rock twist.
Tuesday, March 13 – Scoot Inn (after 7PM)
Wednesday, March 14 – 29th Street Ballroom (after 1PM)
– 9:50PM, Beauty Bar Backyard
Thursday, March 15 – 3:30PM, Spiderhouse
Foy Vance: Reminds me a LOT of Bon Iver, and I like everything about that. Gentle, beautiful vocals that seem like they would be magical to experience in person.
Wednesday, March 14 – 10PM, Central Presbyterian Church
The Bright Light Social Hour: But of course! Austin’s best 70s guitar rock going.
Wednesday, March 14 – 1AM, Deseo Centro Lounge
Todd Barry: Awkward-hilarious. He may make you uncomfortable, but he will definitely make you laugh.
Wednesday, March 14 – 9:30PM, Esther’s Follies
Dead Black Hearts: Their words can sometimes be harsh, but they’re always set to blossoming, beautiful music. Love this up-and-coming Austin band.
Wednesday, March 14 – 11PM, Frank
Band of Skulls: This is a group for fans of the Silversun Pickups. It’s alt-rock with more passionate undertones, catchy and heart-pumping.
Tuesday, March 13 – 8PM, Antones
Wednesday, March 14 – 11PM, Haven
Thursday, March 15 – 3PM, Cedar Street
Kimbra: I am finding myself more & more drawn to creative, honey-voiced female pop artists, and Kimbra is near the front of that pack. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has up her sleeve for a live show. You may be familiar with her voice as the counterpart to Gotye in “Someone I Used to Know.” DO NOT MISS.
Wednesday, March 14 – 10:10PM, La Zona Rosa
– 12AM, Haven
Thursday, March 15 – 3PM, Clive Bar
Friday, March 16 – 5:15PM, Fader Fort
– W Hotel (between 1 & 9PM)
Miike Snow: It feels like I should say “duh” here. I have to admit, I have not been loving the new stuff I’ve been hearing. I’m hopeful it will all grow on me, and confident the live show will still be stunning.
Tuesday, March 13 – Stubb’s
Wednesday, March 14 – 12AM, Hype Hotel
Thursday, March 15 – 12AM, Lustre Pearl
Ezra Furman: Ezra is a unique voice on the indie-rock circuit. He is an expert lyricist and smart storyteller, and he plays with differing sounds all on the same album. He’s also incredibly prolific, and gets better with every new release.
Wednesday, March 14 – 10PM, the Jr
Thursday, March 15 – Continental Club (no time given)
– The 512 Bar (no time given)
Friday, March 16 – 12PM, Lovejoys
The Spinto Band: I fell in love with the Spinto Band when I heard “Oh, Mandy,” preparing myself for Fun Fun Fun Fest back in 2008. They’ve been in the studio for what feels like forever, and I cannot wait to see what they have come up with behind closed doors. They are fun, poppy, upbeat and charming.
Wednesday, March 14 – 1AM, Karma Lounge
Thursday, March 15 – 1:45PM, Red Eyed Fly
– 2:55PM, Swan Dive
Friday, March 16 – 5PM, Flat Top Burger Shop
The Drowning Men: I remember having trouble putting a finger on the Drowning Men when I saw them open for Flogging Molly. I knew they were appropriate openers, but were they Man Man-ish? Kind of. Gogol Bordello-eque? Yeah, sure. Steampunk? You betcha. They’re a little bit of everything, and a hell of a rock show.
Wednesday, March 14 – 9:45PM, Lamberts
Saturday, March 17 – 3PM, Bar 96
College: The mastermind behind the ubiquitous “Real Hero,” I would be interested to hear more and see what happens live. Plus, FRENCH!
Wednesday, March 14 – 10:30PM, Mohawk Patio
Daughter: Reminds me of a slightly more avant-garde Sarah Jaffe — and I do so love my Sarah Jaffe.
Wednesday, March 14 – 10PM, Red Eyed Fly
Thursday, March 15 – 12:45PM, Red Eyed Fly
Friday, March 16 – 11:30PM, St. David’s Historic Sanctuary
The Drums – The Drums are my favorite young band, period. I intend to see as many of their numerous performances as I possibly can, because they are that good. They are making music that is guttural, beautiful, catchy, danceable, fun and memorable. This is the stuff you make life memories to.
Wednesday, March 14 – 5PM, Flamingo Cantina
– 1AM, Stage on Sixth
Thursday, March 15 – 4:30PM, Hotel Vegas
Friday, March 16 – 6PM, Lustre Pearl
– 12AM, Stubb’s
Saturday, March 17 – 5:55PM, Emo’s East
Sharon Van Etten: I saw Sharon play SXSW last year, and she was as preciously sweet as I imagined she might be. However, when the woman begins to sing, time stops and her voice keeps you in a chokehold until her songs end. She’s a killer, in the best of ways.
Wednesday, March 14 – 9PM, Stubb’s
Thursday, March 15 – 12:35AM, Mohawk Patio
The Black & White Years: Still one of my very favorite Austin bands, these electro-rockers never fail to get me sweating and smiling at their live shows. And! Their lyrics are so smart, I can feel good about it.
Wednesday, March 14 – 12:20AM, Trinity Hall
Saturday, March 17 – 1AM, Club DeVille
Trampled by Turtles: First of all, the name. Amazing. Secondly, this stuff is beautiful! Folk with harmonies and some down-home banjo tinges to give it a really woodsy feeling.
Thursday, March 15 – 12AM, Cedar Street Courtyard
Friday, March 16 – 9:05AM, Four Seasons Hotel
– 1:15PM, Red Eyed Fly
– 4:30PM, Swan Dive
Sarah Jaffe: Always, always & always. This female rocker is brilliant, adventurous and has the voice of an angel. Sarah Jaffe is taking over the world, one show at a time.
Thursday, March 15 – 8PM, Club DeVille
Fanfarlo: With swirling orchestral sounds, sweet harmonies, and European gloom packaged in that sweet way that only Europeans seem to be able to pull off, Fanfarlo are back with more imagination-opening tunes.
Thursday, March 15 – 10PM, Club DeVille
– Hotel Vegas (No time given)
Friday, March 16 – 2PM, Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center
– 4PM, Cedar Street
Saturday, March 17 – 10PM, Hype Hotel
Youth Lagoon: Dreamy, quiet, subtle, creeping, takes it time and then takes you over. Very emotive.
Wednesday, March 14 – 2:30PM, Skinny’s Ballroom
– 4:40PM, Red 7
– 11PM, IFC Crossroads house at Vice
Thursday, March 15 – Mohawk (between noon & 6PM)
– 3PM, Hype Hotel
– 1AM, Club DeVille
Friday, March 16 – 4PM, Flamingo Cantina
Saturday, March 17 – noon, Waterloo Records
Elle King: Sweet, young, with snarl. Pop singer from the south — and maybe our answer to Adele?
Thursday, March 15 – 8PM, Creekside at Hilton Garden Inn
Friday, March 16 – 10:40PM, Stubb’s
The Tontons: Dance-rock from Texas with fantastic lead female vocals. Heavy on the rock.
Thursday, March 15 – 8PM, Deseo Centro Lounge
Friday, March 16 – Gypsy Lounge, between 10AM & 6PM
The Ettes: I first saw the Ettes when they were opening for the Dead Weather. It was an apt pairing, and this little-band-that-could is firmly standing on its own two feet. Sexy, bluesy rock that screams in the night and leaves scratch marks behind.
Wednesday, March 14 – 11PM, East Side Tone
Thursday, March 15 – 4:05PM, Swan Dive
– 12AM, the Iron Bear
Nightmare and the Cat: Adorable brothers playing up the “we’re so different!” thing, but with a seriously awesome sound. Soulful but lighthearted rock with a bit of a wink and swagger in its step, this stuff is fun.
Thursday, March 15 – 11PM, the Loft
Gossip: I had to do a double-take when I saw Gossip on this year’s SXSW lineup. I used to play this Beth Ditto-powered band on my college radio show weekly, so the opportunity to see this pop powerhouse is pretty unbelievable. You wanna dance? You wanna see Gossip.
Thursday, March 15 – 1PM, Google Lot
– 1AM, Maggie Mae’s Rooftop
Milo Greene: Beautiful folk music with fantastic male/female lead harmonies. I love the urgency in “1957.” In the vein of the Head and the Heart, but a little less precious (which is refreshing).
Thursday, March 15 – 8PM, Stubb’s
– 12AM, Maggie Mae’s Rooftop
Saturday, March 17 – 3PM, Cedar Street
Chairlift: If for nothing else than their AMAZING choose-your-own-ending music video, I am going to check this band out. But, the nice part is, their music is awesome as well. Layered, beautiful vocals, set to exciting early-80s but also kind of 70s music…love it.
Wednesday, March 14 – Mohawk (day show, no time listed)
– 5:30PM, Empire Automotive
Thursday, March 15 – 1PM, 1100 Warehouse
– 5PM, Flamingo Cantina
– 1AM, the Parish
Friday, March 16 – 5PM, Beauty Bar
– 12AM, Empire Auto & Club 606
Geographer: pretty outer-space electronic grooves, a sweet, airy vocalist and deep, throbbing beats. Love, love, love.
Wednesday, March 14 – La Zona Rosa (no time given)
Thursday, March 15 – Emo’s East (day show, no time given)
– 11PM, Soho Lounge
Karim Ouellet: Jazzy pop in French AND English?! My heart swoons. I love this! It’s got hip-hop flavors, but it’s mostly smooth, jazzy pop.
Thursday, March 15 – 9M, Spill
Plants & Animals: Deeply felt music, sung from the gut. It transcends catchy indie-rock by having so much punch — emotive, it sneaks up on you.
Thursday, March 15 – 11:30PM, St. David’s Historic Sanctuary
Friday, March 16 – 3:45PM, Lovejoys
Saturday, March 17 – 2PM, Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center
– 1AM, Spill
What Made Milwaukee Famous: What Made Milwaukee Famous are back and better than ever. Strong, catchy, sing-along anthems and car trip fare.
Wednesday, March 14 – 4:15PM, Parish
Thursday, March 15 – 12AM, The Studio by HGTV
Saturday, March 17 – 2:45PM, Snack Bar
Yukon Blonde: Saw these gentlemen live, and they DESTROYED. Gorgeous harmonies, craaazy guitar work, animated performers. Genuine & fantastic.
Thursday, March 15 – 4PM, Aussie’s Grill & Beach Bar
– 9PM, Trinity Hall
Friday, March 16 – 12:10PM, Home Slice Pizza
Saturday, March 17 – 4PM, East Side Tone
Glen Hansard: Mastermind behind the Frames, the Swell Season, the movie Once and an Academy Award winner, Glen Hansard is a fiery live performer who sings from his heart every time.
Thursday, March 15 – Hotel Vegas (no time given; day show)
Friday, March 16 – 5PM, Stage on Sixth
– 10:30PM, Antone’s
Saturday, March 17 – 9AM, Four Seasons Hotel
The American Secrets: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. member! The FreeCreditReport.com band! So many reasons to see these guys. Similar to Dale Earnhardt fare, these are upbeat poppy tunes with force.
Friday, March 16 – 11PM, IFC Crossroads House at Vice
The Big Pink: I adore these moody electro-rockers. “Dominoes” was my theme song for months, and I fell in love with the band with my whole heart after seeing them play with swagger and sex appeal at Lollapalooza.
Friday, March 16 – 10PM, Lustre Pearl
Saturday, March 17 – 12PM, Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center
– W Hotel (day party, no time given)
Ben Kweller: Ben has become the patron saint of indie rock here in Austin. He frequently makes guest appearances with touring singer-songwriters and rock bands, and seems like the kind of guy who would be a great friend. His music is laid back, real and honest.
Wednesday, March 14 – 8:30AM, W Hotel
– 5PM, the Stage on Sixth
Friday, March 16 – 3PM, Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center
Michael Kiwanuka: Soulful music straight outta the 70s. This is just like something my mom would have played me when I was growing up, or when she was driving me to school. Stax material to the core.
Wednesday, March 14 – 9AM, W Hotel
– 3PM, Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center
Friday, March 16 – 12:30AM, St. David’s Historic Sanctuary
Saturday, March 17 – 8PM, Stubb’s
Chuck Ragan: Chuck Ragan is like what would happen if Bruce Springsteen were a bit more mean, and had a punk background. He’s got some incredible friends that he takes on his Revival Tour, who share stories of blue-collar America — the struggles and the triumphs.
Friday, March 16 – 3PM, Ballroom G Day Stage, Austin Convention Center
Saturday, March 17 – 4:30PM, Waterloo Records
David Ramirez: Sweet voice, soft and heartbroken lyrics, gentle guitar picking. My kinda guy.
Saturday, March 17 – 12AM, the Tap Room at Six
Peelander-Z: Crazy, colorful punk rockers who play guitar upside-down and backwards. Human bowling! Kawaii mascots! So Many Mike! Steak!!!
Wednesday, March 14 – 4PM, Elysium
Saturday, March 17 – 6:25PM, the Grackle
– 1AM, Treasure Island
Sunday, March 18 – 4PM, Springdale Farm
