Our SXSurvival site is dedicated to providing every SXSW attendee with the best possible time in our beloved city. These SXSurvival posts share some more insider tips.
As if you aren’t already overwhelmed by the abundance of music on the internet, SXSW goes ahead introduces you to hundreds of new bands for your “To Check Out List”. Truthfully, there is no science to curating a Best Of SXSW list because the best bands of SXSW are usually the ones we haven’t heard of yet, but I will try my hardest to at least give you a sneak preview of who I am excited about.
New Kids in Town
Our friends at Tonic Music introduced us to The Alabama Shakes for our holiday work with Zales back in December. We immediately fell in love with their gritty, soul sound on every track on their EP. They are playing SXSW before their full album drops in April. No question about it, they are the can’t miss show of the festival.
While bands are coming in from around the world, some of my favorites have been in Austin all along: Quiet Company, Heartless Bastards, The Black and White Years and The Soldier Thread.
Other buzzworthy bands worth mentioning are Youth Lagoon, Walk the Moon, Of Monsters and Men and Benjamin Francis Leftwich along with the others on my SXSW 2012 playlist.
Comeback Kids
Andrew Bird is arguably one of the greatest whistlers to ever, well, whistle. His earlier albums are dynamic and smart, and his new album is already looking promising. The Temper Trap is also making their sophomore effort at SXSW after their soundtrack-worthy “Sweet Disposition” from 2009.
And even though it hasn’t been confirmed that Bruce Springsteen is playing a show, just knowing he is in Austin makes me feel better about myself. I think it’s safe to assume though he will play somewhere in town, so keep an ear out for it.
I was also excited to hear our friends J Roddy Walston and the Business will be back again after playing our Industry Party last year. They put on a rowdy show that will be sure to deliver your daily dose of rock and roll.
You won’t be able to seem them all, but the good news is you can pick a few, and the best ones will be touring again soon.
Check out my full playlist on Spotify here. Who are we missing? Who are you excited to see? Comment below.
Image courtesy of Andrew Reilly, J Roddy Walston and the Business
The Industry Party @ GSD&M, SXSW 2011
