Since none of us here at Lucy Out Loud will be able to attend SXSW this year, we’ve put together a list of 50 acts(in no particular order) we think those of you that are attending shouldn’t miss!
To check out our second installment (acts 11-20), click “Read More”!
*Note: some acts we’ve included are performing at South By So What?! and not South By South West. However, since the festival takes place during the week of South By Southwest, we’ve decided to still include them in our list!
Part 2 (Acts 11-20). Check out Part 1 here!
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Bear Hands
Riding on the coattails of their newest album, Distraction, this Brooklyn quartet has a very busy couple of weeks ahead of them. With an east coast spring tour, including half a dozen shows at SXSW, there are plenty of chances to hear these guys do something special.
Where to catch Bear Hands:3.12 – 1am – KCRW’s Showcase @ Haven -
Sol Cat
Self-described as “psychedelic groove-rock,” the Nashville group is as interesting as their music is intoxicating. This is a band that will truly surprise you!
Where to catch Sol Cat: 3.12 – 2:20pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.14 – 2pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ HandleBar Austin; 3.14 – 8pm – Audiotree Showcase @ Licha’s Cantina; 3.15 – 7pm – The Future of Music Showcase @ Shiner Saloon -
The Ghost Inside
There’s something truly special about watching Jonathan Vigil and The Ghost Inside. His performances are passionate and raw, purely emotive from the first note to the last. They’re a band that you should take advantage of every opportunity at seeing.
Where to catch The Ghost Inside: 3.16 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park - Emily Wolfe
With the ability to produce either something eerily ambient or hauntingly acoustic, Austin’s Emily Wolfe is a wild card double-threat. She received national praise for her 2013 releases Mechanical Hands and Night & Day, so a chance to see her onstage in her own stomping grounds is one to capitalize on.
Where to catch Emily Wolfe: 3.11 – 1:30pm – Official SXSW Day Show @ Cheer Up Charlie’s; 3.12 – 6am – KGSR Live Broadcast from W Hotel Austin; 3.13 – 11pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Esther’s Follies -
Lions Lions
Keeping with local tradition, Boston’s Lions Lions have made a name for themselves throughout the last few years with their own brand of post-hardcore. They’ve made a habit of playing massive, often sold-out shows, and since everything is bigger in Texas, they’ll be sure to deliver there as well.
Where to catch Lions Lions: 3.13 – Sumerian Records Showcase @ G Pen Annex; 3.15 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park -
The 1975
Unless you were living under a rock in 2013, then the 1975 were certainly on your radar at some point. And, even if you were living under a rock, you still probably heard a muffled version of “Chocolate” coming through the ground. They became one of the biggest new bands around, and they shouldn’t be missed.
Where to catch The 1975: 3.14 – 1:30pm – Universal Music Group’s SXSW Day Party @ Palm Door on Sixth; 3.14 – 5pm – Crack In The Road & Disco Naivete @ Hype Hotel; 3.15 – 12pm – Waterloo Records @ 600 N. Lamar Blvd; 3.15 – 12:30am – SXSW Showcase @ Stubbs Amphitheater -
Bad Suns
Like a handful of others featured at SXSW this year (including Echosmith, HAERTS, and London Grammar, to name a few), Bad Suns earned a spot as an iTunes Free Download earlier this year. And rightfully so. Their hook-filled indie-rock is something that no listener will be able to find themselves immune to.
Where to catch Bad Suns: 3.12 – 11pm – Communion Records Showcase @ Blackheart -
Gentlemen Hall
Boston has a history of producing some great artists, with Gentlemen Hall being no exception. Winners of MTV’s Breakout Band in ’09, Boston’s Best Act in ’11, and Billboard’s Battle of the Bands that same year, these six friends from Beantown have been on the receiving end of national buzz for a few years.
Where to catch Gentlemen Hall: 3.8 – 11:30pm – ROC Nation Party @ Raptor House; 3.10 – 6:30pm – Applauze Party @ Scoot Inn; 3.11 – 9pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ 512 Club; 3.13 – 12:40pm – IheartComix Kickoff Party @ Empire Control Room and Garage - & 10.
The Story So Far & Neck Deep
I haven’t put a lot of emphasis here on the pop/punk side of the spectrum, so it would be useful to mention two of the most impressive newer acts around. Throughout their relatively-short careers up to this point, both bands have built extensive, loyal fanbases for themselves. There are sure to be plenty of kids watching when either of these two take the stage, so make sure you show up early.
Where to catch The Story So Far: 3.13 – 4:55pm – Equal Vision Records and Pure Noise Records Showcase @ G Pen Annex; 3.16 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park
Where to catch Neck Deep: 3.16 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park