50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss At SXSW |
  1. 50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss At SXSW

    It’s that time of year again and South By Southwest (SXSW) is just around the corner! We’ve decided to bring back our “50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss” feature and spent hours trying to narrow down our favorite acts. Not making it to Texas for the event? We’ve got you covered!! Check out our Spotify SXSW playlist which features one song from each artist on it here or at the very end of the list below!

    Andy Frasco & The U.N.
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Americana/Rock
    Recent Release: Happy Bastards
    Song To Check Out: “Tie You Up”

    Where to catch Andy Frasco & The U.N.: 3.16 – 12am – New Fronteir Showcase @ Swan Dive; 3.17 – 3pm @ Shangri La; 3.17 – 6pm @ Doc’s Bar & Grill; 3.18 – 6:45pm – The Most Definitely & Wind Up Records Presents: THE YARD


    BANDITS
    Hometown: Denver, CO
    Genre: Heavy Rock
    Recent Release: Kill Tonight
    Song To Check Out: “Kill Tonight”

    Where to catch BANDITS: 3.16 – 5pm - RedGorilla Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.17 – 1am – Boomtown Music Showcase @ 512 Bar; 3.17 – 5:20pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.17 – 9pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ Blind Pig Rooftop; 3.19 – 5pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ San Jac Saloon


    Banners
    Hometown: Liverpool, UK
    Genre: Alternative/Pop
    Recent Release: Banners
    Song To Check Out : “Shine A Light”

    Where to catch Banners: 3.16 – YouTube Showcase @ Coppertank; 3.16 – British Music Showcase; 3.18 – McDonald’s Loft


    Barns Courtney
    Hometown: Ipswich, UK
    Genre: Americana
    Recent Release: “Glitter & Gold”
    Song To Check Out : “Fire”

    Where to catch Barns Courtney: 3.16 – 10pm - Americana Music Association @ Lamberts; 3.17 – Floodfest Day Party @ Cedar Street Courtyard; 3.17 – WFUV Day Party @ Hotel Saint Cecilia; 3.18 – 10:40pm - Paradigm Showcase @ Stubbs BBQ; 3.19 – KGSR Live @ W Hotel; 3.19 – 11pm – NME Presents: Official SXSW Showcase @ Latitude 30


    Beach Slang
    Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
    Genre: Punk
    Recent Release: The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us
    Song To Check Out: “Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas”

    Where to catch Beach Slang: 3.14 – The Onion & AV Club Present Just Another Manic Monday @ Barracuda; 3.16 – 3:30pm - Secret Sounds Presents Falls Festival and Splendour In The Grass At SXSW @ Sidewinder; 3.16 – 10:30pm – Jansport & Noisey Present Bands And A Bonfire Under The Big Sky @ Cheer Up Charlie’s; 3.17 – 12pm – Waterloo Records In-Store @ Waterloo Records; 3.17 – 2:35pm – Pitchfork Party @ Barracuda; 3.17 – 5pm – Biggest Little Day Party @ Frank; 3.18 – 12:30pm – Spin At Stubb’s @ Stubb’s BBQ; 3.18 – 6pm – SXSW Outdoor Stage @ Lady Bird Lake; 3.18 –1am -  Flowerbooking, Topshelf & Polyvinyl Show @ Sidewinder


    Bleachers
    Hometown: Bergenfield, NJ
    Genre: Indie Alternative
    Recent Release: Terrible Thrills, Vol. 2
    Song To Check Out:  “Rollercoaster”

    Where to catch Bleachers: 3.18 – 12:05am - Bud Light Music Showcase @ Bud Light Factory


    Blue Healer
    Hometown: Austin, TX
    Genre: Indie Rock
    Recent Release: “Luminescent Eyes”
    Song To Check Out:  “Luminescent Eyes”

    Where to catch Blue Healer: 3.13 – 5:30pm – Side One Track One Showcase @ Volstead Lounge; 3.13 – 9pm – Do512 @ Antone’s; 3.16 – 8pm – New Frontier Touring Showcase @ Swan Dive; 3.17 – 3pm – Mercy Lounge Presents New Americana Party @ Craftsman; 3.18 – 12pm – QSC Showcase @ Austin Convention Center; 3.19 – 5pm – Eye in the Sky Future of Music Showcase @ Shiner Saloon


    Chairlift
    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
    Genre: Pop
    Recent Release: Moth
    Song To Check Out: “Ch-Ching”

    Where to catch Chairlift: 3.16 – 12:10am - Stereogum Showcase @ Bud Light Factory; 3.17 – 9pm - YouTube Showcase @ Coppertank Events Center; 3.18 –4:05pm - The Pitchfork Parties @ Barracuda


    Daniel Eyes  & The Vibes
    Hometown: Austin, TX
    Genre: Indie Rock
    Recent Release: Sweet Dreaming
    Song To Check Out: “Sleeping With the Blues”

    Where to catch Daniel Eyes & The Vibes: 3.14 – 7:30pm – Solstice Live Showcase @ Empire Control Room; 3.17 – 1pm – Sound Dessert Showcase @ Stay Gold; 3.17 – 2:55 – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Handlebar (Rooftop); 3.18 – 2pm – Party In My Pants @ Little Woodrow’s; 3.18 – 1am @ Gigtown Presents 6th Annual Future of Music Showcase @ Shiner Saloon; 3.19 – 9pm – Austin Music Foundation Showcase @ Tiniest Bar In Texas


    DNCE
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Pop
    Recent Release: SWAAY
    Song To Check Out : “Toothbrush”

    Where to catch DNCE: 3.16 – 12:55am @ Monster Energy Outbreak House; 3.17 – Music Is Universal Day @ JW Marriott; 3.17 – 3pm - Waterloo Records Day Party @ Waterloo Records; 3.18 - 12:15am @ Scoot Inn; 3.18 – 3pm - West of the Fest @ Key Bar


    Fickle Friends
    Hometown: Brighton, UK
    Genre: Indie Pop
    Recent Release: “Say No More”
    Song To Check Out:  “Paris”

    Where to catch Fickle Friends: 3.16 – 6pm –The Most Definitely and Concord Music Group Present The Yard Day; 3.17 – 1pm - Music For Listeners @ El Sapo; 3.17 – 12am - Pukkelpop x Disco Naivete Showcase @ The Sidewinder (Outside); 3.18 – 4:40pm - The British Music Embassy Day @Latitude 30


    flor
    Hometown: Hood River, OR
    Genre: Pop
    Recent Release: Sounds EP
    Song To Check Out: “Heart”

    Where to catch flor: 3.16 – 3:45pm @ The Yard; 3.16 – 8pm @ McDonald’s Loft; 3.17 @ Des Moines Embassy; 3.17 – 6pm @ Westin Hotel; 3.19 – 10:15pm @ Sidewinders


    Grace Mitchell
    Hometown: Portland, OR
    Genre: Pop
    Recent Release: “White Iverson”
    Song To Check Out: “Breaking Hearts”

    Where to catch Grace Mitchell: 3.16 – 5pm – New Shapes Showcase @ Barracuda (Outside); 3.17 – Music Is Universal @ JW Marriott; 3.17 – 11pm – Floodfest @ Cedar Street Courtyard; 3.18 – 9:55pm @ Scoot Inn; 3.19 – Perez Hilton’s One Night In Austin @ Act Live at the Moody Theater; 3.19 – 10:50pm – Austin City Limits Live @ the Moody Theater


    Great American Canyon Band
    Hometown: Baltimore, MD
    Genre: Americana
    Recent Release: Crash
    Song To Check Out: “Crash”

    Where to catch Great American Canyon Band: 3.17 – 4:30pm - The Midwest Music Foundation and Boulevard Brewing Company Present The 7th Annual Midcoast Takeover @ Shangri La; 3.18 – 10pm - Greenbelt Touring Official Showcase @ Tellers


    Great Caesar
    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Great Caesar on Audiotree Live
    Song To Check Out: “Hey Mama”

    Where to catch Great Caesar: 3.13 – 4pm – McDonald’s Showcase @ Textile; 3.17 – 1am – ASCAP Showcase @ Speakeasy; 3.19 – 2pm – Southwest Invasion @ Whole Foods


    Grizfolk
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Waking Up The Giants
    Song To Check Out: “Bob Marley”

    Where to catch Grizfolk: 3.16 – 6pm – The Showtime Roadies House @ Clive Bar; 3.16 – 9pm – Culture Collide/Stubhub @ Bangers; 3.17 – 12:45pm – Music Is Universal Party @ JW Marriott; 3.18 – 12:30pm – Windish Party @ Mohawk; 3.18 – 10pm – “Homegrown” Grammy Museum Showcase @ Tap Room; 3.19 – 4pm – Waterloo Records @ Waterloo Records; 3.19 – Pandora @ The Gatsby


    Harvest Thieves
    Hometown: Austin, TX
    Genre: Americana
    Recent Release: Rival
    Song To Check Out: “Your Damn Vanity”

    Where to catch Harvest Thieves: 3.12 – 9pm - Hotel Van Zandt @ Geraldine’s; 3.13 – 5pm - Austin Town Hall and Side One Track One Showdown @ Volstead Lounge; 3.14 – 3pm – Mother Falcon’s “All The Friends Ball” @ Spiderhouse; 3.14 – 9pm – Antone’s x Capital One; 3.16 – 6th Annual Lucy’s Fried Chicken Revival @ Lucy’s Fried Chicken; 3.16 – 5:20pm – Austin Indie Radio Showcase @ The ABGB; 3.18 – 1:40pm – Lone Star Music/Koke-FM Party @ Threadgill’s; 3.18 – 5.15pm – Future of Music Showcase Presented by Gigtown @ Shiner Saloon; 3.19 – 5:30pm – Friends of East Cameron Showcase @ The White Horse; 3.19 – 11pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Victorian Room at the Driskill


    Hey Marseilles
    Hometown: Seattle, WA
    Genre: Alternative Rock
    Recent Release: Hey Marseilles
    Song To Check Out: “West Coast”

    Where to catch Hey Marseilles: 3.16 – 4:30pm – ListenToAir.com Day Party @ AGBG; 3.16 – 10pm – Showtime Roadies Showcase @ Clive Bar; 3.17 – 1pm – Sirius XM Radio @ Omni Hotel; 3.18 – 1:30pm – Baeble Music Day Party @ Empire Control; 3.19 – 4pm – Gingerman Day Party @ Dogfish Head


    Icarus The Owl
    Hometown: Portland, OR
    Genre: Rock / Pop Punk
    Recent Release: Pilot Waves
    Song To Check Out: “I Am the Delorean”

    Where to catch Icarus The Owl: 3.16 – 8:15pm – Max Volume @ Spiderhouse Ballroom; 3.17 – 3.45pm – Rocker Stalker/Switch Bitch Records/Behind The Curtain Media Presents Day Party @ Hole In The Wall (Middle Stage)


    Jeremy and the Harlequins
    Hometown: New York, NY
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: “No One Cares”
    Song To Check Out: “No One Cares”

    Where to catch Jeremy and the Harlequins: 3.17 – 9pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Continental Club; 3.19 – 1pm – 18th Annual Industry of Music Showcase @ Ginger Man; 3.20 – 2pm @ Carousel Lounge


    Jocelyn & Chris Arndt
    Hometown: Cambridge, MA
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Edges
    Song To Check Out:   “Shame”

    Where to catch Jocelyn & Chris Arndt: 3.16 – 9pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ San Jac Saloon; 3.17 – 1:30pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Handlebar; 3.18 – 8pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ The Blind Pig


    Judah & The Lion
    Hometown: Nashville, TN
    Genre: Americana
    Recent Release: Folk Hop N’ Roll
    Song To Check Out: “Take It All Back”

    Where to catch Judah & The Lion: 3.19 – 10pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Lamberts


    Lissie
    Hometown: Rock Island, IL
    Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
    Recent Release: My Wild West
    Song To Check Out:   “Don’t You Give Up On Me”

    Where to catch Lissie: 3.17 – 8:30am – KGSR Radio @ The W Austin; 3.17 – 4:30pm – NoiseTrade Presents: FRYE SXSW Days @ Swan Dive; 3.17 – 8:30pm – “Homegrown” Grammy Museum Showcase @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop; 3.17 – 11pm – Thirty Tigers Official Showcase @ The Majestic; 3.18 – 5:40pm @ Willie Nelson’s “Luck Ranch;” 3.19 – 12pm @ Waterloo Records parking lot; 3.19 – 2pm – SPIN @ Bud Light’s Brazos Hall


    LOLO
    Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
    Genre: Alternative Rock
    Recent Release: Comeback Queen EP
    Song To Check Out: “I Don’t Wanna Have To Lie”

    Where to catch LOLO: 3.19 – 12am – Official SXSW Showcase @ Buffalo Billiards; 3.19 – 2pm - Pandora Discovery Den Showcase @ The Gatsby


    Magic Giant
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Folk
    Recent Release: Set On Fire
    Song To Check Out: “Set On Fire”

    Where to catch Magic Giant: 3.16 – 3pm – Stubhub! Party @ Bangers; 3.16 - 10pm @ Monster Energy Outbreak House


    MC Lars
    Hometown: Oakland, CA
    Genre: Lit-Hop
    Recent Release: The Zombie Dinosaur LP
    Song To Check Out: “Triforce”

    Where to catch MC Lars: 3.19 – 9:25pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Karma Lounge


    Milk Teeth
    Hometown: Stroud, UK
    Genre: Punk
    Recent Release: Vile Child
    Song To Check Out: “Swear Jar (again)”

    Where to catch Milk Teeth: 3.17 – 10:30pm  - Artist Group International SXSW Showcase @ Javelina


    Misterwives
    Hometown: New York, NY
    Genre: Pop/Rock
    Recent Release: Our Own House
    Song To Check Out: “Not Your Way”

    Where to catch Misterwives: 3.18 – Bud Light Music Showcase @ Bud Light Factory


    Night Argent
    Hometown: Pasco, WA
    Genre: Pop/Alternative
    Recent Release: “Kamikaze”
    Song To Check Out: “Nothing More Beautiful”

    Where to catch Night Argent: 3.16 – 2:50pm - The Best Lil Big Fest @ The Tiniest Bar in Texas; 3.16 – 6:50pm – Catalyst Publicity Group and Third String Productions Showcase @ The Aquarium


    Odd Folks
    Hometown: College Station, TX
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Monica
    Song To Check Out: “Enemy”

    Where to catch Odd Folks: 3.14 – Three Links; 3.15 – Modern Noise Showcase @ Badlands; 3.16 – Catalyst Publicity Group and Third String Productions Showcase @ The Aquarium; 3.17 – 3pm - Party on the Patio Showcase @ Cheers Rooftop Patio Bar


    OHLAYINDIGO
    Hometown: San Francisco, CA
    Genre: Electronic Pop
    Recent Release: “Golden Chains”
    Song To Check Out:   “Love You To The Moon”

    Where to catch OHLAYINDIGO: 3.15 – 4pm – RedGorilla Music Festival @ The Roof Top on 6th; 3.17 – 12:40pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Handlebar (Rooftop)


    Owel
    Hometown: NJ
    Genre: Alternative Rock
    Recent Release: Every Good Boy
    Song To Check Out:  “Flying Man”

    Where to catch Owel: 3.17 – 7pm - Party On The Patio @ Cheers; 3.18 – 6pm - 3rd Annual Hand Drawn Records Showcase @ Brass House Austin


    PINS
    Hometown: Manchester, UK
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Wild Nights
    Song To Check Out: “Dazed by You”

    Where to catch PINS: 3.15 – 5:30pm – Babe Fest/Tom Tom Magazine @ Salvage Vanguard; 3.16 – 4pm – She Shreds Showcase @ Hotel Vegas; 3.17 – 3pm – Smear Magazine Party Seneca Falls Co-Op; 3.17 – 8pm – Pias Showcase @ Latitude 30; 3.18 – 2:45pm – Jackalope Party @ Jackalope; 3.19 – 12pm – Music For Listeners Party @ El Sapo; 3.19 – 6:25pm – Street Legal Guitars Party @ Street Legal Guitar Shop; 3.19 – 9pm – Warp Magazine Showcase @ The Blackheart


    Purple
    Hometown: Beaumont, TX
    Genre: Punk/Rock
    Recent Release: “Bliss”
    Song To Check Out: “Wallflower”

    Where to catch Purple: 3.13 – 12:30am @ Hotel Vegas; 3.13 – 5pm – Peachy Party @ Swan Dive; 3.14 – 5:30pm – Strange Brew 5 @ Hotel Vegas; 3.15 – 5:45pm – Casual Strangers Day Party @ Guero’s Taco Bar; 3.17 – 3pm @ Red Bull Sound Select; 3.17 – 5pm @ Doc’s Motorworks; 3.17 – 8pm @ Lucky Lounge; 3.18 – 1pm – Siren Sound Temple Party @ Stay Gold; 3.18 – 6pm – The North Gate Main Event @ Carousel Lounge; 3.19 – 5pm @ The Firehouse Hostel


    Quiet Company
    Hometown: Austin, TX
    Genre: Indie Rock
    Recent Release: Transgressor
    Song To Check Out: “Holland 1945”

    Where to catch Quiet Company: 3.17 – 1am – Official SXSW Showcase @ Palm Door on Sabine; 3.18 - 103.1 iHeart Austin 3rd Birthday Bash @ Maggie Mae’s; 3.19 – 12:45pm - Quantum Collective Southwest Invasion @ Whole Foods; 3.19 – 11pm - Official SXSW Showcase @ Scoot Inn


    Rooney
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Rock/Pop
    Recent Release: “My Heart Beats 4 U”
    Song To Check Out : “My Heart Beats 4 U”

    Where to catch Rooney: 3.17 – 1am – Official SXSW Showcase @ Soho Lounge


    Royal Teeth
    Hometown: New Orleans, LA
    Genre: Indie/Dance/Pop
    Recent Release: Wild
    Song To Check Out : “Wild”

    Where to catch Royal Teeth: 3.18 – 11pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Esther’s Follies


    Strangers You Know
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Indie Folk Pop
    Recent Release: Loosen up the Leash
    Song To Check Out:  “Tell Me I’m Alright”

    Where to catch Strangers You Know: 3.18 – 8pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Tap Room at the Market


    SWIMM
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Rock
    Recent Release: Beverly Hells EP
    Song To Check Out:  “Topanga”

    Where to catch SWIMM: 3.16 – 1pm - The Beehive at SXSW @ Swan Dive; 3.17 – Get Buzzed @ The Brew Exchange; 3.18 – “Homegrown” Grammy Museum @ Tap Room at the Market; 3.19 – Double Dutch @ Sidewinder


    sykes
    Hometown: London, UK
    Genre: Alternative Pop
    Recent Release: “Chances”
    Song To Check Out:  “Chances”

    Where to catch sykes: 3.19 – 8pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ The Townsend


    Teddy Thompson & Kelly Jones
    Hometown: New York, NY
    Genre: Folk Rock
    Recent Release: “Never Knew You Loved Me Too”
    Song To Check Out: “I Thought That We Said Goodbye”

    Where to catch Teddy Thompson & Kelly Jones: 3.17 – 4pm – Rachel Ray Feedback Party; 3.18 – 6:30am – KGSR Live; 3.19 – 12pm – KDRP Live; 3.19 – 8pm @ Central Presbyterian Church


    The Ballroom Thieves
    Hometown: Boston, MA
    Genre: Alternative Rock
    Recent Release: “Bury Me Smiling”
    Song To Check Out: “Bullet”

    Where to catch The Ballroom Thieves: 3.17 – 12am – New Frontier Touring Showcase @ Swan Dive (Inside)


    The Christopher Brothers
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Genre: Alternative / Pop Punk
    Recent Release: Dog Daze
    Song To Check Out:  “The Girl Next Door”

    Where to catch The Christopher Brothers: 3.16 – 5pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ The Handlebar; 3.18 - 4:30pm - Texas Rockfest @ Main Stage; 3.19 – 3pm @ San Jac Saloon


    The Courtesy Tier
    Hometown: New York, NY
    Genre: Rock/Pop
    Recent Release: When You Were Young
    Song To Check Out: “Little Rock”

    Where to catch the Courtesy Tier: 3.14 – 8pm – Priced For Punks Showcase @ Cheer Up Charlies; 3.15 – 10pm – SXSW Showcase Presented by SweetWater Brewing @ Burnside Tavern; 3.17 – 3:15pm – RockerStalker/Bitchswitch Records/Behind The Curtains Media @ Hole In The Wall; 3.18 – 12pm – RockerStalker Presents SXSW Brooklyn BBQ @ Hotel Vegas Annex; 3.18 – 3pm - RockerStalker/Bitchswitch Records/Behind The Curtains Media @ Big Bang Bar


    The Gills
    Hometown: Nashville, TN
    Genre: Alternative Rock
    Recent Release: “Gimme Gimme”
    Song To Check Out: “Rubberband”

    Where to catch The Gills: 3.19 – 11pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Trinity Hall at Old School


    The Grahams
    Hometown: New York, NY
    Genre: Americana
    Recent Release: “The Wild One (Big Pink Mix)”
    Song To Check Out: “Glory Bound”

    Where to catch The Grahams: 3.15 – 6pm – Sun Radio Broadcast @ El Mercado; 3.15 11:30pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Saxon Pub; 3.18 – 9m – Official SXSW Showcase @ Hilton Garden Inn (18th Floor); 3.19 – 12:30pm – Jenni Finlay & Conqueroo Present Rebels & Renegades @ Threadgill’s on Riverside; 3.20 – 3pm @ Continental Club


    The Head and the Heart
    Hometown: Seattle, WA
    Genre: Pop
    Recent Release: Spotify Session
    Song To Check Out: “Lost In My Mind”

    Where to catch The Head and the Heart: 3.19 – 12am – Culture Collide & Showtime Present The Showtime Roadies House @ Clive Bar


    The New Regime
    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    Genre: Alternative
    Recent Release: Exhibit B
    Song To Check Out: “We Rise, We Fall”

    Where to catch Reckless Serenade: 3.18 – 1am – “Homegrown” Grammy Museum @ Tap Room; 3.19 – 10pm 0 Trinity Hall at Old School


    The Routine
    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    Genre: Funk, Rock
    Recent Release: Black Tropics
    Song To Check Out:  “Too Rich”

    Where to catch The Routine: 3.16 – 12am – RedGorilla Showcase @ The Blind Pig Pub; 3.17 – 2:10pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Handlebar (Rooftop); 3.18 – 1:40pm – Texas Rock Fest; 3.19 – 7pm – RedGorilla Showcase @ The Handlebar (Rooftop)


    Weatherbox
    Hometown: San Diego, CA
    Genre: Alternative Indie Rock
    Recent Release: The Cosmic Drama
    Song To Check Out: “I’m Ready For You To Come Back”

    Where to catch Weatherbox: 3.15 - Funeral Sounds & Broken World Media Showcase @ Eden House Co-Op


    Check out our SXSW Spotify playlist below!