As we gear up for the marathon that is SXSW, we admit that we’re a little intimidated now that the 7 days stretch will have everything from Film to Music all crammed in together. But, we’re up for the challenge! And while it’s no secret that the music festival has taken some hits in recent years, there’s still a plethora of exciting regional and international artists to explore. What’s always made this festival special is the sheer breadth of its artistic landscape and this year is no different – here are a few bands we’re excited to see:
Karma Sheen
Look, if you’re going to infuse Sufi poetry into any form of music, I’m there. But put it in 60’s inspired psychedelic rock that gets co-signed by none other than Jimmy Page himself? You better believe I’m ready to noodle my way onto another astral plain. This London based band will be at the South Asian Showcase at Flamingo Cantina on March 13th
Les Itinérantes
An a cappella trio from France who seemingly seek to draw from the entire world’s musical repertoire. Utilizing over 50 languages and covering 9 centuries of music, their goal is to “explore singing as a living medium: a space for memory, transmission, and connection.” I imagine their performance will be deeply meditative when I catch them at the Classical Unlocked Showcase on March 17th at Flamingo Cantina.
Saint Agnes
Now, for something completely different – the alternative rock outfit from London whose helping put the new back in nu-metal. Somewhere between NIN and Poppy, this band channels grief and alienation into an exhilarating package for anybody feeling nostalgic for early 00’s aggro-rock. They’ll be playing the British Embassy showcase at the Palm Door on March 12th.
Glassio
Speaking of nostalgia, with bands like Passion Pit and Gogol Bordello playing the festival, I’m ready for some wistful Bush-Obama era vibes to help me forget for a bit the current mess we find ourselves in – and who could be more appropriate than a self described purveyor of “dance-floor melancholia”? The work of Irish-Iranian songwriter and producer Sam R is exactly the vibe I’m hoping to zone out to come March 12 at the Grover Obsessions Showcase at Las Parlas.
There are plenty more acts that have us excited and we’ll undoubtedly stumble upon some new favorites along the way. Stay tuned for our coverage in the following weeks!