Heading back to SXSW for my second time, I thought I was better prepared for the festival. I was sure I’d see everything I wanted to see and probably more. But after two years, I’ve learned it’s impossible to see everything you want. However, you can adjust your ever-changing schedule to make sure you get to the concerts you need to see. And that’s what I did this year. And now I’m telling you which bands you need to see when their tour comes to your town! Check your local listings!
CLOUD NOTHINGS
During the two live performances I saw, the Cloud Nothings stuck to playing new tracks off their new album Here and Nowhere Else (Carpark/Mom&Pop). The power trio from Cleveland did not disappoint at either performance with their hard, driving rock that left the enthusiastic crowd calling for encores. Led by a screaming, and more confident than ever, Dylan Baldi (on vocals and guitar) and his backing duo of TJ Duke (bass) and Jayson Gerycz (drums), the band is really coming into their own and it’s time to pay attention if you haven’t checked them out yet.
PROTOMARTYR
Another band from the midwest — Detroit to be exact — Protomartyr’s new album is out on Hardly Art records and they’re another band to look out for if you like aggressive punk rock with nice hooks. Lead singer Joe Casey may have lost his mustache, but he didn’t lose any of his “Crazy Uncle/Dad” swagger — all button up shirt tucked in to Dockers with hand in pocket. Snarling the lyrics over a fast and loud guitars with a driving, hard hitting beat, this a great band to see live. They also happen to be playing some dates with the above mentioned Cloud Nothings. Definitely a nice show if it happens to come to stop in your town.
PUSHA T
Yeah, you’ve probably heard of Pusha T. Or at least heard him rap before — on Kanye’s “Runaway” or back when he was in Clipse. I’ve been a fan since the Clipse days and have wanted to see him live for some time. I finally got my chance at this SXSW and he did not disappoint. Rapping some of his biggest hits, the crowd at Mohawk was at capacity and bumping during his entire set. He even gave a shout out to the Odd Future Crew/Tyler the Creator who were in attendance before launching into “Grindin” from the Clipse days. It was a great show and a lof of fun all around. It also reminded me I need to get back out to more hip hop shows.
MEAN CREEK
No matter the venue, these straight up anthem rockers from Boston perform like they’re playing to a packed stadium. The new record is filled with quick pop punk songs that fit in nicely with their older material when performed live. And this is a band you have to see live, whether it’s opening for the likes of the Counting Crows, or headlining a show at your local indie club, Mean Creek are a band not to be missed.
POTTY MOUTH
These young ladies also hail from Boston, but have a little more rough punk in their sound. That being said, they have plenty of poppy hooks that you’ll catch your attention and get your head bobbing. The band is young and still finding their stage presence, but lead singer Abby found more confidence during each SXSW performance I saw and the rest of the band is surprisingly tight for only being around for such a short time. Potty Mouth are fun up and coming band to see live and you should be on the lookout for when their tour makes a stop in your city.
Other Up and Comers Worth mentioning
SW/MM/NG
Indie Dream Pop band from Arkansas with their song “Younger” featured on NPR’s top 100 recommendations for SXSW. On tour now. Big, full, dream-like pop sound live.
BIG UPS
Heavy art-rock from Brooklyn (of course). Loud, interesting, and aggressive, they’re interesting band to see live.
NO
These dudes hail from LA and sound a bit like The National but they have a happier and poppier overall sound. Plus, they managed to put on a fun live show early in the day in the rather sterile Radio Day Stage at the convention center. Expect to hear more about these guys.
DEAD STARS
Super poppy rock with that ‘90’s sound is what Dead Stars are all about. They do it up, they do it out, they do it loud, and they do it well.
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