Saying there’s a lot of live music that takes place at SXSW is a definite understatement. There are more options than a Las Vegas buffet and it’s improbable to see it all. But who should you be on the lookout for if they roll into your town? Check out our ten best performers of SXSW… that we saw.
Run the Jewels at Stubbs for Spin Show
Run the Jewels are not only one of the most important hip hop bands on the scene right now, but they’re probably one of the best you can see live. Killer Mike and El-P are clearly having fun when they perform and you can even tell they appreciate their newfound stardom based on how much they smile along with the audience. The entire show is a fun get-down-dance-party with hands thrown up in a fist and a good time.
Cloud Nothings at Swan Dive for Carpark Anniversary Show
Cloud Nothings first of two shows at SXSW showcased just how tight and confident the power trio has become. They blaze through songs off their last two albums with the swagger of a much older band. But these kids from Cleveland have a ton of experience and are fully coming into their own. Live, they rock loud and had crazy mosh pits going at both this show and the one the next night at Bar 96. I recommend you at least see them once while they’re at the top of their game.
The Lemons at Beerland for Gnar Show
This was a fun show. I mean just pure, simple fun. The Lemons are five members strong and perform in a straight line across the stage. What could be a mish-mash of too many people singing turns into something beautiful. Their songs are short and sweet – nodding to beach pop songs of the late ‘50s and ‘60s – with a heavy garage rock influence. It all works and the energy with which they perform gets the crowd interested and dancing. A really fun show from a talented pop band. You won’t go wrong if you catch The Lemons live in your town.
Courtney Barnett at Stubbs for NPR Show
Courtney Barnett lived up to all her hype and more at the NPR Showcase at Stubbs where she performed her new album nearly in its entirety. I was already a fan of her two EPs, but had to see her live. To say she blew me away would be an understatement. From the loud, ’90s grunge influenced guitars to her smart and interesting lyrics; Barnett had me hooked into her live performance from song one. She’s a clear talent and completely deserving of the buzz surrounding her.
TV on the Radio at Stubbs for NPR Show
I’ve seen TV on the Radio many times and decided to check them out again to see them perform their new album “Seeds.” They started off the show with a slow burn into “Young Liars” that was intense and captivated the crowd. From there, the band just tore through their catalogue, new and old, to the delight of the audience. Live, TV on the Radio is a strong band that creates a wall of sound that fills your ears and rattles your insides. The new songs hold up just as good as the old stuff despite the fact the latest album was largely underrated and dismissed. It’s definitely worth a listen if you haven’t check it out yet. And despite the fact this upcoming tour is a little more expensive than past tours, it’s worth every penny.
Hey Rocco at Valhalla for Old Flame Records Show
Hey Rocco are three kids from South Carolina that play the kind of power pop indie rock that is destined for radio. Just a few years removed from high school, their lyrics and sound perfectly encapsulate that time of your life. And they do it with great hooks, melodies and big choruses that you want to sing along to. Their live performance is energetic and loud and they seemed to make a lot of new fans at this performance.
Rozwell Kid at Swan Dive for Infinity Cat Showcase
Speaking of that ’90s sound, Rozwell Kid is another band that are brining it back, but with a heavy dose of snark. The quick quips by lead singer Jordan Hudkins brought a smile to my face and gave my neck a break from nodding at their super catchy songs. You can’t go wrong with smiles and rock and roll, and you’ll get a lot of both at a Rozwell Kid show.
Ed Shrader’s Music Beat at Swan Dive for Infinity Cat Showcase
I wasn’t really aware of Ed Shrader until my buddy insisted we catch this show. I’m glad we did. A mix of oddness, dark humor, and loud brash songs made Ed Sharder the most interesting show I saw at SXSW. Performing topless and lit from a light below, Ed looked almost scary with a sometimes creepy-sweet smile as he banged on the drums. Joined only by a bassist, Ed Shrader, they made good, interesting indie punk music that I can’t wait to digest more of.
Migos at Mohawk for Pitchfork Showcase
Migos are three buzzed about rappers from Georgia who have been blowing up through mixtapes and are just now setting out on a huge tour. Hip hop can be kind of a boom or bust live and Migos were definitely a boom. Before they even graced the stage, their huge crew and entourage took over, getting the crowd excited for Migos’ entrance. When Migos finally came out and started rapping, the already raucous crowd lost it and people were literally climbing the walls for better views. It was crazy-fun and Migos kept their flow during the entire set. The beats and their vocals were on point and you can see why these young kids are so hyped. They’re clearly talented beyond their years and I’m sure they’re a group you’ll be hearing a lot more from.
Public Access TV at Side Bar for Wild Honey Pie Showcase
Public Access TV were a highlight of my first day of SXSW and I’m not talking about an Austin Cable Channel. Public Access TV are a super energetic band from Brooklyn that make pure indie pop rock. They really had the packed crowd at Side Bar moving and grooving during their entire set. While I wasn’t really familiar with the band prior to SXSW, other than reading their name in a headline or two on blogs, I wouldn’t be surprised if their mainstream pop rock sound landed Public Access TV on corporate radio.