Marcus Foster

File this under "not so sure".  London-born Marcus Foster has all the connections: friends with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, protege of Mumford and Sons.  He's even had a song on the "Twilight" soundtrack.  The music is called a cross between Tom Waits and Neil Young.  I'm not so sure.  This song is okay but it tries too hard.  Y'all may love it.

His main showcase is Wednesday at Maggie Mae's, right before the Apache Relay.  He also has a day show Thursday at the Music For Listeners party, playing before...wait for it...the Apache Relay!

Shadows of the City

Ed Sheeran

The next pop wonder from the U.K. is Ed Sheeran.  This song blew up the charts and the 21 year-old became a teen heartthrob.  I don't know if he's Britain's answer to Justin Bieber or not but this song has a little more depth to it.  He's signed with Atlantic Records and managed by Elton John.  Not too shabby.  Here's a Telegraph article on him.

Right now he's playing the Wednesday Warner Bros. showcase at La Zona Rosa along with future star Gary Clark, Jr.  He's also playing the Filter party Friday right after future stars Of Monsters and Men.  Oh, and he's opening for Snow Patrol on their tour and will be back at Stubb's on May 17th.

The A Team

Michael Kiwanuka

Today will be British hitmakers coming across the pond to entertain us at SXSW.  First up is the winner of the BBCs Sound of 2012.  He's being compared to Bill Withers and Otis Redding according to this BBC article.  His first album, produced by Dan Auerbach at Ray Davies' studios in London, comes out in the U.K. March 12th and later in the U.S.

He has a showcase at 12:30am at St. David's on Friday and a day show at the Convention Center (badges only).  I'm sure he'll be on a bill with Springsteen or some other huge act as well.  He's destined for stardom.

Home Again

Widowspeak

Here's a trio from Brooklyn.  I think the term is shoegaze.  They're compared to Mazzy Star, which fits.  Right now they only have a showcase on Saturday at 11pm at the Parish and a day show Wednesday at Red 7.  I like this song.

Harsh Realm

Whispertown

Whispertown is the moniker of Morgan Nagler, who also plays in the band Whispertown 2000.  I guess she drops the 2000 when she's solo.  She's from L.A. and hangs with the cool kids. Friends Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley convinced her to become a musician.  Based on this song it was a good decision.  Her voice reminds me of Jessica Lea Mayfield if she decided to go pop.  She's signed to Gillian Welch and her partner David Rawlings' label.  He produced the latest album, too.  Good credentials.

The showcase is at 11pm on Saturday at St. David's as part of the Hotel Cafe's songwriter showcase.  No day parties scheduled.  WTH?

Open the Other Eye

Imaginary Cities

Yesterday was all male singers so today will be all female.  First up is a duo from Winnipeg.  I'm sure they're being played on the Verge.  Their latest album was nominated for the Polaris Prize.  So far they only have one show scheduled at midnight Thursday at Maggie Mae's.  No day shows.  I hope that changes.

Hummingbird

Electric Guest

Here's a band that will have buzz all around them.  This is an L.A. duo with a new album coming out soon.  Produced by Danger Mouse.  Yes, that Danger Mouse.  This song is already getting airplay on KCRW.  Here's a good interview with them.

They play a day show Thursday at Lustre Pearl and their showcase is Friday at the Stage on 6th.  Both will be packed.

This Head I Hold

The Barr Brothers

Here's another band I'd like to check out.  The Barr Brothers are Brad and Andrew Barr, from jam band The Slip.  I'm sure y'all know them.  They played ACL way back in 2004.  Anyway, their new band is very mellow Americana.

So far these guys have a showcase on Thursday at St. David's and one Friday at the Deseo Central Lounge as part of a songwriter's showcase where they only play 30 minutes.  No day shows listed yet.

Beggar in the Morning

Horse Feathers

I'm calling an audible on my posting plan for the week.  I was going to post some Plan B and C showcase choices this week and day parties next week.  I've decided to post some bands/songs I've come across during my research that I really like but can't fit into the schedule yet.  Either they're on a showcase I doubt we'll see or they're not playing many day parties yet.  If you come across a day party with them on it we need to find it.

First up is Horse Feathers.  This is an Americana/folk band out of Portland that has built a loyal following over the last couple years.  Their music is mellow but really nice.  Their showcase is Friday night at Central Presbyterian Church and they have one day party scheduled for Saturday at the ND.

Fit Against the Country

Fallulah

Friday is usuallly upbeat music post day so here you go.  Fallulah is the moniker of Maria Apetri of Copenhagen, Denmark (yea!).  Very dance-able, this song reminds me a little of Oh Land, a little of Lykke Li.  Those Nordic countries.

Anyway, Fallulah's showcase is Saturday night at Frank.  I'm going to research some of the other bands to see if it's worth checking out.  We should look for a day party at least.

Out of It

Cary Brothers

Like Meiko, Cary Brothers (his name.  No brother involved) has had success getting his songs placed in movies and TV shows, including "Garden State" and, more importantly, "Cougar Town" (!).  He's a regular  player at The Hotel Cafe.  This is a remix by Tiësto of his song "Ride" by that was a hit back in 2008.

Ride

I think that's all I'll post from the Saturday showcase.  I may post something random that I want to see at a day party today, but maybe not.

Meiko

Here's another performer at the Bethel Hall showcase on Saturday.  Meiko has had great success getting her songs on TV shows, particularly girly shows like Grey's Anatomy,  One Tree Hill, etc.  She's been through Austin before, including at SXSW.  Nice pop sound.  By the way, both showcases at St. David's are curated/hosted by The Hotel Cafe, an L.A. bar that features singer-songwriters.  Meiko was a bartender there before making it big.  KCRW "discovered" her.

Under My Bed

Milow

Saturday evening showcase, what's that?  We haven't made a Saturday showcase in awhile.  I doubt we'll make one this year, either.  First, it's St. Patrick's Day.  Second, most of the bands are exhausted and either don't play on Saturday or are too worn out to put on a good show.  Looking over the showcases most are hip-hop, singer-songwriter, or foreign bands.  Oh, and the John McCauley side-project du jour.  The man is indefatigable.  Last year it was Deer-vana at Lustre Pearl, this year the band is Diamond Rugs at Lustre Pearl.

If we decide to go out I'd say we'll want to relax and see a singer-songwriter show.  I narrowed down the choices to St. David's Bethel Hall, its Historic Sanctuary, and the Tap Room.  The first 2 will probably have a $25 cover.  The Tap Room is all local Austin acts we've seen.  I guess I'll choose Bethel Hall for now.  I already posted one of the acts at Bethel Hall, Madi Diaz.

Milow is the moniker for Belgian singer-songwriter Jonathan Vandenbroeck.  He is most famous for covering the very sexual 50 Cent song "Ayo Technology".  More specifically, his video for the song made him famous, racking up over 50M hits on youtube.


Ayo Technology

Ola Podrida

The final preview for Friday's Lambert's showcase is Ola Podrida, the moniker of formerly Brooklyn-based, now Austin-based Dave Wingo.    His main vocation is composing scores for movies but he dabbles in Americana/folk on the side.  The sound is compared to Band of Horses.  His voice reminds me of Bob Mould.  The third album is supposed to come out around June.  This is a cool song.

Roomful of Sparrows

Mynabirds

Next up on Friday is Mynabirds, the moniker (there's that word again) of Laura Burhenn.  Also out of Omaha.  Also on Saddle Creek.  I'm noticing a trend here.  She is said to be for fans of Feist and Cat Power.  This song is nice and poppy.

Numbers Don't Lie

 

Icky Blossoms

This is the first band on the Lambert's bill for Friday.  It's an offshoot of Tilly and the Wall out of Omaha, also on Saddle Creek Records.  Here's an interview.  There's really only one song out there so who knows what their other songs will sound like.  It's very hush-hush.  Based on the revolving membership it sounds like they're trying to create an Omaha version of Broken Social Scene.  This song reminds me of "She's a Jar" by Wilco.  It's a little long but not too bad.

Perfect Vision

Big Harp

We are now at Friday for evening showcases.  I really don't have a Plan A that is a slam dunk, for multiple reasons.  First, we're usually beat by Friday evening and I don't want to deal with a crazy line/crowd.  Second, other people typically want to join us by Friday so we have to find a place that everyone can get into for not too much money.  Third, SXSW is at the peak of crowds so a lot of showcases are badges only.  The bars on 6th St. and Red River are almost impossible to get into with cash.

My vote is to find a showcase off the 6th craziness with a nice bar, bands that play good casual music, and nothing too late.  My choices were narrowed down to Frank (Merge showcase), Lamberts, Buffalo Billiards, and Tap Room.  To see all my schedule options, click here.

If this was another night I'd go with the Frank showcase.  But, M.Ward is the first act so the crowd will be at its peak trying to get in when we're trying to pay cash.  I've seen the lines at Frank before and they're ridiculous.  Plus, the other bands on the bill don't blow me away.  Finally, Frank doesn't seem like a good place to see live music to me.  Bad acoustics, bad sightlines, small bar.  I just think it will be crazy.

I'll cover some of the other showcases next week but my choice for now is Lambert's.  All the bands are pretty mellow, Lambert's has nice acoustics and a nice bar, and I don't think the crowd will be unbearable.  Plus, it's easy to get home from there (if they've finally opened the Shoal Creek trail).

The first act I'll post is Big Harp.  This is a husband-wife duo.  Husband from a small town in Nebraska, wife from L.A.  They're on Saddle Creek Records, home of Rilo Kiley, so that's a good sign.  Here's an interview with them.  I bet they will be great.

Everybody Pays

Taken by Trees

This is the final band I'll preview from the Thursday Mohawk showcase.  Taken by Trees is the moniker of Victoria Bergsman, Swedish singer formerly with the Swedish indie-pop band Concretes.  More recently, she sang the female vocals on the Peter, Bjorn and John song "Young Folks".  (She did not reprise the role on "Pumped up Kicks" though.)

A very nice voice.  This song is called "Anna" but it almost sounds like she's saying "Leana".

Anna

Nite Jewel

I think the word of this SXSW is "moniker".  Nobody goes by their own name, they all take a moniker.  Nite Jewel is the moniker of Ramona Gonzalez, a singer/songwriter out of L.A.  She plays dance-pop with an R&B tilt.  Her 2nd album is coming out in March.  This is the title song.


One Second of Love

Supreme Dicks

Supreme Dicks started in Amherst, MA in the 80s, played through the 90s, then quit.  Jagjaguwar released a retrospective on them in the Fall and now the band is playing a reunion show at SXSW.  I can't do their story justice but read the comment on this blog for their history.  They had quite a cult following.  Interesting comment from the blog:  "Among those who have played as honorary Supreme Dicks: Courtney Love, Neutral Milk Hotel, Beck, Cat Power, J Mascis and Lou Barlow, Jens Jurgensen of Boss Hog..."


This song doesn't sound like something that would come from a band called Supreme Dicks.  It reminds me of Modern Lovers, also originally from Amherst.  I think their music is all over the map, though, based on what I've read.  We'll see.


Jack-O-Lantern

Exitmusic

Thursday once again has lots of choices among showcases so I won't be upset if we can't make my Plan A.  But this is quite a showcase*.  Start with the Mohawk and its 2 stages so there's always music playing.  Then add their new, much larger balcony which should be complete.  Mix in esteemed labels Secretly Canadian(Yeasayer), Jagjaguwar(Bon Iver), and Dead Oceans(Destroyer), and you can't go wrong.  Not enough?  How about throwing in these bands already discussed at the Fan Club:

Bear In Heaven-future Mrs. Smith's favorite
Sharon Van Etton
The War on Drugs
Gardens & Villa- my predicted breakout band

Still not enough?  I'll post songs from some of the other bands today to convince you.  First up is Exitmusic, a duo out of L.A.  The singer just so happens to be Aleksa Palladino aka Jimmy's wife, Angela Darmody (no spoilers for those who haven't seen "Boardwalk Empire").  Haunting music.  They'll be playing inside.

The Sea

*I'm assuming we can get in if we're early but who knows.  The Pitchfork showcase Thursday w/Fiona Apple is badges only.  Nothing has been announced for Stubb's or ACL yet.

Apparat

The final "band" on the Wednesday KCRW bill is Apparat, which is the moniker of Berlin-based Sascha Ring.  Originally a techno/house music musician, he's now doing ambient/dubstep chill music.  The song on KCRW's website, Ash/Black Veil, sounds a lot like Radiohead.  Go listen.  In the meantime, this song is really good.

Black Water

Kimbra

She'll be a household name in the U.S. once this song reaches #1.  Of course, she's already known worldwide thanks to the 75M views of that video on Youtube.  But that was someone else's song.  She also has her own music.  The buzz will be high and everyone will want to check her out.  I'm not such a big fan of what I've heard so far, though.  It's soul/pop a la the Supremes or Amy Winehouse but more on the sugary side of pop.  Maybe there's more to it.  This song is more mellow.

Good Intent

Oberhofer

Oberhofer is Brad Oferhofer, who is maybe 21 years old.  There's not much on him out there but it appears he's originally from Tacoma and is now at NYU.  Suffice it to say, he has gotten big fast.  He's slated to play the Filter party, Waterloo Records, and this plum spot on the KCRW showcase.  He must be doing something right.

He released an EP that supposedly was more experimental (I haven't listened) but his latest songs are more pop-oriented.  The song on KCRW's website reminds me of Westerberg.  I liked this song so I'll share it with you.

Gotta Go

Ki:Theory

Next on the Wednesday showcase is the moniker of Joel Burleson, who lives in Richmond, Virginia.  Taking advantage of the seismic shift in the music industry, he makes his money off licensing and gives away all his music for free on his website.  His music has been used in commercials, video games, and television shows.  He makes original music but also remixes and DJs.

By the way, KCRW has their own preview of their showcase on their website, along with songs from each artist.  I'm trying to post alternative songs from theirs so you can sample something different.  Here's one from Ki:Theory.

Holiday Heart

Blood Orange

Wednesday at SXSW really picks up steam.  There are at least four showcases I would be happy to attend.  However, my Wednesday Plan A is the usual: the KCRW showcase.  This is always a great showcase given that the coolest station on Earth curates it.  They've finally found the perfect venue for them, too.  Haven (formerly Phoenix, formerly Alamo Drafthouse) has great acoustics, a great stage, and the crowd noise is minimal.  The only downside is the $6 12 ounce beers.  You can't have everything.

I'll be posting songs from each of the scheduled bands throughout the day.  I've already posted Band of Skulls.

First up is Blood Orange.  This is the latest moniker of Houston-born, Essex-raised Dev Hynes.  I can't do justice to his background so go read the link.  Suffice it to say he's similar to Danger Mouse: prolific, talented, in demand.  Oh, and very good.  This song reminds me of Lindsay Buckingham and/or later Rilo Kiley.  Very cool.  What else would you expect from KCRW?

Sutphin Boulevard

Caveman

Continuing the Tuesday showcase preview, here's a new song from Caveman.

Old Friend

The Apache Relay

Since the showcase schedules just came out this week I'm going to pick my Plan A choices for each night.  Next week I'll hit the Plan B and C and start looking at the day parties.  The following week will be last-minute finds and/or summaries.  Only three weeks away!

Tuesday night (March 13th) is Night 1 of SXSW.  Typically we hang low and maybe go see a local show or something but this year there is a really good showcase I'd like to check out.  It's at the Bat Bar which is on 6th somewhere.  I hope it's big.  The show includes:

Polica- Already talked about them.
Caveman- also talked about them but never got to see them.
Yellow Ostrich-they were at ACL and I previewed them.
Ume-local Austin rock band that I've still never seen.  Need to change that.

That brings us to the 5th act on the bill:  the Apache Relay.  This is a band out of Nashville that plays Americana/Rock in the vein of Blitzen Trapper, Dr. Dog, and Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen.  I like this song so that gives us 5 buzz bands on one bill.  Hopefully since it's Tuesday it won't be packed.  This would be a great showcase to see.

American Nomad

Gotye

We'll close out the week with another hit.  It has already taken Europe by storm and I think it's #1 in England right now.  KGSR is playing it regularly and I'm sure it will hit #1 here eventually.  Gotye is a Belgian/Australian musician and he pulls in Kimbra, a New Zealand singer, for female vocals on this song.

Putting aside a critic's impartiality for a moment I must say:  I LOVE THIS FUCKING SONG.  It deserves to be #1.  I love the music, the lyrics, the interplay between male/famale vocals.  It gets better with repeat listens.  There are tons of remixes out there and I'm not even sure which is the original.  I liked this version.

Somebody I Used to Know

Edit: I think this is the original version

Edit2:  75 Million Views!  I'm so out of touch.



Edit3: That video is really good.  It visualizes the relationship described in the lyrics perfectly.

fun.

Today is big hit day.  First up is already on the charts and will only get bigger.  This song came out in September and has already been featured in an episode of "Glee" and a Superbowl commercial.  The female voice is none other than Janelle Monáe.  I don't know much else about this band, though.  They're a trio from New York that plays indie pop.

We Are Young

River City Extension

Here is a band from New Jersey with an eclectic/folk(?)  sound.  This song mixes in all kinds of stuff in a fun way.  They've already played Bonnaroo and the Newport Folk Festival.  Here's that show from NPR.  They just announced a new album coming out in June.  All accounts say they put on a hell of a show.  May be a great day party.

Our New Intelligence

The Wilderness of Manitoba

What do you get when you add a female voice to Fleet Foxes?  Here you go.  These guys are from Canada, not Seattle.  Ontario though, not Manitoba.

Orono Park

The Parson Red Heads

This may be more 70s than 60s.  This is a band from L.A./Portland.  They're touring w/Blitzen Trapper which is appropriate.  They've been through Austin a few times recently.  We need to get out more.

Burning up the Sky

Quilt

We're stepping back into the 60s for today's tunes.  First up is a band from Boston.  They're signed to Mexican Summer (Real Estate, Kurt Vile, No Joy, Washed Out) so they got that going for them.  Turn on, tune in, drop out...

Penobska Oakwalk

Band of Skulls

Since West Ham is playing Southampton right now I guess I'll post this song from Southampton's own Band of Skulls.  A traditional power-trio, they also have a soft side.  This song goes with today's and this week's theme.  The album was released today.  I heard this song on KCRW last week and tried to find it to share but couldn't find it until just now.  Fortuitous timing.

Lay My Head Down

P.S. Come on you Irons!

Elizabeth and the Catapult

Here's the anti-Valentine's Day song for those so inclined.  This band is from Brooklyn and plays a mix of styles.  Here's a live show from NPR.  I don't think they have a new album to promote but this song is catchy.

Go Away My Lover

Madi Diaz

This as close as I can get to a song that fits with Valentine's Day.  Madi Diaz is out of Nashville and collaborates with Kyle Ryan on songwriting and touring.  They've been to SXSW before but just released a new album.  KCRW is a fan.  Maybe she'll play their showcase.  This is a nice pop song.  She sounds a little like Kathleen Edwards on this one.

Gimme A Kiss

Of Monsters and Men

Congratulations to the female reader who correctly predicted this week's theme of male-female duo singing groups.  You win a free annual subscription to the Overender's Fan Club for your efforts.

If you like SXSW because you get to see a band before they strike it big then this is the band for you.  Soon they will be headlining ACL so catch them in a bar before it's too late.  They've been signed to Universal Music so they've got the big guns promoting them.  They are compared to a mix of Arcade Fire, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, and Mumford and Sons.  I can hear a little of each in their music.  I bet their music is going to be electric live.  People will be bouncing off the walls.

I'm posting 2 songs.  The first, "Little Talks", is already in rotation on KGSR.  It has the same call-and-response style used in "Home".  It's good but I can see myself getting tired of it when it's played non-stop around the pool this summer by my niece.  The second song is more of an Arcade Fire style.  Perfect for audience participation.

Little Talks

from finner

P.S.  Forgot to mention that they're from Iceland, home of Sigur Ros and the Sugarcubes.

Chappo

Here's my final post for Male Singer Week(TM).  This is a duo from Brooklyn that has already been anointed hip by the cult leadership so it's our job to swoon.  Kidding, it's a good song.  I don't know much else about them other than this.

Come Home

We've had Female Singer Week, then Male Singer Week.  What could be next?

Craft Spells (part 2)

After I posted that last song I listened to a couple more songs from Craft Spells.  This one was worth posting as you can really hear the Ian Curtis sound on it.  I like it.  "After the Moment" was catchy but not something that would make me search the band out to see.  This song may sway me to check the guy out.

The Fog-Rose-High

Craft Spells

Here's a dance-pop tune for a Friday.  You'll be bobbing your head and tapping your feet to this.  This is a guy from Stockton, CA.  Pitchfork compared his voice to Ian Curtis.  I think this song is what he would sound like had he stuck around to play with later New Order.

After the Moment

Fort Lean

I stumbled upon this band from Brooklyn while perusing the music blogs looking for other SXSW bands.  I like this song.  Has an Alberta Cross feel to it.  They haven't put an album out yet, just an EP.  However,  they played CMJ and got a write-up in the New York Times so I guess a full album should be expected someday.

Sunsick

The Lumineers

Here's a band from Denver poised to become the next Avett Brothers, if NPR's World Cafe is right.  We'd be hearing their songs on KGSR if it hadn't gone to shit and started playing Maroon 5, RHCP, and that ripoff band I refuse to name. (/rant).

Anyway, their debut album comes out in March so SXSW is sort of their coming-out party.  From the sound of this catchy tune, they won't be unknown for long.

Ho Hey

little hurricane

I posted stuff on these guys when they played ACL.  They were relative unknowns then but their star is rising.  They are re-releasing their bluesy-rock album "Heartbreaker" on May 1st, probably with a big PR push and radio airplay.  They've got the sound (and the looks) to make it big.

Haunted Heart

Pickwick

With the success of Fitz and the Tantrums and the hype over Alabama Shakes, could the next new sound out of Seattle be neo-soul?  Pickwick is willing to give it a try.  Previously an Americana-folk group, they've changed their sound to soul.  This is a good song so maybe they're on to something.

Hacienda Motel

P.S. Neither of the bands I mentioned are out of Seattle.  Fitz is from L.A. and Alabama Shakes are from...Alabama.

Music for kids

This is funny.

Buxton

Might as well get the folk trend out of the way.  This is a band out of Houston that has been signed to New West Records.  Their new album just came out.  I'm sure they'll be featured at the New West party.  This is a nice catchy tune.

Boy of Nine

Hey Marseilles

We're five weeks from the beginning of SXSW so my postings are going to increase as more bands cross my radar.  This is another Seattle band following in the folk footsteps of other Seattle bands.  First it was grunge, then folk.  What's next for the Seattle sound? I'll speculate tomorrow.

Elegy

Father John Misty

This has been posted on all the other music blogs so probably not new to you but here you go anyway.  Those wondering what J Tillman would do after Fleet Foxes didn't have to wait long.  This is his new moniker.  I guess he didn't like just being J Tillman.  He'll be playing the Aquarium Drunkard day party.

Hollywood Forever Cemetary

Conner Youngblood

Since last week was female singers I'll do male singers this week.  First up is a 21-year old Senior at Yale.  He's from Dallas.  I guess he kills time making music.  This song reminds me of "Odelay" and "Sea Change" era Beck.

A Summer Song

Purity Ring

We saw these guys at FFF fest during the day.  They have a nice sound live.  Hard to believe they only have 3 songs recorded, yet those 3 songs have taken the indie world by storm.  Originally from Edmonton, this duo now lives in Montreal and Halifax.  The buzz will be deafening this SXSW.

Lofticries

Polica

This is my favorite song of the week.  It's from a new band out of Minneapolis.  It includes Ryan Olson who started Gayngs.  Expect big things.

Wandering Star

New Look

Imagine it's summertime. You're relaxing on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel in downtown LA.  You just stepped out of the pool.  The waiter brings you a fresh cocktail.  It's 72 degrees at dusk.  This song is playing in the background.

This duo should be from LA but alas they hail from Hamilton, Canada.  I'm sure this song is enjoyable in winter fishing huts on Lake Ontario, too.

Nap On the Bow