Ben Howard

The 3:30 slot on Friday resembles my 2008 analysis of ACL's strategy of booking bands for 4 groups: old "South Austinites", frat-boys, indie hipsters, and NPR listening World Cafe types.  Little has changed in the last 4 years other than the addition of more electronic and hip-hop bands to appeal to the younger demographic of the millennials.  So now ACL books for 5 groups.

First is jazz Grammy-winner Esperanza Spalding for the World Cafe crowd, gospel-funk The Relatives for the South Austinites, rapping/dancing Jovanotti from Italy for the millenials, and singer-songwriter Ben Howard for the frat-boys.  No indie choice for this hipster-kitty.

In the same vein of Brett Dennon and Jason Mraz, British acoustic folk singer Ben Howard has released one album that has already gone Gold in England.  He's hitting all the big festivals and getting lots of publicity.  Signed to Island Records, which includes alumni like Nick Drake, he is riding a wave.

If you want nice mellow music on a Friday afternoon and you don't want to see Esperanza Spalding check him out.

Old Pine

The War on Drugs

The 2:30 timeslot gives us country-rockers Delta Spirit, music industry hyped LP, and The War on Drugs.  I always thought of them as Kurt Vile's former band so I never gave them much attention.  Leana insisted we stay late at Mohawk during SXSW to see them so I reluctantly agreed.  One of the best shows of SXSW.  What a revelation.  Can't wait to see them again.

Comin Through

River City Extension

Playing opposite First Aid Kid on Friday at 1:20 is this band from New Jersey.  They were here for SXSW and I previewed them then but didn't end up catching their show.  If First Aid Kit is too mellow these guys are a dancing alternative.

Also playing at this same time is Patrick Watson, from Quebec.  He won the Polaris Prize in Canada so he's one to watch.  He reminds me of Andrew Bird.  If you want indie pop head over to check him out.

Our New Intelligence 

First Aid Kit

The ACL schedule has come out so it's time to get busy.  I'll post bands based on their times, starting from Friday afternoon all the way through to Sunday night.  Right off the bat we have a conflict with two bands I want to see playing at the same time.  First up is on Friday at 1:15.  First Aid Kit, two women from Sweden, I think they're sisters.  Good folky pop.  I like this song.

Emmylou