ACL 2015: Nero

Sunday at 7:30pm.  Last preview of the year.  This is a trio out of London.  EDM.  They're playing opposite Dwight Yoakam and Hozier.  I would be all over this in my youth.

Satisfy

ACL 2015: GRiZ

Sunday at 6:30pm.  This is a DJ/producer out of Michigan.  He's playing in the tent and is opposite Alt-J and Of Monsters and Men so I doubt we'll see him.

Wikipedia says: "He is known for playing the saxophone along with producing funk, electro-soul, and self-described future-funk."  A good description of this song.


Hard Times

ACL 2015: Steelism

Sunday at 5pm.  This may be the dinner-time slot.  It's got The Decemberists and Ben Howard on the big stages and this instrumental band from Nashville on the old BMI stage.  It's a duo of session and touring musicians that started this band on the side.  They've worked with Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes and have recorded at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals.  I wouldn't mind chilling out and watching a little of this.

Marfa Lights

ACL 2015: Strand of Oaks

Sunday at 3:30pm.  This is my first choice.  It's the moniker of Indiana-born and current Philly resident Tim Showalter.  His old stuff was folk/Americana but his last album, "Heal", went a different direction.  It was a critical success. More rocking.  He has opened for the likes of Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Iron and Wine.

This is the show to see.

This song features J Mascis on guitar.

Goshen '97

ACL 2015: Sylvan Esso

Sunday at 3:30.  Here is a duo from North Carolina that was at SXSW in 2014 (previewed here).  Indie pop.  I like their song Coffee so click to hear it.  This song was named as #1 Song of the Year in 2014 by Paste magazine.

Hey Mami

ACL 2015: Lord Huron

Sunday at 2:30.  This is my first choice.  I saved the best for last.  All 5 bands playing at this time are good but this is more in our wheelhouse.  It's the moniker of Ben Schneider who is originally from Michigan but now resides in L.A.  His band now comprises friends from Michigan that moved out to L.A. as well.

We saw these guys at SXSW in 2011 at the East Side Drive-In for the Pitchfork day party.  It was early and there was nobody there but they put on a good show as I recall.  They were just in town playing at Stubb's with Leon Bridges opening.  Now they're back.

Fool for Love

ACL 2015: Spirit Family Reunion

Sunday at 2:30 on the BMI stage.  This is a bluegrass/folk band so of course they're from Brooklyn.  They've been around for a few years but have never played Old Settlers.  They would fit right in there.  They supposedly put on a great live show.  I'm surprised we haven't seen them yet.

I Want to Be Relieved

ACL 2015: Kali Uchis

Sunday at 2:45 in the tent.  This is a Columbian-born, Virginia-raised singer now residing in NYC.  She's got backing from names like Diplo and Rick Rubin so expect big things.

Her style is considered 60s soul/R&B and she has been compared to Amy Winehouse.

I like this song.

Lottery

ACL 2015: Sheppard

Sunday at 2:30pm.  This is the Austin Ventures stage band.  It's a band from Brisbane, Australia composed of three siblings.  They have blown up there and in Europe.  This song made the Top-40 here and they've played Ellen, the Today show, and Fallon.

Pure pop.  The good thing about seeing them is that since the audience will be tween girls we'll be the tallest people there.

Geronimo

ACL 2015: BØRNS

Sunday at 2:30pm.  This is the crazy timeslot.  There are five bands playing.  All are pretty good.  I'll start from the Western-most stage and move East.

This first guy was at SXSW based on the strength of the single "10,000 Emerald Pools" which is still on regular rotation on KUTX.  His first album doesn't come out until October 16th yet he's already played Lollapalooza and has made the late-night talk show rounds.

This is one of the songs on his new album.

The Emotion

ACL 2015: Amason

Sunday at 1:30pm.  This is the 3rd option during this timeslot.  They played SXSW and are now back for ACL.  I like them.  I shared Duvan before so here's another one.

Went to War

ACL 2015: Kaleo

Sunday at 1:30pm.  I figure you'll want to see them as you missed their SXSW show at the San Jose.  This is the song getting the airplay.  As I recall this song is quite different from their other stuff.  Live they play a lot more Led Zeppelin style blues-rock.  He likes to scream like Robert Plant.

All the Pretty Girls

ACL 2015: Daughter

Sunday at 1:30pm.  There are three really good choices at this time so it's going to be a tough decision.  Probably my first choice is this trio out of North London.  We saw them at Mohawk and I loved it.  Just a wonderful sound.  Even the notoriously chatty Mohawk crowd was on their best behavior when they played.

This would be a great early afternoon set but hard-rocking Kaleo is playing next to them on the Austin Ventures stage.  Hopefully their sound won't bleed too much into this show.

Youth

ACL 2015: Mandolin Orange

Sunday at 12:45pm.  Yes, another good choice at 12:45.  This folk/Americana duo has been around for awhile but we've never seen them.  They're quite loved by the NPR listeners and the folk community in general.  This is one of the few old-school ACL bands on the new youth-focused lineup.

Old Ties and Companions

ACL 2015: Lion Babe

Sunday at 12:45.  This is a duo out of NYC that rose to prominence with the first song, "Treat Me Like Fire", a couple years ago.  They then released an EP on Interscope Records with the help of Childish Gambino, who joins in on the second song, "Jump Hi".  Their first album is coming out soon and includes collaborations with Pharrell Williams and Dave Sitek of TVOTR.  That's some serious backing.

Fun fact: the female singer, Jillian Hervey, is the daughter of Vanessa Williams.

Their sound is neo-soul and it reminds me a little of Eryka Badu.

Treat Me Like Fire


Jump Hi

ACL 2015: Jidenna

Sunday at 12:45pm.  Halsey was supposed to play at this time but she has been moved to later at 3:30pm and Jidenna has been moved earlier to this slot.  He's the son of Nigerian immigrants who was raised in Wisconsin, went to high school in Boston and attended college at Stanford.  He is on Janelle Monaé's record label and has collaborated with her since before she broke out.  Now it's his turn... This SPIN article has a good background on him.

Here are two songs:

Yoga

Kendrick Lamar

I was blown away by this the other night and thought it should be shared.  He played ACL in 2013.  We didn't go.

Medley

ACL 2015: Halsey

Sunday at 12:45pm. This is the moniker of Ashley Frangipane. The ACL site says she's 19 but Wikipedia says she's 20.  Kind of old for ACL.  One Wikipedia fact: "She describes herself as "tri-bi": biracial, bisexual, and bipolar."

Alt-pop sound in the vein of Lykke Li or Alanis Morissette.

Hurricane

ACL 2015: The Hunts

Sunday at 12:30pm.  I'm just noticing how many teen bands are playing this year.  I'll have to add them up at some point.  I'm about to post 3 all playing at the same time.  First up is a family of 7 siblings ranging in age from 16 to 24.  Alt-folk.  This song sounds like Mumford and Sons but I heard another that reminded me of Mother Falcon.

Make this Leap

ACL 2015: Beat Connection

Sunday at noon.  Another light easy sound to start the day.  This is disco/pop from a band out of Seattle.  Nothing groundbreaking but probably good hangover recovery music.

So Good

ACL 2015: Marion Hill

Sunday at noon.  This band was here for SXSW and are now back at ACL.  In my preview I compared the sound to Kirsty MaColl but this song is more like Bittersweet.  If we get there early this is a nice way to start the day.

One Time

ACL 2015: BOOTS

Saturday at 7:30.  Playing opposite TV on the Radio so we probably won't see him but his story is interesting.  This is the monikor of Jordan Asher who is originally from Miami but is now in NYC.  He was unknown until Beyoncé heard one of his songs and before you know it he had written and produced most of her blockbuster album "Beyoncé" that famously lost to Beck at the Grammys.  Now he's about to release his own solo album and expectations are high.

This is off an EP he released last year.  A mix of rock/R&B/experimental.  Reminds me of...TV on the Radio.

Mercy

ACL 2015: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Saturday at 5:30.  I skipped ahead too fast.  Here's the 5:30 choice.  KEXP likes them.  They're playing the Austin Ventures stage which is near the food and the beer tent so we can eat, drink, and listen.

I think we were supposed to see these guys at Mohawk but didn't go for some reason.  They were opening for someone we liked or vice versa.  My memory is fading fast.


Can't Keep Checking My Phone

ACL 2015: Alessia Cara

Saturday at 6:30.  I'll skip ahead a couple timeslots as 4:30 is a given with Sturgill Simpson and 5:30 is probably dinner-time since there's not much to see.  This timeslot has José González in the tent so I assume that's a given, too.  Too bad this singer isn't on at 5:30.

Alessia Cara is a 19yo from Ontario.  She's already signed to Def Jam and has played Fallon so she's moving fast.  This song is getting airplay on KUTX.  I like it.  It's got a Portishead riff as the backing track.

Here

ACL 2015: Houndmouth

Saturday at 3:30.  Another conflict: Shakey Graves or Houndmouth.  This is going to be peak crowd so I have a feeling Shakey Graves is going to be packed.  We've seen him a couple times recently so I'd like to check out some of Houndmouth.  I don't think we've seen them since the Heartbreaker Banquet a few years ago.  I really like them.  It's at the Austin Ventures stage.

Here's a refesher.

Houston Train

ACL 2015: Glass Animals

Saturday at 2:30.  We saw these guys at the 2014 KRCW SXSW showcase at Haven.  (My memory is hazy.  What did you think?)  Now they're playing the big headlining stage at ACL.  Not bad.  It's a band out of Oxford, England that released their first album last year.  Nice mellow trippy music.  They're on the label of the producer for Adele, Florence Welch, and Foster the People so they've got some serious backing.  Reminds me of Alt-J mixed with Thievery Corporation.

Gooey

ACL 2015: Sugar & The High Lows

Saturday at 2:30.  This timeslot has 4 good options so we'll have to miss a few.  Obviously my first choice is Gabriel Garzón-Montano and 2nd choice is Father John Misty.  Any other time I'd want to check out this band.  It's two singer-songwriters out of Nashville that have collaborated on this project.  Reminds me of She & Him.

I've Got You Covered

ACL 2015: Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Saturday at 2:45pm.  Are you sitting down? Ok.  Instead of seeing Father John Misty we need to be in the tent watching this guy.  Before you freak out, listen to these songs.  Holy shit they are good.

This is a NY born and raised 25yo son of a French mother and Columbian father.  He played all the instruments on his first EP which was recently released.  Mayer Hawthorne heard it and got his manager to represent him.  Lenny Kravitz heard it and invited him to open for his summer European stadium tour.  Drake heard a song and sampled it for one of his hits.  More about him in this SPIN article.

Reminds me of Bill Withers and Prince.  Just amazing.  Once you fall in love with these two songs check out Pour Maman which starts out like a mellow Bill Withers song and ends like a "Sign of the Times" era Prince song.


Everything is Everything


Keep on Running

ACL 2015: Ryn Weaver

Saturday at 1:30.  This is the teen-pop choice on the Barton Creek side of the festival I doubt I'll visit.  I previewed her for SXSW but we didn't go see her.  Her album was produced by the Passion Pit guy so that's what to expect.  This is a remix as the original song is only a 1:30 minute sample on Soundcloud.  All her songs online are just samples.  That's BS.  Maybe we should just go watch her for a minute and a half and leave.

OctaHate 

ACL 2015: San Fermin

Saturday at 1:30.  This is another option.  We saw them at SXSW in 2014 at the San Jose and they were pretty good.  I previewed them back then.  It's the brainchild of one guy who brought in musicians and singers.  Interesting fact: his first album had Lucius as the female singers.  He has since brought on a new female lead as Lucius is busy on their own.

I'm going to share two songs as one is a male singer and the other female.  I like the male-led song better.  When he sings they remind me of The National.

Jackrabbit



Emily

ACL 2015: Charlotte OC

Saturday at 1:30pm.  There are three decent options at this time but this is my first choice.  Reminds me of Bat for Lashes, Zola Jesus, even Stevie Nicks.  She's from Blackburn in England and is only 22 years-old.  Her new album is supposed to be out sometime soon.


Colour My Heart

ACL 2015: Echosmith

Saturday at 12:45.  This is the high-school youth-pop choice.  It's a group out of Southern California made up of four siblings.  Apparently this song was a big hit.  I like it.

Cool Kids

ACL 2015: Milo Greene

Saturday at 12:45.  This is the more mainstream choice for this timeslot.  We saw them in 2012 during SXSW at the San Jose and I really liked them live.  It's a band out of L.A.  This song sounds a lot like Of Monsters and Men but I seem to recall they play quite a diverse mix of pop styles.

1957

ACL 2015: Adia Victoria

Saturday at 12:45.  My first choice in this timeslot is playing the small BMI stage which has some pretty good choices today.  The blog hype is big for her, with Brooklyn Vegan  and No Country for New Nashville both praising her blues style and NPR calling this one of the best songs of 2014.

I'd say we need to catch some of this set.  She only has a 3-song EP out so I'm not sure what to expect.

Stuck in the South

ACL 2015: Bee Caves

Saturday at 12:30.  ACL has done something new for Saturday this year.  Usually they space out the similar bands across the stages so people end up walking back and forth across Zilker to see shows.  This year they've put most of the pop/hip-hop/electronic bands on the two stages closest to Barton Creek.  As such, there's not a single band I want to see on those two stages all day.  I'll post some for informational purposes but I don't see you liking them, either.

Another change is that I don't see us needing to get to the festival early on Saturday this year.  Riders on the Storm starts at 11:30 but was just saw them at Blues on the Green and can see them around town.  The indie bands at noon are the all-caps FIDLER (skate-punk) and HOLYCHILD (self-labeled brat pop).  Neither are my cup of tea.

The first band of interest is playing at 12:30.  They are an Austin band that we saw at SXSW (the Frontgate day party in the rain).  They're doing a residency at Continental Club on Thursdays this month so we can catch them there, too.  I really like their sound and want to catch them again soon if we don't get to ACL by 12:30.  Reminds me of The Call mixed with Other Lives.

Running Home to You

ACL 2015: George Ezra

Friday at 7pm.  Yes, he's playing against Gary Clark, Jr.  However, a case can be made to check out some of this set.  He's 22 years old and already has a #1 album in England.  He's played Saturday Night Live and even NPR loves him.  He'll most likely be playing Erwin Center next time in Austin so to see him on the Austin Ventures stage would be cool.

Oh, they have Gary Clark Jr playing the Heineken/Retailmenot/HomeAway stage right before Foo Fighters. That's going to be a clusterf***.

Budapest



Listen to the Man

ACL 2015: Rhiannon Giddens

Friday at 6pm.  This is opposite Tame Impala so we'll most likely be there.  However, if we want a mellow, relaxing show we should head over to the tent.  Rhiannon Giddens is better known as part of Carolina Chocolate Drops, who we saw put on a great show at Old Settler's a few years ago.  Her solo stuff is more mellow.  Here's a good overview.  We watched a stream of her show at Bonnaroo and I enjoyed it.

Maybe worth checking out for a bit.  It would be much better to hear at the Good Times Stage at Old Settler's, though.

Shake Sugaree

ACL 2015: Run the Jewels

Friday at 5pm.  The 4pm timeslot has Leon Bridges and Billy Idol.  It also had Songhoy Blues, a band out of Mali, in the tent.  I was going to share one of their songs but this morning they disappeared from the lineup.  I guess they cancelled.  Since we're seeing Leon Bridges at the Parish the week before either we can see him again or go dance to "White Wedding".

5pm may be dinner time.  The choices are frat-pop band Moon Taxi, alt-rock NJ band Brand New, and hip-hop duo Run the Jewels.  I wouldn't mind checking them out if only to hear this song which was played at the end of an episode of "Silicon Valley".  You know you're out-of-touch when Mike Judge is your introduction to hip-hop (see "Office Space").

Blockbuster Night Pt. 1

ACL 2015: Wolf Alice

Friday at 3pm.  This is one of my must-see bands.  They are playing opposite Albert Hammond, Jr. which is tough but I'd rather see Wolf Alice.  They were at SXSW and are getting lots of airplay.  A four-piece out of North London.  I watched their set on KEXP and was impressed.  They're compared to 90s bands like Elastica, Hole, and Veruca Salt.  I hear some of that but it's more mellow.  A mix of the XX in there.  I usually avoid hype bands but sometimes the hype is justified.  This is one of those times.

Moaning Lisa Smile

Storms

ACL 2015: Con Brio

Friday at 2pm.  Yes, another 2pm option.  This could be the best show in this timeslot.  It's a soul group out of San Francisco though the 22 year-old lead singer, Ziek McCarter, is originally from East Texas.  He's compared to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and James Brown.

I'll share a song and a video so you can decide.  We may want to catch some of this.

Give it All


Never Be the Same

ACL 2015: The London Souls

Another Friday 2pm option.  They're playing the small BMI stage.  Despite their name this duo is from NYC.  However, they definitely play British-influenced music.  They are compared to Cream, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles.  They started in 2011 but had to take a couple years off when one of them was almost killed by a hit-and-run driver.  Self-driving cars can't get here fast enough.

This is very Paul McCartney.

When I'm With You

ACL 2015: Royal Blood

Friday 2pm.  This is a duo out of Brighton that formed in 2013.  They've already played Coachella and are now opening for Foo Fighters on their tour.

As a duo the White Stripes comparisons are inevitable.  If we want to wake up and rock this is the show to see.

Figure it Out

ACL 2015: Alina Baraz & Galimatias

Friday 2pm.  This timeslot has some good choices and one POS.  My first-choice is a mellow/KCRW friendly sound.  I love every song I've heard.  Just really good.  It's a collaboration between a 21yo singer from LA via Cleveland and a Danish electronic musician.  Reminds me of Portishead/Beth Orton/Air.  They're getting love from NPR/the Guardian/Huffington Post.

Unfortunately they're playing the Austin Ventures Stage at the same time as Nate Ruess (lead singer of FUN.!) so the excrement runoff will probably drown out their mellow sound.

Hard to pick one song.  If you like go to their Soundcloud page and listen.  The Guardian link above has a playlist, too. Good office background music.  Probably not good festival listening, though.  They should be in the tent.

Make You Feel

ACL 2015: Ruen Brothers

Friday at 1pm.  This is one of those timeslots where there's not much to offer.  The best option is two brothers from the UK that I don't think are even 18 yet.  Damn.  Jake Bugg/Lorde...they keep getting younger.

The first song sounds a lot like Roy Orbison.  I like the second song below better. Could be a good show.

Aces



Summer Sun

ACL 2015: The Nightowls

12:00 noon Friday:  Playing the Austin Ventures stage is a band based in Austin that plays old-school soul/R&B.   They even recorded their album at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL with some of the original "Swampers".

They play around town and even played Blues on the Green last year.  One that we missed. It was the night before Amanda Shires at the Cactus so I guess we didn't want to go out twice in a row.

Could be a fun set.

Good as Gold 

ACL 2015: Meg Myers

Friday 12:15pm.  Playing opposite Asleep at the Wheel is a singer-songwriter originally from Nashville but now in LA.  She's signed to Atlantic Records so she'll be getting airplay.

She's compared to Sinead/Alanis Morrisette/Fiona Apple/PJ Harvey.  This is a good song.

Sorry

ACL 2015: Whiskey Myers

11:30 AM Friday.  Playing opposite Avers (and local Tameca Jones at 11:15, who always puts on a good show) is a southern country-rock band originally from Elkart, TX who re-located to the big town of Tyler.  It looks like they live in Austin now.

Reminds me of mellow Lynyrd Skynyrd with a little Drive By Truckers mixed in.  Oh, and Reckless Kelly.

Ballad of a Southern Man

ACL 2015: (Avers)

Friday at 11:30am.  The schedules are finally out.  It looks like once again we'll have to deal with multiple choices during some timeslots and no choices in others.  In the tradition of putting the most exciting bands on Sunday morning before anyone shows up, they've decided to do it on Friday as well this year.

This is one of the bands I want to see.  It's a group out of Richmond, VA formed from members of other bands, including the Head and the Heart.  They got a lot of buzz during SXSW for their excellent live shows and are now back for ACL.  They only play the 2nd weekend but maybe they'll do a show during the week.

Reminds me a lot of Dandy Warhols.

Vampire

SXSW 2015 Recap

Quick post of bands seen.  Really fun year.  Much more laid back.


Wed. March 18th:
@Lamberts:
Blank Range
@Cedar Street
Catatonic VR movie
Avid Dancer
Skinny Lister
Geographer
@Shiner's Saloon
The Lonely Wild
July Talk
Dinner @Austin Ale House
@Lucky Lounge
Charlie Overbey and the Broken Arrows
Jake LaBotz
Lucette

Thursday
@GSD&M Bloody Mary Morning
Kristin Diable
Anderson East
Max Frost
@Threadgills
The Deslondes
Nikki Lane
Buxton
Daniel Romano
Lilly Hiatt
Giant Sand
Luther Dickinson
Dinner @Zax

Friday
@Hotel San Jose
Kaleo
@Home Slice
Water Liars
@Frontgate
Clear Plastic Masks
Bee Caves
@Gingerman
New Madrid
Mandolin Orange
Dinner @Frank
@Stephen F's Bar
Shawn James
The Dove and the Wolf
David Longoria

Saturday
@Waterloo
Twin Shadow
@Whole Foods
Cardboard Kids
@Woodrows
Smallpools
The Wind and the Wave
Civil Twilight
San Cisco
Hey Marseilles
Tameca Jones
Dinner @Whole Foods

SXSW 2015: Lucette

I'm still trying to figure out where to go Saturday.  South Congress was chaos last year so we may want to try somewhere else.  Waterloo/Whole Foods/Woodrows/Brew Exchange all have pretty good bands throughout the day so it may be worth it to hang around there.

If we do go to South Congress this singer is playing St. Vincent DePaul at 1:30pm.  She's also playing the Wednesday night showcase at Lucky Lounge which has some good Americana bands.  She was highlighted on Esquire's "40 Bands You Need to Hear at SXSW".  If that's not enough check out her video which includes Sturgill Simpson in one of the roles:

Bobby Reid

SXSW 2015: Carl Barât and the Jackels

South Congress on Friday has some decent bands playing and there's no worries about not getting into a venue.  If the weather is nice it is an option since I have a feeling Rainey Street is going to be insane.  Hotel San Jose has a good mix of new and old bands.  Times aren't listed yet but they'll go in this order starting at noon:

Joseph

Kaleo

Tigertown

Carl Barat/Jackals

Broncho

Houndmouth

The Zombies

Merchandise

Gang of Four

I've already mentioned Joseph and Kaleo, two bands I definitely want to see at some point.  We saw Broncho at the F1 Fan Fest and I thought they had potential.  You didn't like them.  Very Ramones sounding.  We loved Houndmouth at the Heartbreaker Banquet a couple years ago.  This could be their breakout year.  

Carl Barat is from the Libertines and this is a side project.  This sounds like the Clash.

Glory Days

SXSW 2015: Christine and the Queens

Another day party on Rainey on Friday, this one by Neiman Marcus:

4:30pm: Meg Mac
5:05pm: Christine and The Queens
5:40pm: Melanie Martinez
6:15pm: Milo Greene
6:50pm: Marina and The Diamonds

Female-focused sets.  Christine and the Queens is the moniker of Héloïse Letissier, from Paris.  She'll be touring with Marina and the Diamonds this year.  She's compared to Lykke Li.  The song "Christine" is in French and is being released in the U.S. in English with the title "Tilted".  It sounds better in French to me.

Christine

SXSW 2015: Talk in Tongues

Another Friday show on Rainey St. is at the Blackheart:

Indoor Stage
12:30: Chadwich Stokes
1:30: Jesse Harris
2:30: Gill Landry
3:30: Surfer Blood
4:30: Talk In Tongues

Outdoor Stage
12:00: The Family Crest
1:00: Doomtree
2:00: The Lighthouse and The Whaler
3:00: Charlie Belle
4:00: Max Jury
5:00: Royal Teeth

Talk in Tongues is a psych-rock band out of L.A.  A little Tame Impala, a little Mazzy Star maybe.

Still Don't Seem to Care

SXSW 2015: Happyness

On to Friday's day shows.  One option is to hang around Rainey Street.  Very indie pop/rock.  Here are the sets:

Bar 96:
3:00pm: Happyness
4:00pm: Torres
5:00pm: Little Simz
6:00pm: Carl Barat

Container Bar:
1:15pm: Repel The Robot
2:00pm: Martian Hill
2:45pm: Public Service Broadcasting
3:30pm: Black Pistol Fire
4:15pm: East India Youth
5:00pm: Mew
6:00pm: The Vaccines

Clive Bar:
2:00pm: Lindsay Perry
3:00pm: Coldfronts
4:00pm: Circa Waves
5:00pm: On An On
6:00pm: Vacationer

Happyness is a trio out of South London.  I like this song.

Montreal Rock Band Somewhere

SXSW 2015: Tobias Jesso Jr.

Another Thursday option is to hang around the East side and hit the big brand day parties.  The Hype Machine hasn't announced their times yet but they have lots of good acts playing.  Youtube is at the old Copper Tank but no times listed yet, either.  Here is Spotify's list:

12:00 PM Twin Shadow
1:00 PM James Bay
2:30 PM Tobias Jesso Jr.
3:30 PM Ibeyi
4:30 PM Big Data
6:00 PM  Mister Wives

I've posted about James Bay, Big Data, and Mister Wives. Twin Shadow is doing acoustic.  Tobias Jesso Jr. is a singer-songwriter out of Vancouver that has his first album coming out this year.  Lots of online hype but apparently he's the real deal, especially live.  If we don't make it to Spotify we may want to keep an eye out for some other shows.

This is a good song.

Hollywood

SXSW 2015: The Wind and the Wave

101X is taping sets at Buffalo Billiards all week, I guess for broadcast.  I'm not sure how long each set will be but one band I'd like to check out at some point is playing there at 3pm on Thursday.  This is a duo from right here in Austin.  They just played this on KUTX.  They're also playing in the KUTX studio at 3pm and at Emo's tonight.  I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from them going forward.

With Your Two Hands

SXSW 2015: Mathew E. White

Another Thursday option is the Under the Radar day party at Flamingo Cantina with an international bent:

12:00pm: Pompeii-Austin
12:45pm: Matthew E. White-Virginia
1:35pm: SOAK-Ireland
2:25pm: Jacco Gardner-Holland
3:15pm: East India Youth-England
4:05pm: Mew-Denmark
5:00pm:  of Montreal-Athens, GA

I mentioned SOAK and East India Youth already.  Matthew E. White is from Richmond, VA and plays orchestral pop.

Rock and Roll is Cold

SXSW 2015: Milky Chance

Thursday has lots of options during the day.  If we want to see the Next Big Thing we can try the Universal Music Group party at the Palm Door on Sixth.  Always packed and wild but it's where we first saw Vintage Trouble, Passion Pit and Of Monsters and Men.  Bands with major label backing that are on the verge of breaking big and this year is no exception.  I've already previewed quite a few of these this year:

INDOOR STAGE
12:00 PM - ON AN ON
12:45 PM - CIRCA WAVES
1:45 PM - KATE BOY
2:45 PM - CLAIRITY
3:45 PM - HALSEY
4:45 PM - SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST

OUTDOOR STAGE
12:30 PM - YEARS AND YEARS
1:30 PM - URBAN CONE
2:30 PM - MILKY CHANCE
3:40 PM - SAM HUNT
4:30 PM - BEST COAST

Milky Chance is a folk/pop duo out of Germany that are huge in Europe and are about to try to replicate that success over here.  They already have a head start thanks to the chart-topping song "Stolen Dance" which has 125M views on Youtube.  Wow.  Here's another song of theirs which only has 5 million views.

Flashed Junk Mind

SXSW 2015: Avid Dancer

It looks like Wednesday is going to be spent around the West 6th area.  There's the usual good stuff at Dogwood, this year with Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jimmy Lafave.  I figure start at Lamberts and maybe move over to Cedar Street for a bit, then maybe Dogwood.  KEXP still doesn't have their schedule out so that's an option assuming they come this year.

Here's the Cedar Street Wednesday lineup:

1:00pm: Avid Dancer

2:00pm: Skinny Lister-one of their few shows in town

3:00pm: Geographer

4:00pm: Carl Barat &The Jackals

5:00pm: Frank Turner

Avid Dancer is the moniker of Jacob Dillan Summers, a former drummer in the U.S. Marines Drum and Bugle Corp who now resides in L.A. His first album is coming out in April.  One site compared his sound to Belle and Sebastian and another to the Kinks.  Could be worth checking out.

All Your Words Are Gone

SXSW 2015: Kaleo

One more from the C3 party.  This band is out of Iceland and recently played a sold-out show at Lamberts.  I think they're in town for awhile.  Peter Blackstock tweeted at the Lamberts show that they could be the next band to blow up.  He compares them to Fleet Foxes but I hear some Bon Iver in there, too.

This song was apparently a hit on iTunes.  I like it.

All the Pretty Girls

SXSW 2015: Hippo Campus

Another band at the Wednesday C3 day party at Lamberts is a group of teens that just graduated from high school in St. Paul.  Reminds me of Vampire Weekend.

Little Grace

SXSW 2015: Blank Range

Time to start looking at the day parties.  The Wednesday day show I always seem to enjoy is the C3 party at Lambert's.  This year they have another nice lineup:

Blank Range
Hippo Campus
Kaleo
Night Terrors of 1927
Public Access T.V.
Walking Shapes
Will Butler

No times yet so I assume Blank Range is first at noon.  Originally from Illinois and the mid-west but now in Nashville, this 5-piece band won the contest to play at Bonnaroo last year.  They're also playing the San Jose day party on Thursday.  No new album out yet so I assume something new is coming out soon.  Not bad to get picked to play the C3 party.

Last Crash Landing

SXSW 2015: Phill Veras

Second on the Friday night showcase at Departure Lounge is a young singer-songwriter from Brazil.  More mellow stuff.  Nice song.


Sorriso Au Sono

SXSW 2015: Andy Schauf

One more Friday choice.  This is at the Departure Lounge, which is in the building on the corner of 6th 5th and Guadalupe across from Republic Square.  I think it was a private club at one point.  Could be a good spot to see a band.  Mostly singer-songwriters so probably pretty mellow:

8:00PM Andy Shauf
9:00PM Phill Veras
10:00PM ELE
11:00PM Delaney Davidson

The first musician is from Regina.  Wonder if he knows Roxanne.  He's getting some praise from the blogs and has just started his tour.  Nice folk tunes.

Hometown Hero

SXSW 2015: The Dove & the Wolf

A third option for Friday night is at the Stephen F bar.  Mellow singer-songwriter stuff, including Austin-based David Longoria and Zookeeper as well as Germany's Talking to Turtles, who we saw a few years ago during SXSW at the Tap Room:

8:00PM Shawn James
9:00PM The Dove & the Wolf
10:00PM David Longoria
11:00PM Demi Louise
12:00AM Zookeeper
1:00AM Talking To Turtles

The 2nd band is a female duo from Paris.  Nice mellow song.

The Words You Said

SXSW 2015: Cleopatra Degher

Another option for Friday night is at Lamberts.  May not be too easy to get into given that local buzz band The Painted Redstarts is playing but I like the venue.

8:00PM Cleopatra Degher
9:00PM The Painted Redstarts
10:00PM Girl Pilot
11:00PM Hunter Sharpe
12:00AM The Digital Wild

First up is a singer/song-writer originally from San Diego who grew up in Sweden.  Reminds me of Kathleen Edwards.  She recently played in Austin at Lambert's and Strange Brew to start her U.S. tour. The Austin Chronicle did an article on her.

Good song.

California Forest Fire

SXSW 2015: Daniel Romano

Another act on the Friday Continental Club showcase is a musician out of Ontario.  His albums have been nominated for the Polaris Prize.  Here's a good article on him: "Daniel Romano makes country music for people who don’t like new country music".  A good title.  Very reminiscent of Gram Parsons and Buck Owens style country.

This song has the Gram/Emmylou dynamic going.

Just Between You and Me

SXSW 2015: Buxton

On to the Friday evening showcases.  The goal is to find a venue we can get into which typically excludes anything near Red River/6th Street.  One option is the Americana-heavy showcase at Continental Club.

8:00PM Giant Sand
9:00PM Daniel Romano
10:00PM Buxton
11:00PM The Deslondes
12:00AM Luther Dickinson
1:00AM New Madrid

We saw Buxton a couple years ago for an abbreviated set at St. Vincent DePaul.  They have a new album out that is getting good reviews.  It's on New West.

Icebreaker

SXSW 2015: Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear

One more act playing the Thursday St. David's showcase that is also on the NPR 100.  This is a son and mother duo from Kansas City that is blowing up.  They just played Letterman.  All the music press is talking about them.  They have an album coming out on Glassnote Records, home of Phoenix, Mumford and Sons, Chvrches, and Temper Trap.  Good company.

Silent Movies

SXSW 2015: Luluc

Another act on the Thursday St. David's showcase and on the NPR 100 is a duo out of Australia.  They're signed to Sub Pop and were produced by The National's Aaron Dresser.  They're compared to Nick Drake, Fleet Foxes, and Bon Iver.  Nice mellow stuff.

Small Window

SXSW 2015: Big Phony

NPR has put out their Top 100 list for SXSW here.  I've posted quite a few but there's more if you want to explore.

The Thursday night showcase at St. Davids' Bethell Hall includes 3 of the bands on that list, along with Joseph who I previewed earlier.

7:30PM Big Phony
8:30PM Luluc
9:30PM Joseph
10:30PM Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear
11:30PM Grace Weber
12:30AM Low Roar

First up is an artist/musician originally from New York but has lived in L.A. and now resides in Seoul.  He's compared to Elliott Smith and Beck.

I Love Lucy

SXSW 2015: Hugh Bob and the Hustle

Another option for Thursday night is the Lucky Lounge:

8:00PM Hugh Bob and The Hustle
9:00PM SUSTO
10:00PM Berkshire Hounds
11:00PM Jonathan Tyler
12:00AM Austin Lucas
1:00AM Somebody's Darling

You liked SUSTO.  The first band is out of Wisconsin and plays more traditional country.  Some of their songs are typical country about drinking and bars.  This is the one I liked most.

Butternut

SXSW 2015: Jack + Eliza

Sandwiched between the two female-led folk bands on Thursday is a male-female pop duo from Brooklyn.  Childhood friends that actually grew up in Brooklyn.  They're still in college (NYU and Columbia, respectively) so I guess they tour between semesters.  Good thing it's Spring Break.

One blog compares them to the Shins.  They're also compared to She and Him and the Mamas and the Papas.  I'm sure we'll hear more from them after they graduate.

Hold the Line

SXSW 2015: Good Harvest

First up at the Stephen F bar on Thursday is a female duo out of Sweden that plays folk/Americana.  They don't have a full album out yet.

Nice mellow song.

Bottom Dollar

SXSW 2015: The Accidentals

We know the first choice for Thursday so here are some backup options.  The Stephen F bar is a nice spot to hear music and relax.  The showcase has some good folk/Americana bands early that could be worth checking out.

8:00PM Good Harvest

9:00PM Jack + Eliza

10:00PM The Accidentals

11:00PM Count This Penny

12:00AM Oxford & Co.

1:00AM Marie Miller

At 10pm is a band out of Michigan.  They're just out of high school.  Two female vocalists so it reminds me of First Aid Kit. 

The Silence

SXSW 2015: Mandolin Orange

I posted about this band last year but we didn't go see them.  They are 2nd on the Holy Mountain Wednesday showcase.  They have a new album coming out May 5th and this is the lead track.  Good mellow folk/Americana sound.  Like it.

Old Ties and Companions

SXSW 2015: Anthony D'Amato

Here's one Wednesday night showcase option if we don't go the the Austin Music Awards:  Holy Mountain.  Heavy on Americana.  Since we usually don't stay late I like to find the showcases with good bands starting early.  First is a singer-songwriter from NYC.  He's on New West Records and is compared to Rhett Miller and Ryan Adams.  Sounds good to me.

8:00PM Anthony D'Amato

9:00PM Mandolin Orange

10:00PM Quiet Life

11:00PM The Mastersons

12:00AM The Tontons

1:00AM The Suffers

Was A Time

SXSW 2015: Austin Music Awards

Trying to get back into the swing of things.  Looking at Wednesday's night shows the one that stands out is the Austin Music Awards:  Gary Clark, Jr, Charlie Sexton, Patty Griffin, etc.  We always skip this for other showcases but this year it may be the best choice.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2015-02-20/playback-behold-the-austin-music-awards/

SXSW 2015: SUSTO

This is a band out of South Carolina.  Right up our alley: some AM-era Wilco, some Whiskeytown era-Ryan Adams.

Friends, Lovers, Ex-Lovers...whatever

SXSW 2015: MisterWives

The schedules have come out so this is the last day for random previews.  Next week I'll start to focus on specific showcases for each night.  The day party schedules should be coming out soon, too.

This is for informational purposes only as they are one of the nominees for best emerging artist at the MTV Woody awards.  Very poppy.  It's a trio of of NYC.  Their first album comes out next week.

Reflections

SXSW 2015: Springtime Carnivore

Time for some name-dropping as this act is surrounded by big names.  The band is the moniker of LA via Chicago musician Greta Morgan and the album is being released by Acquarium Drunkard's Autumn Tone label.  It was produced by Richard Swift who has played and/or produced with the Shins, Black Keys, Ryan Adams, Wilco, etc.  She has toured with Generationals and is opening for the Dodos at the Parish tomorrow night.

Nice pop sound.  This song reminds me a little of Tennis, some Bird and the Bee, maybe some Jenny Lewis.

Name on a Matchbook

SXSW 2015: SOAK

Mellow stuff from Ireland.  This is the moniker of 18 year-old Bridie Monds-Watson.  She's signed to Rough Trade Records and has a full album coming out this year.  So yea, you'll be hearing a lot more from her soon.

Reminds me of Lykke Li.


B a noBody

SXSW 2015: Marion Hill

One more love-related song for the day.  This is a duo of of Philadelphia.  Dance-pop.  Reminds me of Kirsty MacColl with synthesizers and a big dance beat.


Lips

SXSW 2015: Elliphant

This is the monikor of Ellinor Olovsdotter, a Swedish singer/rapper.  She collaborated with Danish singer MØ on this song.  It was produced by Lorde producer Joel Little.

Dance-pop song about a woman trying to convince her lover to stay.  Catchy.

One More

SXSW 2015: Jack Garratt

Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow here's a song about love. Well, trying to love.  This London-based singer/producer has gotten lots of buzz for this song.  Kind of all over the place.  A little James Blake, a little Portishead.  Maybe a little TV on the Radio in there as well..  BBC One called this the Hottest Record in the World.  Apparently he's exploding in England and everyone expects him to blow up here.  We'll see.

The Love You're Given

SXSW 2015: TORRES

Here's another female indie/guitar rock buzz act.  It's the moniker of Mackenzie Scott originally from Macon, Georgia now in Nashville and/or Brooklyn.  Pitchfork loves her and all the big bloggers are writing about her.  Reminds me of PJ Harvey. I guess having a former PJ Harvey producer and some of her band on the album may influence that.

Her second album comes out in May.  This is the first song released from it.

Strange Hellos

SXSW 2015: Courtney Barnett

While we're covering Mom + Pop recording artists I might as well preview another artist generating a lot of buzz online.  She's from Melbourne and is playing Bonnaroo and Sasquatch in addition to opening for Spoon on some dates.  What a coincidence:  I saw Spoon play in Melbourne (in 2008 I think).  Wonder if she was there.

Indie/Guitar rock

Avant Gardener

SXSW 2015: ELEL

We're in a lull waiting for schedules to come out so I'll post a few bands that are getting buzz online and could play some of the bigger showcases and day parties.

This is an 8-piece band out of Nashville drawing comparisons to MGMT and Vampire Weekend.  Their first EP comes out right before SXSW, yet they're already booked to play Bonnaroo. They're on Mom + Pop Records, the same label as Polica, Andrew Bird, and Lucius.  Good company.

Catchy song.

40 Watt

SXSW 2015: Kate Tempest

This London-based poet/singer was nominated for the Mercury Prize (along with Jungle and East India Youth, among others).  Alas, she didn't win but it generated lots of buzz for her anyway.

This reminds me of Citizen Cope.  A lot.

Bad Place for a Good Time

SXSW 2015: Kate Boy

Another European electro-pop band, this time from Stockholm.  This reminds me of Tegan and Sara.  The singer's voice especially.  She's originally from Australia.

The Way We Are

SXSW 2015: Years and Years

Sam Smith was the big breakout at SXSW last year (as I predicted).  Before that, he won the BBC's Sound of 2014 poll.  The winners of the BBC's Sound of 2015? This trio from London.  They're signed to Polydor so they'll have major label promotion and airplay.

Electronica.  This song has a Local Natives riff with saccharine dance-mix on top.  Maybe a little more Euro-pop than U.S audiences like so I'm not sure if they'll be as big over here.  We'll see.

Desire

SXSW 2015: Joseph

Also called The Band Joseph.  This is a trio of sisters from Portland.  Reminds me of a mix of Lucius and First Aid Kit.  Really good song.

Cloud Line

SXSW 2015: Max Jury

We'll stick with mellow throwback soft-rock.  This is a singer-songwriter from Iowa.  This song reminds me of Cowboy Junkies.  A little Americana, a little 70s vibe.  Could be worth checking out.

Black Metal

SXSW 2015: Natalie Prass

Indie buzz level: exploding.  Nashville via Cleveland singer Natalie Prass used to sing backup for Jenny Lewis but now she's the hottest thing on the indie blogs.  Pitchfork is calling this one of the best new albums of 2015.  Everyone is bending over backwards to praise it.

Kind of a throwback Laurel Canyon sound of the 70s, like Father John Misty.  She's his earnest girlfriend putting up with his antics and hoping he comes around.  Would be a nice double bill.

This is a really good song.

Bird of Prey

SXSW 2015: Odesza

Another electronic dance band, this one a duo from Seattle.  They're playing the 11pm slot at the KCRW showcase but they're also playing all the festivals this year.  I fully expect them to be at ACL.

Say My Name

SXSW 2015: Big Data

Playing at 10pm on the KCRW showcase is a band that will get the party started.  It's the moniker of Brooklyn-via-Rochester producer Alan Wilkis.  He's released an EP and his first LP is expected at the end of March.

He collaborates with other bands on the songs.  This one is with Joywave.  It reminds me of Spoon with pop choruses sprinkled throughout.

Dangerous

SXSW 2015: Hiatus Kaiyote

Playing the 9pm jazz/R&B slot in KCRW's showcase is a band out of Melbourne.  This song was  nominated for a Grammy but didn't win.  Reminds me a little of Erykah Badu.  They don't post to Soundcloud so a video is the best I can do:

Nakamarra

SXSW 2015: Wolf Alice

KCRW announced their showcase and all my predictions were wrong.  I'm a little underwhelmed, actually.  First, they moved to Parish, which has less capacity than the former location at Pangea/whatever it's called now.  Their announcement also specifically says it's for wristbands and badgeholders.  So very little chance we'll get in.

I already previewed BØRNS, who goes on at midnight (later than we stay).  Also later is Delta Spirit who seems to always be in town.  I'll preview the other bands so you can decide.

First up is a band out of London.  They're currently on tour with Alt-J.  This is the rock slot for KCRW's eclectic mix.

Moaning Lisa Smile

SXSW 2015: Oso Leone

We'll follow up a hot buzz act with an under the radar band.  They're from Majorca, Spain.  This song reminds me of Foals.  Really good.  I wouldn't mind checking them out as I don't know how often they'll tour the U.S.

Ficus

SXSW 2015: Laura Welsh

Expected breakout artist alert.  She lives in London and her album just came out on Polydor Records so she'll have major label backing.

Obvious Florence and the Machine comparisons.  Listen here first or wait for it to be played incessantly on KUTX.

Break the Fall

SXSW 2015: Natasha Kmeto

One more for today.  This is from a Portland-based artist that's on Federal Prism Records, helmed by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio.  She has been opening for them on their tour and recently did a taping at KCRW.

What a voice.  Another KCRW/KEXP possibility.

Inevitable

SXSW 2015: Amason

We'll stick with KCRW-type mellow tunes.  This is band out of Sweden named after a Volvo car from the 60s.  It's a supergroup of sorts, comprised of members from Miike Snow, Idiot Wind, and Dungen.

KEXP likes these guys as well.  They've played CMJ and just released their first album.  I'm sure they'll be on some big showcases.

Reminds me of a Fleetwood Mac/Kate Bush mashup.

Duvan

SXSW 2015: Tei Shi

A possible KCRW showcase artist. This is the moniker of Valerie Teicher, a Columbian now living in NYC.  Lots of buzz.  The Guardian says "she’s going to be all over everywhere like a virtual, viral rash."

Very cool song.

Bassically

SXSW 2015: Monica Heldal

Some mellow folk to counter the electronic.  Trying to catch up on posts after a lull.  This is a Norwegian folk singer signed to Warner Brothers so expect to hear more soon.  Reminds me of First Aid Kit mixed with, dare I say, Patty Griffin.  Haunting.  Beautiful.

Boy from the North

SXSW 2015: East India Youth

We'll stick with mellow electronic today.  This is the moniker of William Doyle from Bournemouth, England.  This album was on the shortlist for the Mercury Prize last year and received universal acclaim on Metacritic.  Eclectic sound.  Minimalist like Kraftwerk to start but builds up to a fast beat. Prettty cool.

Heaven, How Long

SXSW 2015: Bob Moses

This is a duo originally from Vancouver but now in NYC.  Electronic/R&B.  This song sounds like a mix of Dire Straits and Zero 7 (maybe?).  Nice mellow stuff.  I like it.

I Ain't Gonna Be the First to Cry

SXSW 2015: Mansionair

Might as well finish off Next Big Thing week with this trio from Sydney.  Their EP was released on Chvrches label, Goodbye Records.  Lots of buzz for them.

This is their main single.  Really good vibe.  A little Jungle, a little Temper Trap, a little Morcheeba.  If you're old school think Jimmy Somerville.

Hold Me Down

SXSW 2015: Ryn Weaver

Here's another Next Big Thing.  The moniker of San Diego native Erin Michelle Wüthrich, she was on Letterman last week and is poised to breakout big this year.  She's playing Bonnaroo and hasn't even released an album.  It comes out soon.

Kind of a mix of Florence and the Machine and Ellie Goulding.  This song blew up on the Internet.  Only a sample on Soundcloud.

OctaHate

SXSW 2015: Leon Bridges

Soul/R&B from Fort Worth.  This will be the next big breakout so expect to see him on Letterman or Fallon once his album is out this year.  This song is a demo but has 750,000 listens on Soundcloud.  Wow.

My go-to source for tips, Operation Every Band, compares him to Michael Kiwanuka and Sam Cooke.  I agree.

Coming Home

SXSW 2015: Circa Waves

Indie rock/pop band from Liverpool.  A little bit Strokes, a little bit Jake Bugg.  Could be fun.

Young Chasers

SXSW 2015: Roger Sellers

This is an Austin-based musician that we need to watch out for.  He released an EP last year that received lots of positive reviews, even landing on some KEXP DJs best-of lists.  A nice mellow sound.  It's described as  "folk-dance-americana-electric-symphonic fusion where Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens, and Joanna Newson all groove to late night ambient house music in George Martin’s livingroom."  He's playing SXSW but hopefully we can catch him around town.

Sincere