Hazel English

Sideonetrackone just posted this singer from Oakland that I thought I'd pass along.  I love this song.  I like the video, too.  She just released her debut EP and is out on tour.  No Austin dates yet.

Make it Better

ACL 2016: Porter Robinson and Madeon

Sunday at 7pm.  HAIM is in this slot but the other choice is this duo of producers, from North Carolina and France, that have teamed up.  Each is a successful solo artist apparently.  They united based on their shared appreciation for Daft Punk.  This is the only song they've released so I'm not sure what else they are going to play live.  This is more pop but perhaps they'd be a good lead-in to LCD Soundsystem.  I assume that's why ACL has them here.  Strange to have only one song to your credit and get booked to play ACL on Sunday at 7pm.  I guess ACL blew all their band money on Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar.

Shelter

ACL 2016: Gregory Porter

Sunday at 6pm in the tent.  This is opposite Chris Stapleton and Miike Snow so I'm sure we'll be splitting up.  It's the last act in the tent which is usually reserved for extra special bands.  I sure wish this was at 7pm instead so there would be no question who I'd see.  It's a jazz singer originally from Sacramento that's now in Brooklyn.  He has won Grammys and international acclaim in the jazz realm and has even crossed over to mainstream success.

A great finale for the tent and for those that like to avoid the big stages.

Be Good (Lion's Song)

ACL 2016: Bob Moses

Sunday 5pm.  A couple more bands to get through before I try to summarize the weekend.  This is a duo originally from Vancouver that has been playing all the festivals lately.  I like this song.  Pretty mellow.

Tearing Me Up

ACL 2016: Oh Wonder

Sunday at 5pm.  There are a few choices here.  I'll start with this duo out of London that has exploded over the last year thanks to the power of the Internet.  This interview describes how they decided to release a song a month on Soundcloud for a year, then release an album.  Before they ever did a live show they already had a huge fan base through word-of-mouth on social media.  So as a new band they've already played Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and now the 5pm Sunday slot at ACL.

Nice mellow pop songs.  I like what I've heard.

Technicolor Beat

ACL 2016: Quaker City Night Hawks

Sunday at 4pm.  We're getting to the recognizable bands so I'll skip the 3pm previews.  I like Margo Price but I'd be happy seeing Pete Yorn as well.  The other act at that time is the white Christian rapper NF.  Oh boy.

At 4pm is Local Natives or Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.  I prefer the latter but another option is this band out of Fort Worth that was selected as "Best Band" in 2015 by the Dallas Observer.  Vice described them as: "The overall impression of a gang of scifi-obsessed ZZ Top superfans who've gone rogue."

I'll share two songs.  The first is a mellow rocker and the second is straight-up Rock&Roll.  Both are really good.

Something to Burn


Liberty Bell 7

ACL 2016: Basia Bulat

Sunday at 2pm.  I know, there's no need to introduce her.  It's just that there's nothing special at 1pm to preview.  There's Austin-based Wild Child who we've seen at least twice.  I liked their last show so that's probably my first choice.  There's also Wild Belle who played ACL back in 2013 on the Austin Ventures stage right after Jake Bugg.  I don't remember much about that set.  The other options are rapper/member of Odd Future Domo Genesis and singer Avery*Sunshine.  Neither were my cup of tea.

So now 2pm.  There are three great options at this time.  I saw Marlon Williams at SXSW at Lambert's and liked him.  Kacey Musgraves will be the big draw and I would love to see her.  However, Basia Bulat is playing the small BMI stage.  Her set at Gingerman during SXSW was one of my favorites.

This is probably the biggest conflict of the festival for me.  One of the few this year.

Fool


Infamous

ACL 2016: Luke Winslow-King

Sunday at 12:15pm.  The 4th choice is a musician out of New Orleans.  His Wikipedia cites influences from New Orleans jazz, Delta blues, ragtime, and pre-war American folk.  Last year he was named New Orleans best blues guitarist but he's also known for his slide guitar.  This song is more mellow.  I've liked his other songs, too.  A good Old Settler's choice.

You Don't Know Better than Me

ACL 2016: Jai Malano

Sunday at 12:15 in the tent.  Old school R&B in the vein of Leon Bridges but with some blues mixed in.  She describes herself as "Texas native.  Florida born with Louisiana roots."  Now in Austin, she regularly plays C-Boys.

This song is more traditional blues.

Edit: She's opening for Ben Harper tonight so we'll get to see her sooner than I thought.

Never Look Down

ACL 2016: The Shelters

Sunday at 11:30am.  This band out of L.A. is playing opposite July Talk so I didn't even think to preview them.  However, I just pulled up this song and it's pretty good.  The ACL page has nothing about them so after further research it turns out they were discovered by Tom Petty, who co-produced both their EP and their first album and are they opening for him on tour.  The music has a roots-rock sound like Petty but I hear some Strokes in there as well.

Why does ACL book such good bands in the A.M. on Sundays? This year they booked these two and local band Shane Smith & the Saints.  Crazy.

Rebel Heart

ACL 2016: Lizzo

Sunday at 12:15.  Here is the R&B morning option.  It's a singer originally from Houston but now in Minneapolis.  She's labeled hip/hop but the songs I heard are more R&B/soul.  She's got a good voice.  I've liked the songs I've heard.  Here are two selections that would sound good on a Sunday morning.  Fresh Air likes her.  Prince liked her and asked her to sing on his song "Boy Trouble".  Here's what she said about working with him.

Her album was recorded at Justin Vernon's studio in Wisc.


My Skin

Humanize

ACL 2016: Brett Dennen

Sunday at 12:15.  There are 4 bands at this time and I'm not sure which one to see.  The first choice is a singer/songwriter from Northern California that has released 6 albums since 2004, gets airplay on KUTX, and has come through Austin quite a few times.  I've never put much thought into his music, though.  We may have seen him before for all I know.  It's nice Sunday morning music.

His latest album was produced by Dave Cobb so he's got that going for him, which is nice.

Comeback Kid

ACL 2016: July Talk

Sunday at 11:30am.  This post is for the Canadian readers who always show up at 3pm.  We caught this Toronto band at SXSW in 2015 and they put on one hell of a show.  We also saw them at Cheer Up Charlie's last June in a way too-short set.  Their last record won a Juno for best Alternative Album and their second album just came out.

Get a good night's sleep Saturday and make it to this early show.

Paper Girl

Summer Dress

ACL 2016: New Madrid

Saturday at 6:30pm on the BMI stage.  This is probably our best bet at this time.  We saw them at Gingerman during SXSW in 2015 and I recall liking them.  I'm not sure how they came up with the name but perhaps it's from the Uncle Tupelo song.

They're from Athens, GA.  This song has a guitar sound and tempo similar to "Murmur"-era R.E.M. but their sound is more psychedelic.



Don't Hold Me Now

ACL 2016: NAO

Saturday at 5:15 in the tent.  This is more like it.  NAO is Neo Jessica Joshua, a singer from East London.  She's nominated for the BBC's "Sound of 2016."  R&B/Funk/Soul.  Has a Prince feel to it.  Especially "Get to Know Ya".  I'd like to see this.

Bad Blood

ACL 2016: AlunaGeorge

Saturday at 5:30pm.  The other option is this duo out of London.  More pop.  ACL sure has changed.  I think I'm beginning to realize why I haven't heard of any of these bands.  I'm obviously in the minority as this song has over 215M plays on Spotify.

You Know You Like It

ACL 2016: Melanie Martinez

Saturday at 5:30pm.  We know the 4:30pm shows: "garage country" Aubrie Sellers who just came through for SXSW, indie-rockers Catfish and the Bottlemen who played the small BMI stage at ACL in 2014, and LL Cool J.  All the Ladies Love Cool James so I may have to join them.

At 5:30 we could see The Naked and Famous again.  They've come a long way since opening for Edward Sharpe.  I'm surprised they're on the Zilker (formerly Austin Ventures) stage.  I think I read that they've moved that stage away from the rock to ease traffic congestion around the food/beer tent.  I'm not sure where they could put it.

Another option is this 20yo from Queens.  Rolling Stone describes her music as "twisted lullabies about love, danger and madness".  She's compared to Lorde and Lana del Rey.  All her songs on Soundcloud have over 4M listens each.  I guess she's a big deal with the kids.  She was on "The Voice" so that probably helped.

Very poppy.  This song reminds me of another band but I can't recall it now.  We saw them at Parish, I think.

Cry Baby

ACL 2016: NAWAS

Saturday at 4pm in the tent.  It's very hard to find any info online about this band.  It took some expert Google searching to discover it's composed of Jake Nawas who is originally from Louisiana but now lives in Nashville.  It appears to be a duo but the picture below shows a trio.  Something is going on since they are playing ACL with only two songs online.  Hmm.  File under "Expect big things soon."

Really good song.  R&B/Soul with some electronic and hip/hop mixed in.  Their website sites Prince as an influence.  I'll just let you listen.  It may be worth checking out a bit of their set to see what's going on.

So Low

ACL 2016: Andra Day

Saturday at 3:30pm.  Her first album came out in 2015 but this singer from San Diego has already played the White House, the Grammys, and just did an ACL taping.  Her music is getting played on KUTX as well.  Quite a voice.

Rise Up is her big song but here's the one being played on KUTX.  I thought it was Amy Winehouse when I first heard it.

Forever Mine

ACL 2016: Jack Garratt

Saturday at 3:30.  I profiled this British musician before SXSW last year.  Since then he has played Conan, Colbert, and won the BBC's Sound of 2016 award.  I'd like to check him out.

This is the song he played on Colbert.

Worry

ACL 2016: City and Colour

Friday Saturday at 2:30pm.  This is probably the biggest band in this slot.  It's the moniker of Toronto-based Dallas Green but he always brings the same band on tour, including guitarist and Texan Dante Schwebel (also co-founder of Spanish Gold).  The band is big in Canada: his last three albums all went to #1 there.

I previewed "The Girl" when they played SXSW back in 2011.  It's a nice mellow song so I'll also put up one that is a little more rocking.

The related artists according to their page on Spotify are Bon Iver and Iron and Wine.  I'm not sure I agree with that but I can't come up with any comparisons right now.

The Girl

Wasted Love

ACL 2016: Lucy Dacus

Friday Saturday at 2:30pm on the BMI stage.  This is a 21yo from Richmond, VA.  A young female indie-rocker with clever lyrics.  I guess the success of Courtney Barnett has encouraged labels to find more like her.  Her first album was originally released on a small label but has been picked up by Matador and re-released.

I Don't Want to Be Funny Anymore

ACL 2016: Luisa Maita

Friday Saturday at 2:30 pm.  This is the option in the tent.  It's a singer from Sao Paolo that has been called "The New Voice of Brazil."  Nice mellow sound.  I liked this song the best. She has been profiled on NPR and KCRW over the years.  A good band for the tent.

Lero-Lero

ACL 2016: Saint Motel

Friday Saturday at 2:30pm.  Lots of choices at this time but none really stick out.  The first option is this band out of L.A. that has been around for a few years.  I listened to a few songs and am not sure how to categorize them.  The first link is straight-up indie pop that reminds me a little of Matt and Kim.   The video below is of a song that was used in a trailer for "Boardwalk Empire".  It's more prog-rock like Muse.  Another song reminded me of The Strokes.  Who knows how they'll be live.

Cold Cold Man

Dear Dictator

ACL 2016: Gallant

Saturday at 1:30pm.  I'm skipping the 12:45pm slot as Haelos is playing then.  The other choices then are  alt-rock band Nothing But Thieves and rock band The Gills.  Neither are my cup of tea.  Despite KUTX running that one Haelos song into the ground I still want to see them again.

This slot has three good choices: Caveman, Lewis Del Mar, and this soul singer originally from D.C/Maryland but now in NYC.  He's already played The Tonight Show and got a standing ovation for this song.   Jimmy Fallon's comment was: “Oh my goodness! I told you… Watch out for this guy!"  He also played Coachella and had Seal join him on stage.

I'd say expect very big things.

Weight in Gold

ACL 2016: HONNE

Saturday at Noon. I think it's going to take a good band at this time to lure us away from the breakfast tacos and Bloody Mary's.  We saw a bit of Israel Nash at Old Settler's.  This is a duo out of London that just released their first album in July.  They're described as old-school soul with an electronica beat.  Lots of hype online for them.

Nice mellow stuff to start out the day.

Warm on a Cold Night

ACL 2016: Flume

Friday at 7pm.  We'll have to decide between M83 and Band of Horses at this time but all the kids will be on the other side of the park watching this producer/DJ.  We'll get to hear some depending on how early we want to try and grab a space for Radiohead.

This is a kid from Australia that has blown up.  This song has 180M plays on Spotify in less than 8 months.

By the way, for Spotify links via computer you can click on the link and it will open in a browser vs. clicking the Play button below, which will open the Spotify app.

Never Be Like You

ACL 2016: Corinne Bailey Rae

Friday at 6pm.  It's slim pickings at this time slot.  The best choice happens to be the only artist at ACL that is on Obama's Summer playlist.  She's playing the tent opposite Die Antwoord and Flying Lotus.

Green Aphrodisiac 

ACL 2016: St. Lucia

Friday at 5pm.  I'm skipping the 4pm bands as it's a guarantee I'll be at Foals.  At 5pm we have Cold War Kids and this band I previewed back in 2013 for SXSW.  80s-era pop.

Here's a song from a few years ago.

Elevate

ACL 2016: Chairlift

Friday at 3pm.  The third option at this time is a band we saw in 2009 at Flamingo Cantina during SXSW.  They were touring off their big hit at the time, "Bruises".    I still like that song.

They finally made it to ACL but I haven't followed them much since 2009.  After listening to some of their songs on Spotify it sounds like they've moved into dance pop.  Reminds me a little of Bird and the Bee, or Tennis.

I liked this one the best.

Moth to a Flame

ACL 2016: Flight Facilities

Friday at 3pm.  Three options at this time.  Strumbellas, a Canadian band that is getting lots of airplay with their song "Spirits", which I highlighted before SXSW.  I saw them at Lambert's and thought they put on a good show.  Kind of a mix between the Lumineers and Head and the Heart.

The next option is this producer duo from Australia.  Apparently they're pretty big in the dance scene in the UK and Australia.  Maybe here, too.

They have guest vocalists on all their songs so I'm not sure how this will go down live.  Probably them behind turntables with a big screen showing videos.  Live music!


Down to Earth

ACL 2016: Welshly Arms

Friday at 2pm on the BMI stage.  The last choice at this time is a band out of Cleveland that plays blues/R&B/Rock.  This song is pretty good.  The rest of their stuff is pretty straight-forward blues rock.

Legendary

ACL 2016: Banks & Steelz

Friday at 2pm.  Wu-Tang Clan and Interpol meet in a bar... I guess they did, hence this collaboration between RZA and Paul Banks.  An unlikely pairing but apparently they're good friends and decided to record together.  This is the result.  The album comes out August 28th. Below are two quite different songs.

I know where the crowds will be at 2pm.

Anything but Words- This sounds like "Bark at the Moon"-era Ozzy.



Giant

ACL 2016: Prinze George

Friday at 2:15 in the tent.  This is a trio originally from Prince George, Maryland but now in Brooklyn.  More up my alley these days.  Ambient synth-pop. Another song to check out is Freeze.

Their album was recorded in Minneapolis and produced by Evan Bakke who worked with Prince.

Victor

ACL 2016: The Front Bottoms

Friday at 2pm.  Another band that's been around for a few years that I've never heard of.  They're out of New Jersey and have been compared to Cake for their humorous/off-kilter lyrics.  I'd say they're definitely in that quirky rock-geek sound like the Mountain Goats or Decemberists.  Somebody else compared them to Frightened Rabbit, who plays right before them.

Not really my thing.

Help

ACL 2016: Ron Gallo

Friday at 1:15pm in the tent.  In summary: our options at this time are brit-pop, hip-hop/R&B, melodic rock, or this.  It's a guy originally from Philadelphia that just relocated to Nashville.  Garage rock/punk/rock. Depending on our mood this could be incredible or way too loud.  Reminds me of the True Believers.

Should be a hit with the old-school Austinites.  He apparently puts on a hell of a show.

Young Lady, You're Scaring Me

ACL 2016: Frightened Rabbit

Friday at 1pm.  Another option during this time slot is a band that has been around for over 10 years but has always been on the periphery for me.  They get played on KUTX and come through town but I've never really had much interest in seeing them.  However, their latest album was produced by Aaron Dessner of The National so maybe it's worth checking them out.

Get Out

ACL 2016: Jess Glynne

Friday at 1pm.  Slight rant: the artist bios on the official ACL website are completely useless.  Take this one for Jess Glynne.    11 paragraphs that say absolutely nothing.  Pure PR junk that could be said about any artist.  One snippet:  "'I needed to believe in it,' she says. 'I needed the record to tell a story. I needed it to feel like me.' By looking inwards she hopes to reach out. " WTF.

The skinny: Jess Glynne is a 26yo from England that exploded in the UK last year. 5 singles from her album went to #1 and the album debuted at #1 when it came out. She reminds me of a mix between Adele and Amy Winehouse but more oriented to brit-pop like Ellie Goulding. Again, not really our genre but I doubt she'll be in an early Friday time slot at ACL for long.

Hold My Hand

ACL 2016: Raury

Friday at 1pm.  There are 4 choices in this time slot.  This is probably the biggest draw.  It's a 20 year-old projected phenom from Atlanta.  He's already collaborated with Lorde and Jaden Smith and was tapped as the Sound of 2015 by the BBC.  Not really our genre but this is probably the only chance we'll get to see him live before he explodes.

Factoid: His Wikipedia entry says he's a vegan.

Loyal

ACL 2016: Liza Anne

Friday at 12:15pm.  The other band playing in this slot is in the tent.  She's from Atlanta but lives in Nashville.  I listened to her music while previewing SXSW bands but didn't post about her.  My notes say: "folk.  mellow singer/songwriter."  This song is a little more poppy.  She reminds me of Sharon Van Etten.

Take It Back

ACL 2016: Los Coast

Friday at 12:15pm.  This time slot also has Eliot Sumner who we saw at SXSW.  I've seen this local band's name in the music listings but never listened to them.  They played SXSW, opened for Lawrence at 3Ten recently, and have a residency at CBoy's this month.  It looks like they've been playing constantly all over town.  We need to get out more.

Their sound is compared to a mix between Alabama Shakes and Leon Bridges.  Interesting.

Summer Samaritan

ACL 2016: VHS Collection

Friday 11:30am.  This is a band out of NYC.  A retro-80s synth dance/rock sound.  They're compared to Phoenix, MGMT.  I listened to 4 songs and they're all ok but nothing blew me away.  This one was good:

The Longest Drive

ACL 2016: Corbu

Friday 11:30am.  The schedule has finally been released.  I thought I was a music aficionado but ACL has booked a lot of bands I don't know.  I guess I better get busy.

This is a band out of Brooklyn that released their first full-length a few months ago.  Their big song is "Polygon Forest" but I like this song better.  Very mellow stuff.  They are up against Austin's own Bayonne in this timeslot.

Through Emptiness

Old Settler's 2016: HoneyHoney

I know you like to get home quickly on Sunday but I got stranded there last year and had a really good time at the campground stage.  We don't have to stay all day but it may be worth it to stick around to see this band at noon.

This is a duo out of L.A.  Their last album was produced by Dave Cobb who also has produced the last albums by Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton.  Suffice it to say everything he touches has been turning to gold.  We'll see if this band is next.

Sweet Thing

Old Settler's 2016: Sierra Hull

Two weeks away.  We know most of the bands playing and there are only two stages so it's not hard to jump around.  However, this musician is playing at 1:30pm on Saturday.  We don't usually get to the main festival grounds that early so we may want to make an exception for this.

Sierra Hull was a child mandolin prodigy that is now in her 20s.  NPR really likes her new album, calling it "a stunning coming of age album."  I like this song.

Weighted Mind

SXSW 2016 Recap

Let me know if I missed something.

Wed 3/16
@Lamberts
Amasa Hines
Bird Dog
Marlon Williams
firekid
The Strumbellas
@Clive
Big Thief
@Container Bar
Pure Bathing Culture
@Van Zandt
Possessed by Paul James (end)
@Tap Room
Harriet Brown
Still Parade
Methyl Ethel

Thurs 3/17
@GSD&M
Eliot Sumner
@Brew Exchange
Swimm
@San Jose
Lydia Loveless
@Yard Dog
Hardy and the Hard Knocks (end)
Blackfoot Gypsies
The Wans
@San Jose
Eleanor Friedberger
Rayland Baxter
@Trinity Hall
Lawrence Taylor
Alice Phoebe Lou
Julia Jacklin

Fri 3/18
@Waterloo
Margo Price
@Frontgate
Universe Contest (end)
Freakabout
Mobley
Bassh
Little Hurricane
@Lucy's Fried Chicken
Ian Moore and the Lossy Coils
Jesse Dayton
@Embassy Suites
Suzanna Choffel

Sat 3/19
@Urban Outfitters
Joy Again
Haelos (aka HÆLOS)
@BD Rileys
Oh Pep!
@Gingerman
Basia Bulat
Hey Marseilles
The Wild Reeds
@Waterloo
Bombino

SXSW 2016: Air Traffic Controller

Last year on Wednesday we met at Shiner's Saloon and saw July Talk.  This year they have one band I want to see, Horse Thief , at 4pm.  This band out of Boston is playing at 5pm.  They've been around a few years and are pretty dance/pop-oriented.  This is a new song just posted 5 days ago that is more mellow.  I like it.

Warrier

SXSW 2016: Sunflower Bean

I thought I had posted about this band as they're on quite a few of the buzz lists but a quick search shows I didn't.  It's a trio out of Brooklyn that just released their first album.  The buzz factor is high.

This is their mellow pop song that's got a Real Estate-esque guitar riff. They also do psych rock and one song reminds me of Missing Persons. Quite a mix of sounds.  They're on all the big party lineups: Sidewinder, Fader Fort, Flamingo Cantina, Urban Outfitters, etc.  The best chance to see them is at Waterloo Records at 2pm on Friday.

Easier Said

SXSW 2016: Bassh

Friday at the Frontgate party is this band composed of members of Band of Horses and Matrimony.  This song has made the rounds of the blogs and NPR.

There aren't times listed so we'll see if this works out for us.

Body

SXSW 2016: Julia Jacklin

Thursday morning is the ACL lineup from 10-2 which is my first choice but Brooklyn Vegan just came out with their lineups and Thursday from noon-3pm at Cheer Up Charlie's inside is pretty good.

12:00 Your Friend
12:45 Julia Jacklin
1:30 Daniel Romano
2:15 Little Scream

I previewed all but Julia Jacklin so here's one of her songs.  She's from Australia and is also playing the Trinity Hall stage at the Hilton Thursday at 8pm, after Alice Phoebe Lou.

Pool Party

SXSW 2016: Faith Healer

I'm not sure how this band slipped past me as they're on the NPR 100 and it's right up my alley.  It's the moniker of Edmonton-based Jessica Jalbert.

I can't find any day parties and the showcase is probably not on our radar.

I'll highlight one song but I've liked everything I've heard.  Here's a link to an interview with a playlist of more songs.  Another one to watch.


Again

SXSW 2016: Carroll

I was holding off posting this band until I found a time we could see them.  They're playing at midnight Wednesday at the Tap Room which is one of the showcases on my list but I doubt we'll be out that late.  Unfortunately that's the only show I can find for them at the moment.  I'll post anyway because I like this song.  They're from Minneapolis.

Alligator

SXSW 2016: Alice Phoebe Lou

Something we've never done but could be fun is the Second Play Stages at various hotels around downtown.  The shows are during HH between 6-9pm, between the day parties and the night showcases.  I think they're mostly acoustic since they're in hotel lobbies/bars.

One act playing Thursday at 7pm at the Liberty Tavern in the Hilton is this 21 year-old singer originally from South Africa but now in Berlin.  Mellow sound but I like her voice.  Here's a long interview with her that talks about how her TEDx appearance went viral.  Could be good in an intimate environment.

Walking in the Garden

SXSW 2016: Mothers

I promised not to post any of the myriad girl-group garage rock bands inundating SXSW this year so I apologize in advance.  However, this song was just released by Mothers, a band out of Athens, GA, that I thought I should share.  They're playing lots of shows, including the Lambert's show Wednesday.

My original notes based on earlier songs were that they remind me of Courtney Barnett.  This song doesn't change that but it's more like "Depreston" than "Pedestrian at Best".  I like it.

It Hurts until it Doesn't

SXSW 2016: Expert Alterations

Looking around at other options for Wednesday night I see a pretty good early showcase at Valhalla on 6th St Red River.  It has Pearl Charles  at 9pm, Fear of Men at 11pm, and this trio out of Baltimore starting off at 8pm.

Reminds me of old R.E.M./Real Estate/VU/Joy Division.

Midnight Garden

SXSW 2016: Pumarosa

Cedar Street came out with their showtimes and both Wednesday and Friday are good days.  On Wed. they've got Haelos at 3pm, The Heavy at 5pm, and this band from London at 4pm.

This is a really good song.

Priestess

SXSW 2016: Holly Macve

Here's a 20 year-old plucked from an Open Mic performance in Brighton, England by the head of Bella Union last year.  She only has two songs released but she's been booked to play Willie's party and is being mentioned as one to see by Spotify.

I don't see any other day parties but her showcase is Wednesday at 8:15 at Elysium.  That also has Horse Thief playing.

Really mellow.

The Corner of My Mind

SXSW 2016: SWIMM

Another day party just announced: this one is Wednesday at Swan Dive.  They even have a soundcloud playlist with all the bands.  Mostly indie pop.  I've previewed a few already so here's a duo originally out of Florida but now in L.A.

Nice sound.  They're also playing at 5pm at Soundbites off Rainey (right before My Bubba at 6pm).

Beverly Hells

SXSW 2016: Mitski

One week away from SXSW starting and we are still waiting for some parties to be announced and for start times to be posted for many other parties.  This has been a crazy year.  Still nothing from Home Slice, Rachel Ray, Dogwood, or the Gingerman.  One other big pain is that sched.org skipped SXSW this year, which really makes it hard to keep track of everything going on.  With sched.org I could search for an artist and they'd list all the day and night shows they were doing and I could choose the ones I wanted to follow.  Then those would be synced with my calendar automatically.  Now it's all manual (and time-consuming).

While we're waiting here's another singer getting booked for some of the bigger showcases.  She's playing the NPR show Wednesday at Stubbs.  I see a couple day shows, including Hole in the Wall Friday, but no times yet.  I'll keep watching.

Mellow music.

First Love/Late Spring

SXSW 2016: Miya Folick

This singer out of L.A. is only listed as playing one showcase so far: Thursday at 9:15pm at 800 Congress.  I think that's the old Hickory Street Bar and Grill.  Interesting.  Anyway, she's not listed for any day parties yet but I really like what I've heard.

She's on the NPR Austin 100 so you can listen to "Talking With Strangers" there.  It's pretty mellow so here's something different.  She's compared to Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey.  I'm not sure that's accurate but  I can't think of another comparison at the moment.

I Got Drunk 

SXSW 2016: RY X

Some more day party announcements trickling out today, including YouTube at Copper Tank and Vans @Mohawk.  YouTube is badges only all day and Mohawk is always insane during SXSW.  If there's any day we would want to brave the crowds it would be Friday. That day includes Methyl Ethyl, Vallis Alps, and Lower Dens inside and this guy outside at 3:30.

RY X is the moniker of Ry Cuming out of Australia.  He's on the NPR Austin 100 list so you may have heard his song "Sweat".  It's really mellow, as is this one that was just posted on Soundcloud.  It's on his new album that comes out May 6th.

Reminds me of Bon Iver.  Good song.

Only

SXSW 2016: Fear of Men

The Under the Radar parties at the Flamingo Cantina were just released.  Haelos is playing at noon on Wednesday if you want to see them.  Also, Petite Noir is playing Thursday at 3:15.

This band out of Brighton, UK is playing Wednesday at 2:25pm.  They've been around a few years and play my kind of music (as you always call it) so I'm not sure how they've slipped past me.   I'll have to make up for lost time and catch a show.


Luna

SXSW 2016: Oh Pep!

Playing Thursday at 3pm at Clive Bar is this Americana duo out of Melbourne.  They're also playing the big Wednesday night Parish showcase.  They were big hits at CMJ with NPR, KCRW, and the New York Times all singing their praises.

Nice sound.  This one is more poppy but their other stuff is more mellow folk.

The Race

SXSW 2016: Petite Noir

Wednesday at 5pm at Urban Outfitters is this band, the moniker of Yannick Ilunga.  He's of Congolese/Angolan descent but splits time between Cape Town and London. Solange Knowles has been a big backer and all the blogs love him.  Now Urban Outfitters is jumping aboard.

He's also playing the Hype Hotel Wed. night and Central Presbyterian Church Friday night.

Nice mellow stuff.  I'm not sure how it will sound in the back parking lot of Urban Outfitters but could be worth checking out.  I'll look for other day parties, too.

Chess

SXSW 2016: Phases

If we don't do Lambert's Wednesday this is the choice at noon at Waterloo.  It's an indie-pop band out of L.A. that contains members of other bands, including Rilo Kiley.  They're signed to Warner Brothers Records and are on the fast-track to popularity.  In addition to SXSW they're playing Coachella and are touring with Maroon 5.  I doubt we'll see that show :-)

This song is catchy.  A nice summer song.

I'm in Love With My Life

SXSW 2016: Bird Dog

Listed 2nd on the B&Q BBQ party at Lambert's on Wednesday is this band of members originally from Texas and Oklahoma but now in L.A.

This song reminds me of Fleet Foxes at the beginning but then it starts rocking at the end.  Pretty good.  "Dogs" is a pretty good song, too.  May be worth checking them out.

The Ocean and the Sea

SXSW 2016: Amasa Hines

The Wednesday C3 day party at Lambert's is now "B&Q's BBQ Party" sponsored by Live Nation.  It has Marlon Williams and the Strumbellas  as well as a few other buzz bands like Mothers and Hinds.

This band is out of Little Rock and there's not much on the internet about them, not even many songs. However, they're on this showcase and are also playing Willie's party in Luck.  Either they've got a really good booking agent or they're about to get lots of exposure.

No showtimes yet but they're listed first so I assume they've got the noon time slot.

Coltrane

SXSW 2016: Sam Outlaw

Still waiting for the announcements of quite a few of the big day parties, including Home Slice, Cedar Street, and Flamingo Cantina's Under the Radar.

While we're waiting here's another Americana singer.  He's originally from South Dakota but now is out of L.A.  He enlisted quite a list of impressive musicians to help him with his first album including Ry Cooder as well as members of Dawes and My Morning Jacket.  He's playing a big showcase with Hayes Carll and Winona Judd on Thursday at the Gatsby but he's also playing quite a few day parties.

Reminds me a little of Ryan Adams.

Ghost Town

I can't get Spotify to allow an embed at the moment so here's the YouTube video.

SXSW 2016: Dylan LeBlanc

I guess he doesn't need a preview since you just listened to him on KUTX last night but here are the options to see him during SXSW:  he's playing Willie's party in Luck on Thursday and South x San Jose on Friday.  That Friday afternoon at San Jose is really strong (Riothorse Royale, Joseph, him, Haelos). I don't see him on an evening showcase yet.

I'm sure we'll want to catch him when he comes through town again.

If the Creek Don't Rise

SXSW 2016: The Heavy

Also playing the ACL Bloody Mary Morning is this band that really doesn't need a preview.  This song has been played everywhere the last couple years, including at Obama's election night party.  The band is out of Bath, England and is releasing their new album.  They're already playing Coachella and I'm sure they'll be at ACL Fest.  Would be cool to see them at an intimate site like the GSD&M courtyard.

How Do You Like Me Now

SXSW 2016: Eleanor Friedberger

GSD&M is hosting the ACL Bloody Mary Morning again on Thursday from 10am-2pm.  They always get some really good bands and this year is no exception.  There's Caveman, Eliot Sumner,  Margaret Glaspy, Joseph, and Thao and the Get Down Stay Down.  Damn!  And that's not it.  I'll preview the other 2 now.

This is one half of the Fiery Furnaces.  She's originally from Illinois but now resides in NYC but apparently went to UT.  Indie cred: she has dated Brit Daniel and used to be on Merge Records.  Her new album is coming out on French Kiss Records.

Indie folk/rock.

He Didn't Mention His Mother

SXSW 2016: Aubrie Sellers

"Garage country" is a term I saw for this singer, the daughter of Lee Ann Womack and Jason Sellers.  Those are some serious Nashville via Texas bona fides.  She was just on Colbert and is playing the KGSR morning broadcast on Friday and at Swan Dive as well.

I don't see any showcases for her yet which means she's probably in line to play Stubb's or Moody since the big showcases are the only ones left to announce.

Light of Day

SXSW 2016: Margo Price

This country singer out of Nashville was recently on "Late Show with Stephen Colbert." She's been a mainstay in the Nashville scene and Sturgill Simpson once played in her band.  Now she's going national with a big push at SXSW.  This is her first album as a solo artist and it's being released by Jack White's Third Man Records.

She plays Thursday at the Pandora evening showcase at the Gatsby (across from Easy Tiger) with Hayes Carll and Jack Ingram.  She's also playing Friday at noon at Waterloo Records.

Hurtin' (On the Bottle)

SXSW 2016: The Strumbellas

Today is country/folk day.  It's also "already appeared on late night tv" day.  First up is a 6-piece out of Toronto.  They've been around for a few years and their 3rd album is due in April.  It looks like they're getting great advance PR since they played Jimmy Kimmel last night and they're booked to play some big day and night showcases.  They play the Parish on Thursday night with Polica and the DMAs and play the StubHub party on Friday at Banger's on Rainey with Ghostland Observatory and a whole host of buzz bands.

Sounds a lot like many of the other pop/folk bands out today: Lumineers/Edward Sharpe.


Spirit

SXSW 2016: Methyl Ethyl

Playing at 10pm at the Tap Room on Wednesday.  This is the moniker of Perth-raised Jake Webb.  They're also playing the big Thursday day party at Sidewinder.  He's friends with Tame Impala and is opening for Courtney Barnett on her current tour.

Mellow indie rock. I've listened to some of their new album and it reminds me of The Cure mixed with old Radiohead.  A little Kurt Vile, too.  I like it.

Twilight Driving

SXSW 2016: Still Parade

Playing at 9pm Wednesday at the Tap Room is Niklas Kramer, from Berlin.  His music is called dream folk.  I like this one.

7:41

SXSW 2016: Harriet Brown

We're two weeks away so it's time to start looking at our options for each night.  Since we don't usually stay out late I'm trying to find showcases that have good bands early that also won't be badges only.  Wednesday we can try the KCRW showcase at 3Ten but if we fail there's Lucky Lounge.  That's mostly indie pop.  A third option is the Tap Room, which hasn't let us down in the past.

Playing at 8pm is this guy out of L.A. that sings slow funk.  He's a multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter/producer.  Sounds like old-school 80s soul.  Some Prince in there, too.

Not a bad way to start the week.

20/15

SXSW 2016: Lukas Graham

KGSR just announced their morning lineups.  Not really worth it to go see a band play 2 songs but they always get the buzz bands that are expected to make a splash in 2016.  I've already previewed quite a few of them and we've seen quite a few of the others.

This is a Dane who grew up in Christiania.  Based on that I did not expect this kind of song.  Reminds me of Ed Sheeran.  Definitely KGSR friendly.  It already has 9.1M listens on Soundcloud.

7 Years

SXSW 2016: Bleached

This is the closing band at the Thursday Sidewinder day party.  It's a trio out of L.A. consisting of two sisters and a drummer.  Garage rock/pop.  This reminds me a little of Joan Jett.

Edit: Just listened to another song of theirs I really like so adding it.

Keep on Keepin' On



Wednesday Night Melody

SXSW 2016: Pure Bathing Culture

Playing after Twin Peaks on Thursday at Sidewinder is this duo originally from New Jersey but now in Portland.  They're on Partisan Records (Deer Tick) and after SXSW are going on tour opening for Lucius.

Nice indie pop sound.

Pendulum

SXSW 2016: Twin Peaks

The Thursday day party at Sidewinder (old Red 7 Red Eyed Fly. I keep getting that wrong.) is chock full of good bands.  It's got Whitney, Cloves, Day Wave, and a few more I'll highlight today.

I'm not sure if this band out of Chicago is a fan of the TV show or the breastaurant chain but they're hard to find in google searches.  I should have posted this yesterday as February 24th is the day Laura Palmer's body washed ashore and FBI agent Dale Cooper arrived in Twin Peaks.  In 1989.

I don't know if these guys were born in 1989 but their music is straight out of the 60s.  They're compared to the Beatles but this song is straight up TRex.

Walk to the One You Love

SXSW 2016: A Giant Dog

KUTX just came out with their morning shows they hold at the Four Seasons.  Lots of Austin bands, including this one that was just signed to Merge.  It probably helped that Britt Daniel is apparently a big fan.

This song has a frenetic pace. Reminds me of old Roxy Music mixed with Arcade Fire. Or "Let's Do the Timewarp Again". Could be fun to watch live.


Sex & Drugs

SXSW 2016: Marlon Williams

Americana/folk from New Zealand on Dead Ocean Records.  He's playing the KCRW showcase and the Showtime day party at Clive Bar.  That's some solid exposure.  He's also going on tour with Sam Beam after SXSW.

I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more about him.

Hello Miss Lonesome

SXSW 2016: Riothorse Royale

We saw this band when they opened for Other Lives at the Mohawk.  I remember enjoying their set.  It's Madi Diaz and Emily Greene, two solo artists that teamed up for this project.

They play the Wednesday day party at Container Bar on Rainey at 1:20pm.

Rabbit Hole

SXSW 2016: Horse Thief

I've been waiting to post these guys until I saw when they were playing.  Well, they're going to be at the Luck Reunion on Thursday.  They're out of Oklahoma City.

This reminds me a lot of Buxton. I like it.  If we don't make out to Willie's place we need to watch for other opportunities to check them out.

Little Dust

SXSW 2016: Eliot Sumner

The 11pm singer on after Joon Moon on Wednesday at 3Ten is Eliot Sumner, daughter of Gordon.

She sings like him, especially on "Dead Arms and Dead Legs".  Listen to that.  It could easily be on "Dream of the Blue Turtles".  Reminds me of "Russians".

I'll post something a little different, though.

After Dark

SXSW 2016: Cloves

The 8pm show at the KCRW showcase Wednesday is 19 year-old Kaity Dunstan.  She's originally from Melbourne but is now in London.  She's signed to Interscope Records and is compared to Adele and Amy Winehouse.  The songs I've heard are all pretty mellow compared to those two.



Frail Love

SXSW 2016: Joon Moon

I listened to these guys yesterday and was instantly hooked.  Wouldn't you know it, today the Wednesday KCRW showcase was announced and they're playing it.  It's going to be at the new 3TEN @ACL Live, the site of the former Coal Vines.  The Statesman had an article on it today.

Capacity is 350 so perhaps they'll let the public in?  I'd really like to see these guys at some point.  It's a duo out of France but the lead singer is originally from Kansas City.  They just have an EP out with 3 songs but they're all great.  This is my favorite.  

A must see for me.

Chess

SXSW 2016: Car Seat Headrest

Playing after Day Wave on Friday at the Spotify House is the moniker of Will Toledo, a 23 year-old originally from Virginia but now in Seattle.  Expect to hear more from him as he's also slotted to play the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago.

Somebody said he's a cross between the Beach Boys and the Strokes/Arcade Fire.  That's about right.

Something Soon

SXSW 2016: Day Wave

Spotify just released their schedule for SXSW.  Lots of pop and hip-hop on most days.  Thursday is Americana/Country day but Friday seems like the best bet if we want to fight the crowds and spend all day watching bands.  It's indie day.  The headliner is The Kills.

This is the moniker of Berkeley-based Jackson Phillips.  A throwback sound to the 80s.  He plays at 1:30pm after Porches.

Stuck

SXSW 2016: Bayonne

Another big 3-day party on Rainey (Container Bar) is being hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe.  Thursday has DMAs, Hinds, Polica, and Lucius.  That's a sick lineup.  It also has local breakout Roger Sellers playing under the moniker Bayonne.  His solo stuff is a lot more mellow.  I like this.  He plays at 1:30pm.

Appeals

SXSW 2016: Big Thief

Some of the big day parties are starting to make their announcements.  Showtime is promoting it's new Cameron Crowe TV show "Roadies" with a party at Clive Bar on Wednesday.  Whitney is playing at 3pm and this band out of NYC is on after them at 4pm.  Their first album is coming out sometime this year on Omaha-based Saddle Creek Records (Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes).

Reminds me a little of Lucinda Williams mixed with Jenny Lewis.


Masterpiece

SXSW 2016: ARO

One more act playing the Lucky Lounge Wednesday showcase along with Ember Island and East of My Youth.  It's Aimee Osborne (daughter of Ozzy who was not on the TV show).  Suddenly I'm thinking it may be harder to get into this one.

I do like this song, though.

Raining Gold

SXSW 2016: Vallis Alps

Here's a Friday showcase at the Empire Control Room Garage.  This showcase also has expected breakout band XYLØ.  There's no way we'll go as it will probably be badges only but I had to share this band.  It's a duo out of Australia/Seattle that has exploded in Australia.  This song has over 2.7M 3.8M plays on Soundcloud alone.

Really good. Reminds me of the XX.  The whole EP is supposed to be great so we need to find them playing a day party somewhere.

Young

SXSW 2016: The Greeting Committee

Since schedules aren't finalized I'll jump around looking for interesting showcases already posted.  Thursday at Blackheart has Margaret Glaspy, RayLand Baxter, and Joseph, as well as this band of high schoolers from Kansas City.  Their EP was picked up and re-released by major-label Harvest Records (Warner Brothers sub-label).  They probably will have the 8pm set.

Her voice reminds me of Edie Brickell.

Hands Down

SXSW 2016: Little Scream

The Parish on Wednesday night is usually the place to be as NPR and KCRW have showcased bands there in the past.  The sxsw.com website doesn't list the sponsor this year but I assume it's one of those again.  The artists are all the buzz bands, including Adia Victoria (who we saw at ACL), Basia Bulat, Escondido, and Thao and the Get Down Stay Down.

This is Montreal-based Laurel Sprengelmeyer.  She has worked with Arcade Fire and the National in addition to her solo work.  Her first album was released in 2011 on Secretly Canadian but her new album is coming out on Merge Records.  That's some indie cred right there.

Love as a Weapon

SXSW 2016: The Weather Station

One more at the Wednesday Sidewinder showcase.  She's out of Canada and reminds me of Daughter mixed with Joni Mitchell.  Quite mellow stuff.  She's playing the inside stage.

Way it is, Way it Could Be

SXSW 2016: Porches

Another Wednesday showcase worth watching is at Sidewinder, the former Red 7 Red Eyed Fly.  No times are listed but there are lots of good acts on both stages.  I've already previewed Whitney (who you liked) and Your Friend and we've been trying to catch Caveman for years (or did we finally see them?).

This is a guy out of NYC that is signed to Domino Records.  Pitchfork calls his latest Best New Music of 2016.

Be Apart

SXSW 2016: Ember Island

I keep waiting for announcements on showcases and/or day parties but everything is delayed this year.  Last year KCRW announced their showcases on Feb. 3 but here we are two weeks after that and still nothing.  showlistaustin.com, my go-to site for day parties, has hardly anything listed.  There are some showcases slowly showing up on the sxsw.com website but not much so far.  Maybe the floodgates will open this week.

One showcase on Wednesday at Lucky Lounge holds some promise.  Mostly indie-pop from international bands.  It has East of My Youth who I previewed in January, but they go on at Midnight.  I doubt we'll make that.

This is a trio out of Sweden.  Nice mellow sound.  They go on at 11pm.

Need You

SXSW 2016: Janne Schra

Here's another European singer, this time from Holland.  She's very popular in her home country and has toured Europe and Canada but hasn't had much exposure in the U.S.

This song reminds me of Feist.  

Everything I Do Ooh Ooh

SXSW 2016: Låpsley

Holly Lapsley Fletcher is an 18 year-old from Merseyside, England. She was recognized on the BBC Sound of 2015 list and her first album is coming out in March.

I think the obvious target is Adele fans.  Which is everybody.


Love is Blind

SXSW 2016: Whitney

Another folky.  It's a duo out of Chicago composed of former members of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Smith Westerns.  They just signed to Secretly Canadian so I expect they'll be at that very popular showcase.

The falsetto voice brings obvious comparisons to Bon Iver but the music is more like America.  A really nice mix of strings, horns, and guitar.


No Woman

SXSW 2016: River Whyless

Folk day today.  This is a band out of Ashville, NC that has been around for a few years.  They've been on World Cafe and Tiny Desk Concert.  I don't see any new stuff on the way but I like this song.

Reminds me of a more mellow Head and the Heart.

Life Crisis

SXSW 2016: Milk & Bone

Another mellow groove.  It's a duo out of Montreal.  Reminds me of an electronic First Aid Kit.  They were at SXSW last year but since then their album was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize.  Expect more attention this year.

New York

SXSW 2016: HÆLOS

I'll go mellow today.  This is a trio out of London signed to Matador Records (Kurt Vile, Cat Power).  Their first album comes out March 18th.

They're compared to Massive Attack and I hear some Morcheeba as well.  Sounds like a good KCRW showcase band.

Dust

SXSW 2016: Pearl Charles

Here's another L.A. singer.  She has toured with Father John Misty. The next Linda Ronstadt?  A very 70s Laurel Canyon sound.

I like this song.

I Ran So Far

SXSW 2016: Paul Bergmann

We'll stick with Americana/rock today.  This is a guy from Massachusetts that now lives in L.A.  He's signed to Fairfax Records (Edwarde Sharpe, Florence and the Machine, Gotye).

Old-school throwback sound.  I like his voice.

You May Never Know

SXSW 2016: Margaret Glaspy

This NYC musician is touring with Rayland Baxter right now.  Reminds me a little of Liz Phair but I'm sure the Courtney Barnett comparisons will be made, too.

You and I

SXSW 2016: Rayland Baxter

I guess I really don't need to preview this guy. We saw him open for Nikki Bluhm at the Parish. He was solo acoustic for that show so maybe we can see him with a full band.  I think you bought his CD.  This song got lots of airplay.


Yellow Eyes

SXSW 2016: Kill J

One more for today.  This is a duo out of Denmark.  Reminds me of  a mix of Lykke Li and MØ.

You're Good but I'm Better