ACL 2018: Moses Sumney

Sunday at 4pm. After the packed 1pm time slot we're back to slim pickings at 2pm.  The only choice is Twin Shadow.  The other options are banal love-ballads from ARIZONA and a latin mariachi-inspired band from NYC.

3pm is much better.  We've got Bahamas, Parquet Courts, and Elle King.  I'm good with any of them.

At 4pm the first choice is Janelle Monáe.  Why ACL put this rising artist up against her is ridiculous as her fans would love him.  Moses Sumney was raised in California and Ghana and now resides in L.A.  His first album won rave reviews and was picked as one of the albums of 2017 by the New York Times.  Here's the whole album.  He has opened for Solange and Erykah Badu, among others.  Here's his NPR Tiny Desk Concert.  Very nice.  A jazzy Nina Simone feeling. He's playing in the tent, which is perfect for his sound.


Lonely World

ACL 2018: Ghost of Paul Revere

Sunday at 1:15pm.  In the tent.  There are three Americana bands playing at the same time. WTF.  This is a trio out of Portland, Maine that has played the Newport Folk Festival and has toured with Avett Brothers.   They play call-and-response and foot-stomping music similar to Lumineers.  "Little Bird" is pretty good. 



Montreal

ACL 2018: Yungblud

Sunday at 1pm.  We won't be able to see this UK singer but he's getting lots of buzz so FYI.  It's the moniker of 19 year-old Dominic Harrison.  He moved from Yorkshire to London at 16 to become a rock star and it looks like he's on his way.  NME saw him live last year and the article is titled: "We might have seen the future, and it looks like Yungblud."

His sound is a mix of hip-hop/reggae/ska/pop.  This is more mellow than the other songs I heard.  His songwriting skews to political and social topics instead of banal love songs.  This song is no exception.

Polygraph Eyes

ACL 2018: Phil Cook

Sunday at 1pm.  I was all set to camp out for Amen Dunes and then I listened to this.  Typical ACL Fest to throw all the good music against each other in one time slot.  Couldn't they have put one of these bands on at 12:15?  Now we have 3 choices.

Multi-instrumentalist Phil Cook has played in Hiss Golden Messenger, Megafaun, Gayngs, and Justin Vernon side project DeYarmond Edison, to name a few.  He just put out his 2nd solo album and I like it. Bluesy folk that's a throwback to 70s country rock.  I just listened to a playlist put together by Aquarium Drunkard that features live recordings of bands like Fleetwood Mac and Bonnie Raitt at a Sausalito radio station in the 70s.  I recommend it.    Then I put on "People are My Drug" and got the same vibe.  Just great music.

Miles Away

ACL 2018: Amen Dunes

Sunday at 1pm.  The 12:15 time slot has three bands that didn't do much for me.  Amber Mark is R&B and was the best of the three.

1pm has Mt. Joy.  We saw a brief set at SXSW at Blackheart so I could see them again.  However, this is the band to see.  It's the moniker of New York-based Damon McMahon.  This is his 4th album under this band name and it's getting rave reviews.  GQ says it's the best album of 2018 so far.  Pitchfork and NPR loved it.

I listened to the whole album ("Freedom".  Stream on Amazon) and it's really good.  This song is probably the best.  "Believe" is good, too.  So is "Dracula".  You should just listen to the whole thing.

Blue Rose

ACL 2018: DAVIE

Sunday at 11:30am. Sunday is going to be a long day since we'll be staying to see Childish Gambino so I'm not sure how early we want to get going.  Fortunately ACL didn't schedule a buzz band I want to see on Sunday morning like they have in the past (Alt-J, Haerts, July Talk).

Our choices in the morning are techno house (Lemaitre), a mellow singer-songwriter from the U.K. (Freya Ridings), rap from Austin (Kydd Jones), and this R&B singer out of L.A.  He was in a Wild Turkey commercial with Matthew McConaughey.  That's all the research I did on him.

I'm not moved to get there early for any of these bands.  This is the best of the 4 to me.

This is a mellow ballad.  Pretty good. 
Faith

ACL 2018: Residente

Saturday at 5:30 we have 3 main options: Blood Orange, Marion Hill, or Trampled by Turtles.  We caught a bit of Blood Orange at SXSW in 2013.  Did we see Marion Hill when they played ACL in 2015?  It was on Sunday at noon.  Did we see Trampled by Turtles at ACL in 2012? I need a better memory.  Needless to say, I'm not blown away by any of them so I'd be fine with whatever we decide.  The other option at 5:30 is Bazzi, a singer-songwriter that cites Justin Timberlake as an influence.  He gets this time slot thanks to his song, "Mine", that blew up on the internet.  104 Million views on Youtube.  Pass.

As for the rest of Saturday...slim pickings.  6:30 is Chvrches which is a no-brainer.  They're on opposite a techno DJ (San Holo) and metal band Disturbed.  7:30 is St. Vincent, French techno DJs Justice, and this Puerto Rican rapper that raps in Spanish. I think it's mostly dance party stuff but this song was good. 

We'll probably be tired from staying late Friday and getting up early Saturday so I'm fine leaving early.

Desencuentro

ACL 2018: Rhye

Saturday at 4:30pm.  Three options at this time.  Brandi Carlisle is the first choice.  Highly Suspect is guitar rock playing on the same stage as Metallica.  Pass.

The last choice is mellow music a la Sade.  The interesting part is that the vocals are sung by a man.  Pitchfork loved the first album.  I'm not sure how they've been off my radar for so long. 

Pretty mellow for 4:30 on a Saturday.  They're in the tent so could be a place to lounge and nap.


Open

ACL 2018: Smino

Saturday at 3:30pm.  This is the hip-hop/soul act for this time slot.  ACL has filled this year's schedule with lots of bands that share styles with Childish Gambino and aren't standard rap like in the past.  I like it.  Friday has Ravyn Lenae , Noname and Khalid and today has IAMDDB and this musician from St. Louis.

Lots of positive reviews.  Vogue has a long interview with him and he played the Pitchfork Festival this summer.  Definitely a rising star.

Anita

ACL 2018: Lucie Silvas

Saturday at 3:30pm.  Japanese Breakfast and The Breeders are in this slot.  I'll be seeing one of them so this is for informational purposes only.  This singer is originally from New Zealand and the U.K. but is now in Nashville.  Her latest album is getting good reviews from Rolling Stone and NPR.  She's playing the small BMI stage so could be a nice intimate show.

Pop/rock/bluesy sound.  "Girls from California" is a nice mellow song.  Good Sun Radio music.

Kite

ACL 2018: Mon Laferte

Saturday at 2:30pm.  This is the third option.  She's originally from Chile but now resides in Mexico City.  Most of the songs I heard are mellow ballads.  This was my favorite.

According to Wikipedia she's a vegan.

Que Sí

ACL 2018: The Wombats

Saturday at 2:30pm.  This is a trio out of Liverpool that have been around since 2007.  Their old stuff sounds like The Cure and their new stuff is more pop.  Not really doing much for me.

This was their highest charting song in the U.K. back in 2007.

Let's Dance to Joy Division

ACL 2018: Curtis Harding

Saturday at 2:45pm.  Three options at this time.  This soul/R&B/rock singer is playing the tent.  He has toured with Lenny Kravitz.  Danger Mouse produced this song. 

"On and On" is more uptempo.  Both songs are good.

Wednesday Morning Atonement

ACL 2018: IAMDDB

Saturday at 1:30pm.  The final choice is downtempo hip-hop/soul from Manchester.  It's the moniker of Diana Debrito, a 21 year-old with Angolan, Portuguese, and English roots.  The Guardian calls her "One to Watch".   She calls her music "Urban Jazz". 

The Fader has a bunch of her videos if you're interested.  They say:  "In general, IAMDDB is best at "blazing in the sunshine on a summer afternoon" vibes."

I like this song.  Only 8.2M views.  "Drippy" is good, too.

Pause

ACL 2018: Ruston Kelly

Saturday at 1:30pm.  The Americana/Country option at this time is a singer-songwriter playing the BMI stage.  He's married to Kacey Musgraves.   

Most of his stuff is pretty mellow.  "Hollywood" is good slow song. This song is a little more up-tempo.

Mockingbird

ACL 2018: VÉRITÉ

Saturday at 1:30pm.  Four options at this time.  My first choice is Durand Jones and the Indications, who I previewed in 2017 before SXSW but we didn't see.  We did get to see them this year at Blackheart during SXSW.  I liked their show and music.

This is the pop choice.  It's the moniker of Brooklyn based Kelsey Regina Byrne.  This song came out in 2014.  Not really on my radar but it's a nice sound.  This has a Chvrches vibe to it.  Other comparisons are to Lana Del Rey.

Strange Enough

ACL 2018: Harry Paradise

Saturday at 12:45pm.  The last choice at this time is a musician that recently moved from Nashville to Austin and now has a slot at ACL.  Not much about him online.  He has a couple other songs on his Soundcloud page but that's all I've found.  He's got a good story if you're interested.

"Rover" is pretty good.  Nice sound.

All three bands on at this time aren't bad.  Your call.

Joan

ACL 2018: Donna Missal

Saturday at 12:45pm.  Opposite Wallows is this singer-songwriter out of New Jersey.  She's also on a major label: Harvest (TVOTR).  Her first album comes out in a couple weeks.  She co-wrote Leon Bridges’ “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand.”

Bluesy/funky sound. 

Girl

ACL 2018: Wallows

Saturday at 12:45pm.  Three choices at this time.  This is probably my first choice.  It's a trio out of L.A. They're called power pop.  One of the members is the star of "Thirteen Reasons Why" so I'm sure the teens will all be there.  They're signed by Atlantic Records.

More on them if you're interested.


Pictures of Girls

ACL 2018: Charley Crockett

Saturday at noon.  The third option is this musician originally from San Benito near Harlingen.  The fourth option, Mamafiesta, is a local band that only has a few live videos online that I could find.  They are labeled as "groove rock".  Probably not my thing.

Most of his music is old-school country.  This song is a little different from the others.  Has a Leon Bridges feel to it.  It received airplay on NPR and World Cafe.  He cites influences from Bill Withers to Hank Williams.


I Am Not Afraid

ACL 2018: Lo Moon

Saturday at noon.  The second option at this time.  I previewed them for SXSW but we never got to see them.  They've opened for Glass Animals, War on Drugs, Temples, and Phoenix, to name a few.

Another mellow option.  I like both choices in this slot so far.


Wonderful Life

ACL 2018: slenderbodies

Saturday at noon.  Friday will be a late night so it may be tough to get to the festival early the next day.  However, we won't be staying late Saturday so I say we make the effort.  There are 4 bands playing at noon and this is the first option.  It's a duo out of L.A.

Reminds me of Glass Animals.  A nice mellow way to start the day.


anemone

ACL 2018: Brockhampton

Friday at 6:45pm.  This band is opposite FJM and Hozier so we won't see them but I thought their story was worth posting.  It's a group of 14 members that formed in 2015 in San Marcos but now reside in California.  It started when the band's founder, Kevin Abstract, posted a call for members on a Kanye West fan forum. 

Apparently they're quite big now (obviously, given their time slot).  They've performed on The Tonight Show and have toured Europe.  They're big in England, as this article explains (key quote: "“They’re literally like 'I am gay, I am black – whatever.' We’re bored of boy bands with clean cut white boys.”"

"Gold" has 7.5M views on Youtube. 

Star

ACL 2018: Khalid

Friday at 5:45pm.  Also on opposite The National is this singer-songwriter out of El Paso.  Beto O'Rourke is a fan.  He's only 20 year's-old but already has a platinum selling, Grammy-nominated album under his belt.  More proof I'm out of touch with the times. 

Nice sound.  "Young Dumb and Broke" is good, too.


Love Lies

ACL 2018: Gryffin

Friday at 5:45pm.  I'm skipping ahead two time slots as 3:45 has BØRNS or David Byrne and 4:45 has Jungle, Lilly Allen, Manchester Orchestra, or Arkells (indie rock.  Not my cup of tea.)

This slot has The National as obvious first choice.  You won't like this as it's electronic but I figured I'd post anyway since this song is cool.  He describes it as melodic house music.  A good sound for the tent.  It's the moniker of Dan Griffith who is originally from San Francisco.  He took up producing and playing music while studying for an electrical engineering degree at USC.  His songs took off and now here he is.

Heading Home

ACL 2018: Noname

Friday at 2:45pm.  Alvvays is the obvious choice here.  Sir Sly is pop in the vein of Foster the People.  Pass.  Sasha Sloan is a Boston native now in L.A. signed to RCA Records that plays winsome pop a la Ariana Grande.  Pass.

The 4th option is pretty good.  It's the moniker of Fatimah Nyeema Warner, a rapper out of Chicago.  She has opened for Lauryn Hill and has worked with Chance the Rapper.  Her NPR Tiny Desk Concert has over 2M views.  Not bad. Her style is similar to the artist playing before her at the tent: Ravyn Lenae.


Diddy Bop

ACL 2018: Bishop Briggs

Friday at 1:45pm.  Two choices in this slot: face-melting guitar work from Reignwolf or indie rock from this singer out of L.A. by way of London, Japan and Hong Kong.  We saw Reignwolf at the Austin Ventures stage in 2013 (here's my preview).  He was fun to see live.

She has toured with Kaleo which seems to be a good fit, especially on "River".   She does a cover of the INXS song "Never Tear Us Apart".  I like the original better.

This was the best I heard.  More mellow than her other stuff.

Wild Horses

ACL 2018: Ravyn Lenae

Friday at 1:15pm.  Playing the Tito's tent is this 18 year-old out of the South Side of Chicago.  She's signed to Atlantic Records and has an EP out that Pitchfork likes.

Lots of comparisons to Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.  Might as well throw in Janelle Monae in there, too.

I like the EP.  We may have to walk over and check out some of her set.

This song was in the first episode of this season's "Insecure".  It's the scene when Issa is on the couch while her ex/roommate is in the other room with another woman.

Sticky

ACL 2018: Lewis Capaldi

Friday at 12:45pm.  The noon slot is either Alice Merton or Natalie Prass.  Fatai is a mellow singer-songwriter from Melbourne that didn't do much for me.  She's playing the Tito's tent.  I'm fine with either Merton or Prass.  We saw Prass at Gruene Hall so whatever you want to do is fine.

The next slot is either Big Thief or Nicole Atkins.  We saw them both at SXSW in 2017 at Weather Up.  Nicole Atkins put on a great show.

This is for informational purposes only.  Apparently he's primed to be the next Ed Sheeran.  His voice sounds like Hozier.  The other band in this slot, Cuco, is low-fi mellow.  Didn't do much for me.

Bruises

ACL 2018: The Blancos

Friday at 11:15am.  One more choice.  It's a duo out of South Florida/Brooklyn.  This song reminds me of Kings of Leon but their sound is all over the place.  "Fool for You" is pretty good. 

Wild Child

ACL 2018: Magic City Hippies

Friday at 11:15am.  This is a band out of Miami.  Some of their songs remind me of George Michael/Wham. "Fanfare" is a little different.  Decent sound. 

Franny

ACL 2018: Curtis Roush

Let the previews begin: Day 1. I'll stick with Weekend 2 bands.  The 11:15 slot has 5 bands all playing at the same time.  I'm not sure their strategy given that most people haven't arrived that early on a Friday.

This is my first choice.  Even though he's local we still haven't made it out to see him.  I like his solo album.  Reminds me of "Tusk"-era Fleetwood Mac.  A good mellow set to start out the day.

KUTX played this for a bit.

Getaway

SXSW 2018 Playlist

Twenty songs from some of the bands we saw.

SWSW Playlist

SXSW 2018 Recap

A busy week:

Tuesday March 13

@Blackheart
Jerry Williams
Morgan Saint
Rayland Baxter
Son Little
Shame
Nilufer Yanya
Kyle Craft
U.S. Girls (partial)
Jade Bird
Field Report

Dinner @Whole Foods

@Ray Benson's Birthday
Asleep at the Wheel
Paul Thorn
Bonnie Bishop
Jesse Dayton
Brennen Leigh and Noel McCay
Jonathan Tyler
Nikki Lane
Tony Joe White
Delbert McClinton
Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Wednesday March 14th

@Blackheart
Durand Jones and the Indications
Warbly Jets
Now, Now
Marlon Williams
Tristen
Mt. Joy
Becca Mancari

@Lustre Pearl
IDER

@Blackheart
Natalie Prass (2 songs)
SYML

Thursday March 15th

@GSD&M
The Accidentals
Joshua Hedley
Wade Bowen
AHI

@Whole Foods
Lawrence
NoMBE (2 songs)
Dizzy
KOLARS

@Waterloo
Caroline Rose

@Mouth by Mouth West (MXMW)
Arrows to Fire
Jeff Plankenhorn
Alabama Rose
Ginger Leigh

Friday March 16th

@Cheer Up Charlie's
awakebutstillinbed
Soccer Mommy
Ratboys
Hinds
No Vacation
The Wedding Present (partial)
Leikeli47
The Weather Station (partial)
Tyler Childers

@Latitude 30 (British Music Embassy)
Flyte
Colin MacLoed

@Woodrows
Hinds (partial)
Broncho

Dinner @Whole Foods (met Caroline Rose!)

Saturday March 17th

@Waterloo
Aaron Lee Tasjan

@Tiniest Bar
Harry Pane

@Paul Cauthen's Big Velvet Revue at Rustic Tap
Colter Wall
Aaron Lee Tasjan
Medicine Man Revival

@Tiniest Bar
Himalayas (last song)
Watch the Duck

SXSW 2018: Jade Imagine

The Blackheart on Wednesday is good until 3:30pm when Becca Mancari finishes.  The next two bands don't do much for me.  Natalie Prass is at 4:30pm but we've seen her.  One option is to go to Maggie Mae's for Sun Seeker at 4pm.  The other option is to go to SFAustin bar and see this band from Melbourne at 4pm.  Nice sound.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is going to march from the Paramount down Congress then along 6th St. at 5:30pm.  That could be cool to see.

Walkin' Around

SXSW 2018: NoMBe

One option after GSDM on Thursday is to go to Whole Foods for a bit.  Lawrence plays at 1:25pm and this musician from Germany plays at 1:50.

Ratboys plays Voodoo Doughnut at 1:10pm though.  We'll see how things go.

Freak Like Me

SXSW 2018: Morgan Saint

This singer from New York is playing Blackheart tomorrow at 12:30 if you want to stop by at lunch.  She's on Epic Records so she'll get major label backing.  Expect big things.  "Glass House" is really good, too.

You

SXSW 2018: The Foreign Resort

The Tiniest Bar has a schedule out for Saturday and this band from Copenhagen leads off at noon.  Reminds me of Handsome Furs.  KUTX profiled them this summer.

She is Lost

SXSW 2018: Tyler Childers

Pure country from Kentucky.  He's playing Waterloo Records at 3pm on Saturday.  His latest album was produced by Sturgill Simpson and was picked as Album of the Year by a blog I follow: Saving Country Music.  High praise as that guy is tough to please.  If we end up around West 6th on Saturday I'd like to check him out. 

"Whitehouse Road" has gotten some airplay on KUTX and Sun Radio.


Feathered Indians

SXSW 2018: Now Now

I just found KCRW's showcase.  This year it's on a Tuesday and they've moved from 3Ten to Elysium.  It's a much bigger venue but I'm sure it will still be badges and wristbands only.  Boo.

The first band at 8pm is Austin's own Hovvdy who is poised to breakout.  I listened to their album and it's pretty mellow.  I like it.

This band is out of Minneapolis and Fader says they're "America's Next Great Band".  A high compliment.  They also play the Blackheart at 1pm before Tristen so that's an option if we don't do Lamberts.

Pretty poppy.

SGL

SXSW 2018: IDLES

You'll hate this but I love it.  It's a band out of Bristol in England that is playing the British Music Embassy on Wednesday.  Definite Sex Pistols vibe.  The mosh pit awaits.


Mother

SXSW 2018: Moaning

Kevin Curtain at the Chronicle has posted his Buzz acts poised for a Breakout at SXSW and this band made his list.  Others agree as they are playing most of the big spots: Waterloo, Floodfest, Levitation, to name a few.  They also play Voodoo Doughnuts on Thursday at 4:45pm.  That's the same bill as Ratboys.  I still don't see a time for them.

These guys are from L.A. and their sound is described as post-punk.  Definite Joy Division vibe.  Their first album came out last Friday on Sub Pop Records.

Don't Go

SXSW 2018: Lo Moon

101x has their day schedule out and this band plays at 5pm on Thursday at Buffalo Billiards.  I'm not sure if they play a set like on KUTX or just a couple songs like on KGSR.  If it's a set I wouldn't mind checking them out.  I don't see them playing many gigs so this could be the only chance to see them.

KUTX has a series for SXSW called "Ones to Watch" and they profiled this trio out of L.A.  They've toured with War on Drugs are seem to be poised for bigger things.  "Loveless" is a good song, too.

This is It

SXSW 2018: Lawrence

Whole Foods just posted their schedule for Thursday-Saturday.  Colin MacLeod is playing Saturday at 2:30pm on the small stage.

This is a brother and sister from NYC that plays soul and R&B.  NPR interviewed them and posted a song if you like what you hear.  They are playing Whole Foods Thursday at 1:25pm.

This song has a Hall & Oats feel.


Alibi

SXSW 2018: Hater

The 2nd Play stages have mostly been announced.  These are the hotel shows during the down times between the day parties and the night showcases.  The shows we've seen have been hit or miss depending on the setups and the crowd noise.

This band out of Sweden is on the NPR 100 and their album last year was one of Gorilla vs. Bear's favorites.  They are playing the Austin Taco Project in the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday at 8pm.  It's in the same place we saw Julia Jacklin and Alice Phoebe Lou in 2016.  Not the best room for a quiet show but these guys should sound good there.  Good beer and wine, too.

They are compared to Alvvays.  Her voice reminds me of Blonde Redhead.

Blushing

SXSW 2018: Wallows

This band out of L.A is playing quite a few big gigs: Pandora, Waterloo, and BMI.  Probably the best chance to see them is Friday at 5pm at the Yeti store.  I'm waiting for the Folk Alliance schedule for Threadgill's on Wednesday to see if we want to head south.

Very Strokes sound, especially on "Pleaser", which is their big song so far.  This is a new one that I think I like better.

Pictures of Girls

SXSW 2018: Colin Macleod

I found the times for Friday at the British Music Embassy at Latitude 30.  Flyte goes on at 3:50 and this singer from Scotland goes on after them at 4:40.

Comments compare him to Bruce Springsteen and I guess that fits.  Reminds me a little of The Call.  His album hasn't come out yet so all I've found are youtube videos but it was produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon). 

I'm leaning toward Friday early at Blackheart before heading to Latitude 30.

Shake the Walls is good.  Not sure which of these I like better.  Definitely want to check him out.

Kicks In

SXSW 2018: Neil Frances

The B&Q BBQ by C3 at Lamberts on Wednesday is still on.  Check out the lineup:

12pm - 12:35pm: Lucy Dacus

12:50pm - 1:30pm: Neil Frances

1:45pm - 2:15pm: Thunderpussy

2:30pm - 3:00pm: Hembree

3:20pm - 4:00pm: White Reaper

4:20pm - 5:00pm: Albert Hamond Jr

Nice.  It's going to be crowded early this year.  This band is a duo out of L.A. 

These Days

SXSW 2018: Hinds

Woodrows has come out with their parties on Thursday and Friday. Hembree is playing at 2pm on Friday and this all-female group from Spain is playing at 5pm.  They've been hyped by the blogs for awhile but I haven't really liked their sound until this new song.  Catchy riff and cool sound.  Kind of a Strokes feel.

The Club

SXSW 2018: Flyte

The British Music Embassy has announced their day parties and Friday looks to be a good day.   I don't see times but this band is getting lots of buzz.  They're on the Bloggers Guide to SXSW and are playing lots of shows, including Saturday at the Tiniest Bar in Texas.  I don't see the lineup for that but Saturday has been good in the past in the Whole Foods/Waterloo/Tiniest Bar/Woodrows area.  Better than the madness of South Congress on Saturdays.

Total Beatles throwback sound on this one.

Faithless

SXSW 2018: AHI

Here is the "indie-soul" singer playing the ACL Bloody Mary Morning on Thursday before Rayland Baxter.  He's from Ontario and just released his first album. He's compared to Ray LaMontagne and Tracy Chapman. 

Nice sound. 

Ol' Sweet Day

SXSW 2018: Wade Bowen

KLRU has posted their Thursday "Bloody Mary Morning" lineup and it's country-focused this year.  The last two bands are Rayland Baxter and Shakey Graves if we want to get there late.  Before them are a couple country acts and a soul singer.  I already posted Joshua Hedley so here's the other country singer.

This singer is originally from Waco who went to school in Lubbock but now is in Austin.  He got Miranda Lambert to sing backing vocals on this song. Pretty standard country sound.  "Couldn't Make You Love Me" is much better.  It has a Chris Stapleton sound.

So Long 6th Street

SXSW 2018: Lucy Dacus

Waterloo Records has their schedule out and Lucy Dacus is playing Wednesday at 3:30pm.  I previewed her for ACL in 2016 and I'm pretty sure we caught her set but my memory sucks.  She just released her 2nd album and I've seen some glowing reviews.  She's all over the place at SXSW this year, including at the Blackheart at 2:30 on Thursday.

I'm listening to the new album, "Historian", and I like it.  She's on the NPR 100 and they predict the album will be on most Top 10 lists for 2018.


Next of Kin

SXSW 2018: SYML

KGSR has listed the bands for their morning shows and this artist from Seattle is on the list.  He's also on the NPR 100 and plays the Blackheart on Wednesday at 5pm after Natalie Prass at 4:30.  Did I mention their lineup is stacked?

 Mellow stuff a la Bon Iver.

Where's My Love

SXSW 2018: Gang of Youths

The Blackheart has announced all their bands and set times and I could easily camp out there all day every day.  Look at these lineups.  All the buzz bands in one place.  Wow.

This band is playing on Friday at 1pm after Nikki Lane at noon and Lukas Nelson at 12:30.  (You read that right.  I told you the lineup was sick.)

It's a band out of Sydney.  Reminds me of The National mixed with War on Drugs.  "The Heart Is A Muscle" is good, too.


Let Me Down Easy

SXSW 2018: Hembree

That week off is going to test my ability to research all the options this year.  I'll try to focus on the usual day parties we attend and see how that goes.  NPR just released their Austin 100 with their picks for this year if you want to do some research as well.

This band out of Kansas City is playing the NPR Showcase at Stubbs and the Stubhub day party at Banger's on Thursday at 2pm.

Nice rock sound similar to INXS.  "Two Sides" is good, too.  It reminds me of Dandy Warhols.

Had it All

SXSW 2018: Cicada Rhythm

The evening showcases are slowly coming together and a nice one just appeared: Wednesday night at Lamberts.  The 8pm band is Buxton!  Another band on the showcase is this duo out of Athens, GA. NPR likes them.  They play from 10-11.  Could be a nice mellow night.  Get there early and be home by midnight.



Don't Think Twice, It's Alright

SXSW 2018: Ratboys

I love this band.  Picture a group named Ratboys with a song called "Elvis in in the Freezer".  Now listen to the song before reading on...

Not what I expected.  The whole album is great.  It's a duo out of Chicago.  NPR has the video of that song and the story behind it.  You should watch it.  Very sweet.

Right now the only place I see them playing is Voodoo Doughnut on Thursday afternoon.  The only other band on the schedule that stands out for me is Anna Burch.

I'd like to see this band do a full show.

Molly

SXSW 2018: Mt. Joy

Pledge Music and Noise Trade have announced the first round of bands for their 4 day shows (Wed-Sat) at Blackheart.  I really liked their band choices last year and the setup at Blackheart with 2 stages is great.  They've got a good lineup again this year.

This band out of L.A. is releasing their debut album on March 2nd but they've already played on "Conan" and are getting top billing on this poster announcement.  I don't see much about them other than a Billboard article and this NPR First Listen (they've got a stream of the new album.)  They're on Dualtone Records (Shakey Graves, Langhorne Slim, Shovels and Rope).

Nice Americana sound.  I like everything I've heard.

Dirty Love

SXSW 2018: Duckwrth

This artist from South Central L.A. has already played Lollapalooza and is playing Bonnaroo so it's a good bet he'll be at ACL.  I'm sure he'll be at the big Stubb's or Moody parties.

Most of his music is more hip-hop than I like but his new stuff incorporates more soul, funk, and R&B.  This is his big song that was inspired by Michael Jackson.

MICHUUL

SXSW 2018: The Marías

I'll post two bands that we probably won't get to see as they'll be at the big showcases.  Both will probably be at ACL so no rush to see them.  The first is this band out of L.A. that is playing Coachella and is big at KCRW.  I'd say they would be a shoo-in to play the KCRW showcase but they are playing in San Antonio on Wed. the 14th which is usually the KCRW showcase night. 

Mellow dream pop.  Kind of a Bittersweet sound.

Only in My Dreams

SXSW 2018: Men I Trust

The schedules for evening showcases are starting to show up on the SXSW website.  Most of the big showcases aren't up yet, though. 

This band out of Montreal is playing Sidewinder on Wednesday night.  More pop for today.  I like their sound.

Tailwhip

SXSW 2018: Why Bonnie

Here is an Austin "bedroom pop" band that did a session on KUTX this week.  I like them.  Their album comes out Friday and they are having their album release show Saturday at Cheer Up Charlie's.  They're also playing SXSW so maybe we can catch a set.

There are quite a few new Austin bands I've heard on the 101x Homegrown podcast that I wouldn't mind checking out.  Unfortunately the shows are always late-nighters.  I'm going to look for them playing SXSW day shows and post if I find them.

This is a link to their album on Bandcamp which has 2 songs up right now.   The second song, "Practice" is nice but both are good.


In Water

SXSW 2018: Joshua Hedley

One more new artist playing the Luck Reunion.  He's out of Nashville and was just signed by Jack White's Third Man Records.  Rolling Stone has a good writeup on him.  They call him "the male counterpart to Margo Price."

His voice reminds me of a young Steve Earle.

American Love Story

SXSW 2018: Twain

Luck Reunion has released its lineup and it is impressive.   Lots of big names.  New names include Jade Bird and Cut Worms.  Those two are looking like big buzz bands this year.

Here's another new name on the list.  It's the moniker of Matt Davidson, formerly part of Spirit Family Reunion.  He's from Virginia but spent time in Brooklyn and just moved back home.  Most of his stuff is pretty mellow.  Nothing really stands out but this is pretty good.

Good Old Friend

SXSW 2018: Himalayas

More rock-n-roll, this time from Cardiff.  The BBC just announced their showcases at the British Music Embassy for the week and they play Tuesday night.  Other bands at the BBC showcases that I've already previewed are Nilüfer Yanya, Jade Bird, and Goat Girl.

This is a good song.  Nice guitar solo.

Thank God I'm Not You

SXSW 2018: The Britanys

I'll start out the week with some rock-n-roll.  This is a band out of NYC that reminds me of the Strokes.  A blog about them said "Saw them a couple of times in New York and the hype around them was intense…"

I listened to their EP they just released and it's pretty good.  Straight-up old-school Strokes.


Basketholder

SXSW 2018: Salt Cathedral

Pandora is the first big party to announce some artists so hopefully that opens the floodgates for  announcements.  Lukas Nelson and Nathaniel Rateliff are the big names.  We never go to this as it's ridiculously crowded but it may be worth checking out some of these bands at other parties.

This is a duo originally from Columbia that is now based in Brooklyn.  They were here at SXSW last year but it looks like their profile will be much higher this year.  Light synth-pop sound.  Their debut album was supposed to come out last year but so far they've just released a few singles.  Maybe they'll release it around SXSW.  "Fragments" is more mellow than the one below.

Always There When I Need You

SXSW 2018: Ruby Boots

For some reason I keep posting female musicians.  Here's another one that was just posted on local blog hearya.  It's the moniker of Australia native and now Nashville resident Bex Chilcott.  She's signed to Bloodshot Records and her latest album just came out.

This reminds me of Nikki Lane.  According to Rolling Stone they are friends.  She (Lane) was just added to the SXSW schedule, too.  Maybe they'll both be at the same showcase.

Don't Talk About It

SXSW 2018: Becca Mancari

This is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter that is also part of the band Bermuda Triangle (which includes Brittany Howard).  We'll see them at Antone's on April 5th.   She'll be at SXSW solo.

Rolling Stone and NPR like her.  NPR compares her to Big Thief and War on Drugs.  Not bad.  "Devil's Mouth" is a good song. The whole album is nice.

Summertime Mama

SXSW 2018: Anna Burch

Still no announcements on showcases or day parties so I'll keep highlighting bands I come across.  This is a musician out of Detroit that just released her debut album.  Pitchfork compares her to Juliana Hatfield and Liz Phair.  Sounds about right to me.


Tea Soaked Letter

SXSW 2018: Caroline Rose

This artist just popped up on one of the local blogs, sideonetrackone, so I figured I'd post it here.   Her new album is coming out on New West Records on February 23rd.  Here's some coverage from  NPR and Vice.

This song reminds me of Jenny Lewis. 

Getting to Me

SXSW 2018: Gordi

I'll stick with Jagjaguwar artists today.  This is the moniker of Sophie Payten, a singer-songwriter out of Sydney.  She has opened for Bon Iver, another Jagjaguwar artist.  Her sound is similar.  Her debut album came out in August.  Paste calls it electrofolk.  Sounds about right.

Long Way

SXSW 2018: Cut Worms

This band is the moniker of Brooklyn based Max Clarke.  His EP was produced by Foxygen's Jonathan Rado and is on the Jagjaguwar label.  Lots of indie cred there.  NPR compares his sound to the Everly Brothers but I hear some old Beatles as well as Graham Parsons, at least in this song.  I listened to the EP, "Alien Sunset" and like it.  A nice mellow sound.

Like Going Down Sideways

SXSW 2018: Soccer Mommy

This band is opening for Pheobe Bridgers at Antone's but she's also coming to SXSW.  It's the moniker of Nashville based Sophia Allison.  She's signed to Fat Possum Records and her album comes out March 2nd.

I like this song.  "Cool" is also good.  She also released an album in August that is on Amazon called "Collections".  I like it, too.  We should get to Antone's early.  It's already sold out so we got lucky. (Thanks Kim!)

Your Dog

SXSW 2018: Collapsing Stars

We'll stick with Americana today.  This is a duo out of the Twin Cities that released their debut album in August.  They're compared to Father John Misty and Ben Harper but this song is closer to maybe Nickel Creek or Jack Johnson.  Their album is streaming on bandcamp.   Mellow stuff but I like it.

The Storm

SXSW 2018: Jade Bird

Americana/Country from a 20 year-old Londoner.  Rolling Stone compares her to First Aid Kit.  She actually has opened for them on their tour and was at SXSW last year before her EP was released.  I think her profile will be higher this year.

Lottery

SXSW 2018: Goat Girl

Here's another buzz band that may be worth checking out.  It's a band out of London signed to Rough Trade Records (MMJ, Benjamin Booker).  Their debut album hasn't come out yet and I can't find the release date.  I assume it's soon.  DIY Magazine has them in their "Class of 2018". Their song "Country Sleeze" reminds me of Courtney Barnett.   "Scream" is also good.

Here's a more mellow song:

Crow Cries

SXSW 2018: Pale Waves

80s inspired pop from a band out of Manchester.  Their debut album was produced by The 1975 frontman Matty Healy and is coming out soon.  The BBC has them on their Sound of 2018 list and MTV UK has them on their Brand New 2018 list.  Expect them to be at the big showcases and day parties.

A little poppy for me.  "Television Romance" is quite popular apparently: the Youtube video has 3M views.  This song is more mellow but they all sound similar.

My Obsession

SXSW 2018: Field Trip

We'll stick with Real Estate sounds today.  This is the moniker of California raised and now New York based Noah Davies.   They've been to SXSW the last two years but this is the first time I've run across them.

Their whole album is streaming on bandcamp.  Nice mellow stuff.  I like it.




Song for CA

SXSW 2018: Baywaves

Here is a quartet out of Madrid.  Definite Real Estate sound on this one.  They don't have much out there other than this. 

Gliss

SXSW 2018: Nilüfer Yanya

Another song with Baby in the title.  This is from a 22-year old London singer.  She was picked for the BBC's Sound of 2018.  Quite an honor.  She's also been profiled by Pitchfork and The Guardian, who gave a good description of her sound:

"Growing up listening to Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse and Pixies (she does a terrific cover of Hey), she was also exposed to a mix of diverse sounds thanks to her artist parents, who have Turkish, Irish and Bajan heritage. Her husky voice and sparse, lo-fi sound flit between soul, R&B and indie." 

Expect more buzz.

"Golden Cage" is a cool song.

Baby Luv

SXSW 2018: Helena Deland

This is a very cool song.  She's out of Montreal.  Kind of a Mazzy Star/Cowboy Junkies feel.   Not much more out there on her, though.  She has released an EP and is working on an album.  Another song, "There are a Thousand", was just released.  It's nice, too.

Baby

SXSW 2018: Sun Seeker

Here's a band out of Nashville that plays psych rock/Americana.  Their EP was released on Jack White's Third Man Records.  They did a session on World Cafe, too.  Not bad for a bunch of kids that just turned 21. 

Nice sound.  A little Whitney mixed with Chris Isaak maybe?

Won't Keep Me Up at Night

SXSW 2018: Haley Heynderickx

It's that time again: time to start researching which bands we want to check out at SXSW.  I'll start with a quirky song by a musician from Portland.  Stereogum calls her "An Artist to Watch".  Her first album comes out March 2nd.

She's got a little Hooray for the Riff Raff sound mixed with Joni Mitchell.

Oom Sha La La