SXSW 2026: Buddy Red

 This artist is playing the Paste Party at 2pm on Monday the 16th.  Per the SXSW bio:

Buddy Red is the Southern blues artist delivering the raw, cinematic sound of the Black American experience. A vocalist, guitarist, and preacher of truth, he stands where the cosmic mystique of Jimi Hendrix meets the uncompromising funk of James Brown and the psychedelic scope of Pink Floyd. A fixture of Atlanta's legendary Northside Tavern, Buddy is a vital voice recognized for his visceral guitar work and impassioned storytelling.

This interview says:

 Many first met him as Messiah Harris, son of hip-hop legend T.I. and stepson of Tiny Harris, on their reality show T.I and Tiny:The Family Hustle. Now, Buddy Red makes it clear he isn’t building his brand on anyone’s name but his own.

In our conversation, he opens up about what it means to be a rocker raised in a home rooted in R&B and hip-hop, how he carved out space for a sound that didn’t match his surroundings, and how picking up a guitar — and stepping fully into blues, rock and psychedelic funk — helped him find his voice, his purpose and his freedom of expression

"When I Dream" is live. Definitely a Hendrix vibe.  He jams at the end.

This is good, too.

SXSW 2026: TTSSFU

 This is another recommended artist from the Statesman.  According to Wikipedia:

Tasmin Nicole Stephens (born 2003), also known as TTSSFU, is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Manchester. She played guitar in the post punk band Duvet and has since gained prominence as a solo artist in the shoegaze and dream pop genres.

The Statesman article says:

she’s from Wigan, England. She creates wispy-voiced, ethereally arranged, industrial rock with a ‘90s edge. Crack Magazine notes it captures the malaise of what it’s like to live in Wigan, partying in dives.

She plays the Paste Party Monday the 16th at 1pm.

"Forever" is good. Right in my wheelhouse.

 This is her most streamed song. Could be a good way to start the day.

SXSW 2026: The Family Battenberg

The Statesman came out with their "12 breakout artists our critics say you need to see in Austin".  I posted a few of them already. The others are not in my wheelhouse.  I'll skip most of them.  

The Statesman article says:

The Cardiff, U.K. band mates are passengers boarding the garage rock revival train that Fontaines D.C. and Turnstile already ride. Their 2025 EP “Spider Rock Forever” is an appropriate successor to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, especially the songs “Foggy” and “Gwyllgi.”

They play two day shows we could see: the Paste Party on Friday the 13th at 12:20pm and BME at Palm Door on Monday the 16th at 2pm.

The SXSW bio says: "The Family Battenberg have perfected a filthy, fuzzy psychedelic sound that they’ve coined as “spider rock.”"

"Anteater" is definitely a filthy, fuzzy psychedelic sound.

This is a little better. Has a harder "Heavy Heavy" feel.

SXSW 2026: The Braymores

 This is a band out of Chicago that's playing Radio/East and Meanwhile Brewing on Saturday. 

"Scenic Drive" is a nice mellow tune.

This is a good song. A fun Saturday afternoon band.

SXSW 2026: Tom A. Smith

This artist is playing the British Music Embassy. He's also playing Waterloo Records. SXSW says he's: "A 21 year old singer/songwriter/producer based in Sunderland, England."

"Never Good Enough" is a nice song. He looks 12 in it.

This is from his new EP.