South By Southwest is a music, comedy, film, education and culture festival that takes place in Austin, Texas from March 7-15. Entertainment Now has been attending events at SXSW to bring you the best of what’s new in town.
Here Polly Carter rounds up some of the hottest new sounds in town.
Wednesday
Scam Likely @ Marlow
An energetic start from this female fronted pink outfit sadly the music seems dated and the vocalist was slightly off key throughout … 2 stars
Blood Club @ Elysium – shoe gazing three piece. I couldn’t understand any of the lyrics and the vocals are in low monotonous tones that really didn’t do anything for me. 2 stars
Brutus 111 @ Valhalla – Walking into a song called skinny girl with a skinny girl writhing around on the stage is immediately off putting especially since the song is called ‘EatingDisorder’. The singer looks like an accountant and is talking not singing. This is the first time I’ve walked out of a show. 1 star
CLEREL @ Swan Dive – Incredible vocalist and songwriter Clerel sings his heart out using heartfelt lyrics and with pure emotion. What a find! 5 stars
Knitting @ Swan Dive Patio – Bass heavy grunge gazers take to the stage in a shy way. The songs are melodic but sadly they are simply a bit boring. 2.5 stars
Fourth Daughter @ Creek and Cave Solo Scottish electronic artist Emily Atkinson aka Fourth Daughter has a brilliant voice with songs to match. Cool with tunes that stay in your head this young artist has a bright future ahead of her. 5 stars
ARCHER OH @ Valhalla Melody driven guitar act with a lead vocalist that is both cool and quirky.The songs shine throughout. The band could have a very broad appeal from teenagers all the way up! 4.5 stars
THE OBGMS @ Swan Dive PatioFantastic live rock band that has another level of energy. The crowd are clearly loving it and so they should. This Canadian act means business and they are here to stay. The songs resonate and are chanty and sing along. One to watch for sure! 5 stars
RIBBON SKIRT @ Swan Dive Atmospheric female fronted alt rock band. The vocalist has an ethereal voice that’s unusual. Th songs aren’t bad but her performance lacks and she hardly opens her eyes throughout the set. 2.5 stars
CAMPFIRE SOCIAL @ The Creek and The Cave Welsh indie pop darlings deliver jangly pop that’s up-beat and fun. Great tunes with lovely vocal harmonies the future for this five piece looks bright. 4.5 star
THURSDAY
Joan & The Giants @ Creek & Cave Colourful front woman Gracie sets the stage alight with her incredible vocals and live performance. This Perth act is set for big things outside of their homeland. ‘Beg’ is a hit in waiting. ‘I Don’t Want To Sleep Alone’ is a heartfelt song about her break up a beautiful song that resonates. She’s a star! 5 stars
Mike Fitz @ The Westin Hotel: extraordinary vocalist and songwriter from the UK with beautifully crafted songs reminiscent of artists like Coldplay. This young talent could go far. It’s also a joy to see his confidence in talking to the audience, which is a major asset and sets apart the boys from the men. 4.5 stars
MOIRA & CLAIRE @ SWAN DIVE This female duo blow me away with their gorgeous blended vocals. The track ‘No Hesitation’ is stunning. Lyrically brutally and honest this is a strong single. I’m in awe! 5 stars
KAYPS @ CREEK & CAVE This rapper engages the crowd immediately and he looks cool in his black and white t-shirt glasses combo. Great vibe all round. He raps like a MF and gets the small crowd dancing. 4 stars
HANORAH @ Swan Dive This is a pop soul diva in the making. She sounds like Mary J Blige, who is surely a strong influence. This singer songwriter has the look and the talent to make it. 4.5 stars
MAZ @ Valhalla This artist has a sweet voice but has no star quality sadly. Low fi and boring. 2 stars
KASSIDY @ MARLOW Positive energy shines from the front man and his chops shine even brighter. This man can sing!!!! And the songs are chart ready. He deserves success in abundance 4.5 stars
BOO SEEKA @ The Creek and The Cave Interesting electronic two piece that’s both really cool and also has crossover potential. The songs are memorable.4.5 stars
ROWENA WISE @ CREEK & CAVE This sultry Aussie singer is a force to be reckoned with . Her vocal style – a sweeter Chrissie Hynde meets Susanna Hoffs is beautiful, even angelic. Her songs weave between dark and light moments of her life. A mesmerising performance. 5 stars
FRIDAY
SIERRA SPIRIT @ BMI Brunch – This alt-country singer has great tunes but sadly the sound lets her down at this showcase. A friend saw her a few days ago and thought she was excellent though.3.5 stars
Andr @ Rivian Stage This Taiwanese artist sounds like The Cardigans in recordings but that is a good thing. Live there is much more variety. Her cutesy vocals and unusual riffs make her a distinctive artist and could propel her internationally. Lots of good songs here. 4.5 stars
Madeleine @ Rivian Stage This is a bit acid jazz and a bit lacklustre No stage prescence 1 star
MAGNA @ International Nights at Rivian Park Stage This artist is very cool with an amazing voice and could reach mass appeal if he sung in English 4.5
Naras Room @ Swan Dive Engaging female fronted grungy alt guitar act with atmospheric guitar melodies. Vocals sadly were off throughout. The band members were introduced via ai which was odd…. Not bad but not great 3 stars
Jasmine 4.T @ Swan Dive After receiving rave reviews for her music it as a show I had to see. Sadly this is an over hyped artist with little vocal ability. I had so much wanted to like them. Underwhelming . 2 stars
SHOWER CURTAIN @ Swan Dive Female fronted rock band with zero swagger and out of tune vocals. Average at best sadly they don’t set the stage alight. 2 stars
