Attending the SXSW conference and festivals in Austin, Texas, was an enjoyable experience filled with a mix of music and comedy. Amidst the busy streets and various venues, I encountered a diverse range of artists and performers. From indie rock bands to up-and-coming hip-hop acts, the music scene offered something for everyone. Here is what I thought of what I saw
Day 1:
Simon Williams
Our esteemed music contributor was honoured at this year’s SXSW with an interview live on stage to cement his 30 years running indie label Fierce Panda. A home at one point to many including Placebo, Green Day, Embrace, Coldplay, Keane and Ash the latter of whom also released their current album on this legendary label.
A heartfelt journey both musically and personally (he spoke of his father’s suicide as well as his attempt). He delivered the keynote speech with warmth and humour despite having a difficult ride both in life and with his label. He has lived to tell his story and we are all better off for it.
He is a genuine one-off. A talented a’n’r man and writer. He’s to the next 30!
Rating: 5 stars
Mauvey
Interesting innovative artist from Ghana who blends ultra grooves with hip hop flavours, but with real soul. An artist who has a big personality and a future ahead
Rating: 4.5 stars
Peevie Wonders
Bouncy psychedelic ranty rock. The frontman has a certain looney charm for sure but the music seems dated.
Rating: 2 stars
Alisa Amadour
Stunning vocals from this jazz alt-folk artist. This charismatic songstress is the real deal. Songs with soaring choruses and heartfelt lyrics. A winning combination.
Rating: 5 stars
Hembree
What a find! The first song I walk into is Part Gary Numan mixed with Michael Jackson. Loved this!!
These Kansas City natives have a powerful sound combined with catchy songs and incredible stage shows. Indie rock but there’s nothing indie about this band’s appeal
Rating: 5 Stars
Daydream Twins
Shoe-gazing indie grunge but not in a good way.
The vocalist Jordan is painfully out of tune sadly… she’s gorgeous but that won’t be enough to break through… touted as the next big thing to come out of Austin I think not!
Rating: 1 star
Living Hour
Downbeat dour and sadly very dull.
Hailing from Winnipeg Canada the band has no redeeming features. I’m a passionate fan of Canadian music but this can go in the pile alongside Celine and Bieber.
Rating: 0 stars
Stamptown Comedy
Waiting for acts to come on is curator Zach miming the keyboard another is dancing manically wearing what looks like a purple Robin Hood outfit on roller skates! This is Dylan ….
This sets the scene perfectly for what’s to come….
Two men dressed in a top to toe blue skin-tight leotards aka morph suits with faces covered continue the random dancing …alongside the skater who is either brilliantly skilled or utterly shit at skating! He continues to entertain with an umbrella of glitter and bubble machines. Clowning at its best!
Zach this bizarre show leader comes on full throttle he is the founder of ST and tonight’s compere.
The only Brit on the show kicks it off and kills it, Stu Goldsmith. His jokes are relatable to a global audience and then some.
Erin – the character comedian pretends to be staff at the venue very very funny and should be in movies.
Salvatore Giovanni’s character conductor but with sexual hand movements pushes the boundaries in a good way.
Christina Catherine Martinez: Comes from the back singing without music. Crying about how hard it is being a woman in comedy and then reveals she has shrimps for eyes! (You have to be there!) and then it turned again into the funniest thing I’ve seen for a long time… that involved a member of the audience and her pizza vagina – say no more. Clowning on another level!! Wow, mind-blowing 🤯
Another comedian came on pretending to be Zach with a very ambiguous accent… Then reveals instead it’s his son!! Emmy award winner Ikechukwu Ufomadu comes on with a bit of nonsense… but genius nonsense! Totally Unique.
The final act is the incredible Asher Treleaven formerly of the hilarious double act Peter And Bambi Heaven and a seasoned Vegas performer a brilliant ending to this unique comedy night
Rating: 5 stars
Day 2
Reeva
Beautiful vocals from this new young artist from Derry. Young, talented and gorgeous this artist is set for big things!
Playing a short set the last song was called ‘Call Me Up’ and was a blinder!
I was blessed to see her first-ever show performed acoustically looking forward to seeing her next fully electric set.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Ash
Performing acoustically they start with a classic single Take Me in Arms Again sounded great – a lost classic from the 90s. The original lineup followed with a current single ‘Race the Night’ which sounds like a future classic! For their new music, the band returned to their original home of Fierce Panda Records!
Ending with Girl From Marrs their biggest hit the band didn’t fail to disappoint! Great morning it’s not even noon!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Asha Jefferies
Brisbane-raised melodic pop vocalist Asha makes her mark at her first showcase of the week. She has a stunning voice that is pitch-perfect. Her debut album ‘Ego Ride’ will be out on 12th April 2024 through Nettwerk Music Group. Track ‘Brand New Bitch is a stand out’. She is certainly one to watch!
Rating: 4 stars
SOFI PAEZ
The venue is the perfect setting for this whimsical vocalist and piano player. The Berlin-based artist plays shimmering keys with complementary scattered vocals that are both enthralling and hypnotic.
Rating: 4 stars
Gummy Fang
Out-of-tune vocalist sadly overshines what could very well be good indie pop tunes.
Rating: 1 star (thanks for going on stage)
Ashley Barnhill
Dark comedy from this cute and kooky Austin-based performer. Great Bambi joke at the start quickly goes into abortion material both stories were as edgy as the next! Brilliant find here a future star.
Rating: 5 stars
Orlando Leyba
A fantastic comic who opens his set with hilarious observations about rolling up to the venue. He then talks about taking hallucinogenic drugs in the desert to help with depression as therapy is too expensive! This leads to another side-splitting story. He’s on top of his game He was just on America’s Got Talent and should have won! Soon to play arenas in my opinion.
Rating: 5 stars
Dulcie Sloan
Was so entranced that her set flew by… this woman is a powerhouse superstar on a different level. She packed a ton into her 25-minute set. Stories about her looking for a husband and her mother and brother moving in with her in Los Angeles. This woman is a comedy legend in the making
Rating: 5+ stars
Pete Lee
Wisconsin-born steps out with an erectile dysfunction joke and it went downhill from there. For me he bombed.
Rating: 2 stars
Chris Gethard
A super likeable but very funny man who is relatable and a safe pair of comedy hands.
Rating: 4 stars
