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Tag: Artists to Watch


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Review: Sarah Kinsley: ‘Ascension’

Posted on July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 by Buket Urgen

Ascension is the latest EP from rising star Sarah Kinsley. Kinsley first rose to prominence with her viral hit “The King”, which introduced audiences to her talented musicianship, soulful voice and melancholic aura. Kinsley, 22, is young but her self-written songs showcase the craftsmanship of a well-seasoned artist, which is somewhat of a rarity amongst the current class of rising stars, who (on average) prefer to focus on marketability rather than artistry.

Kinsley, who produces her own songs, creates an alluring sonic landscape on Ascension with her knack for finding chaos and beauty in the mundane. On TikTok, she shares bits of her process which show her using a glass bottle on her guitar and hitting random object in her apartment as pieces to her songs. She says what enthralls her the most is “sounds that are individually really bizarre” and how “their essence amongst the collective creates a sonic environment that is so captivating.”

Ascension opens up with “Oh No Darling!”, which is a song Kinsley coins as “sarcastic” and “mean” but also “silly”. She grapples with age, growing up and being stuck in the past. Kinsley creates an endless melody, subverting expectations of classic pop. It’s hard to predict where the song is going, without an arc and a natural conclusion, the listener expects more.

The second track, “Black Horse”, tackles the dichotomy of sanity versus insanity. The pre-chorus builds with layers upon layers of vocals, giving a rich texture to the song, which Kinsley points to as one of her proudest moments on the record.

On the title-track, Kinsley leans into her classically trained roots, incorporating strings into her execution. Oft deemed “too emotional”, Kinsley was chastised for being unwilling to conform to the rigidity of classical music, but now she embraces it. She adorns her songs with classical elements, such as strings in the background, which give her indie pop a timeless quality.

As an early single, “Lovegod” is a standout song on the EP with biting lyrics like “singing holy praises to an indifferent god”. It’s snarky, clever and dreamy. A wistful anthem for the lonely. She packages it all off with “Sliver of Time”, where you can hear uncanny hints of Mitski and Lana Del Rey, both of whom she often draws comparisons to in the comments section of her videos. Regardless, Kinsley remains a wholly original and gifted writer/producer.

Artists to Watch: Bonnaroo 2019

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Jacklyn Citero

It’s that time of year again. The time when Bonnaroovians return to The Farm that many call home for 3 or 4 or even 5 nights of Bonnaroo magic.

Whether you’re split on the arguments that Bonnaroo died and lost all that magic years ago, or it will never be the same, or that the festival has become a giant experiential place to be seen…that’s neither here nor there. One thing we can agree on is that music remains at the heart of Bonnaroo.

While this leads to another bonnargument about recent lineups and the strength of these said lineups, we believe there are still many music discoveries to be made in those hot dusty fields in the middle of Manchester, TN.

Check out a few Bonnaroo 2019 artists that made it on our Watch List this year.

ALEX LAHEY
The 24-year-old Australian musician takes her rise up the ranks from music student to ‘an artist with one of the most highly anticipated debut albums of 2017. A founding member of avant poppers Animaux, multi-instrumentalist Lahey has now gone solo and pared down her sound, embracing a simple, home-spun story-telling style that’s often underlined by her second love, the fuzz pedal.

ARLIE
Arlie comes to The Farm from a little town right up the road from Manchester called Nashville. With a combo sound of one of those bedroom pop projects, mixed with retro-fetishist, Beatles-brainwashed, Pet Sounds devotees. Why should you go see Arlie on Thursday night? Because they’re down right good, that’s why.

BAZZI
Grasping smoked-out sensual R&B and widescreen pop sensibilities inside of an eighties-inspired high-fashion fever dream, Michigan-born and Los Angeles-based singer, producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Bazzi wants to take you on a trip.  His latest hit “Mine,” has quickly solidified him as one of 2018’s breakthrough artists. Over a sultry and simmering beat punctuated by the magical pluck of a heart and video game warbles, he croons intoxicating lines like, “You so fucking precious when you smile.” It’s a hard one to get out of your head.

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
Broken Social Scene is a baroque indie rock act founded by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning and includes members of Metric, Do Make Say Think, Stars, as well as Grammy-nominated Feist. They are one of the most enduring and influential alternative rock groups to come out of the early-aughts Torontopia movement. The band’s debut You Forgot It In People largely defined the “indie rock” era and paved the way for Canadian acts like Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade to break out. Their most recent album ‘Hug Of Thunder’ was released in 2017 and features appearances by all original members including Leslie Feist, Emily Haines, Jimmy Shaw, and Amy Millan. Produced by legendary Grammy Award-winner Joe Chiccarelli (White Stripes, Spoon, The Strokes) and mixed by Grammy Award-winner Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Lucius).

DREAMERS
L.A.-via-Brooklyn trio DREAMERS, maybe best known for their national radio hit, the electro-sprinkled pop gem “Sweet Disaster,” and their sound of grungy guitar fuzz bombs, snappy synth-pop grooves and irresistible pop hooks. Just in time for summer and their performance at Roo, DREAMERS released the new single “Screws,” a sensually charged track driven by pounding drumbeats and lyrics that perfectly channel the frenzy of the mental and physical unraveling of a relationship. 

JAPANESE BREAKFAST
A solo moniker for Philadelphia musician Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast began as a month-long, song-a-day writing challenge during a break from her indie rock band Little Big League. The result was 2013’s June, an intimate set of melodic, electric guitar-accompanied lo-fi tunes issued on cassette by Ranch Records. Three years later her album Psychopomp had bigger, synth-boosted sounds that bridged lo-fi and indie pop. The album dealt with the emotional fallout of her mother’s death.

MATT MAESON
There’s a rare directness to Matt’s music: he sings like the dead singer-songwriters, full of troubled and tensile grace. His sound is spare and rich and restless. Vines of guitar weave around his voice; half-remembered melodies drift overhead like ghosts. This is the Matt Maeson we now have after Matt Maeson was killed. But who killed Matt Maeson? Maybe the devil, who haunted his parents, two reformed teenage outlaws who played in religious heavy-metal bands and wouldn’t let him listen to rock on the radio. Or maybe it was the volatile spirit that brought Matt to prison the first three hundred times. He played shows with his mom and dad, proprietors of a prison ministry since he was young. The family lived on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, and worked wherever the faithful wouldn’t feel like they belonged. They drove south to Florida and west to Montana, rumbling through maximum-security lockups with fire and benediction, drums and guitars. Matt spent years on the road to prisons and biker rallies: he played songs about salvation in front of strippers and Hell’s Angels at Sturgis, one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the world. If this description doesn’t make you the bit curious, then you don’t deserve Matt Maeson.

THE NORM
When step-brothers Bryan Rucker and Ryan Bars became family, they realized they had at least one thing in common – music. Born and raised in South Florida, the duo combine their urban roots of hip-hop, rock, and pop to formulate a sound they like to refer to as “hip-rock.” Drawing comparisons to Twenty One Pilots, Macklemore, and Fall Out Boy, the brothers of The Norm most certainly defy the musical “norm.” The dual frontman band currently resides in Athens, GA, (our favorite) where they won the 2017 Flagpole Music Awards Artist of the Year. The Norm has shared the stage with artists such as 311, Shakey Graves, The Revivalists, Moon Taxi, White Denim, Mayday, Arrested Development, and many more. The band most recently won The Road To Roo competition representing the state of Georgia and will be performing at The Bonnaroo Music Festival this Summer.

OLIVER HAZARD
Oliver Hazard is an American indie folk band from Waterville, Ohio. Their music is a ramshackle of uprooted-folk stomp from a chain gang choir of three.

TASH SULTANA
We first caught this young, dynamic artist creating waves and generating massive street buzz at Hangout this year. Tash made a name for herself busking on the streets of Melbourne, selling out shows with no promo and having homemade videos go viral online getting tens of millions of views. Since having her hands wrapped around a guitar at the age of three, the self taught artist quickly developed her own unique style that has people lining up to see her perform. Her vocals shine with a magical quality, Tash has a natural gift for melody and her virtuosic playing of over 20 instruments is from another planet.

THUNDERCAT
As Thundercat, bassist/songwriter/vocalist Stephen Bruner takes his jazz roots and works with a mix of artists that suit his wildly experimental sensibilities – ranging from Flying Lotus, Erykah Badu, and Stanley Clarke, as well as more recent collaborations with Wiz Khalifa and Earl Sweatshirt, to name but a few. His music is known to straddles lines and push genres further, blurring the confines of pop, funk, electronica and prog rock, and creating something else entirely.

 

Five Artists Who Could be Huge Pop Stars by the End of 2017

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Darby McNally

Every spring, we see the release of new pop music as the genre awakens from its winter lull. Upcoming and already established artists vie for a coveted spot on Top 40 radio’s regular rotation, hoping to earn themselves a hit that gets airplay well into the summer and potentially leads to a lasting career. Of course, one single on the Hot 100 won’t thrust someone into superstardom, but it’s definitely the first step. Pop is a hostile genre; there are plenty of one-hit-wonders and artists whose careers fizzle out after a couple of singles. While there is no set formula or instruction manual for becoming a pop star, there are certain characteristics all of them share. Each are effortlessly unique and individualistic while simultaneously being marketable to a huge demographic. This dichotomy is a difficult balancing act, but it’s not impossible. We’ve made a list of five artists who we think could pull it off in the very near future.

1) Noah Cyrus

Noah makes following in the footsteps of an older sibling who just happens to be an ex-Disney superstar look exceptionally easy. After the release of her debut single – the vocally impressive Labrinth collab “Make Me (Cry)” – late last year, she’s proving she has what it takes to carve her own path. She’s also lent her voice to an EDM track produced by Marshmello and Ookay, giving us a taste of her own personal style. With her debut album NC-17 set to release sometime this year, we’re excited to see what the youngest Cyrus has in store.

2) Kehlani

Kehlani is the ultimate comeback kid. After some personal issues took the spotlight at the beginning of last year, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter has since reinvented herself, reemerging onto the scene with an air of unstoppable fierceness. Fresh off of the release of her debut album SweetSexySavage, Kehlani has both the momentum and the image to make it in the pop scene. Her single “Distraction” has been on heavy rotation on hip-hop and R&B stations, and it’s only a matter of time before Top 40 takes notice.

3) SZA

While her discography includes a long list of high-profile collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Chance the Rapper and Jill Scott, it’s SZA’s unique vocal and personal style that make her a good candidate for solo mainstream success. Her debut album CTRL, which will be released sometime this year, is one of the most anticipated of 2017. If the rest of the album is as promising as its first single, Top 40 could be welcoming her soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meka6L6qXzw

4) Tinashe

Multitalented R&B songstress Tinashe has been patiently waiting her turn to take over the Top 40 since 2011. A rare gem of the pop world, she’s been writing and producing her own songs, as well as creating high-energy visuals for her performances, for six years. It seems as if she’s been flirting with megastardom for the duration of her career. Her recent collab with Britney Spears was certainly memorable, but it wasn’t enough to push her over the threshold. We believe that Joyride – the 2017 release that will serve as part two of her 2016 release Nightride – will be the album that brings Tinashe mainstream success.

5) Marian Hill

This funky electronic duo is a force to be reckoned with. Comprised of producer Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol, Marian Hill writes music from the perspective a woman who is in control of her sexuality, a theme that couldn’t be more relevant to the zeitgeist. Thanks to the single’s placement in an Apple AirPods commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, they’re current single “Down” is gaining traction on mainstream pop radio. The duo’s collab with Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui was another smart move, drawing in a new demographic of fans outside of their already established fanbase. “Down” shouldn’t be last we see of Marian Hill on the pop charts.

Artists to Watch: Shaky Knees 2016

Posted on May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 by Camren Skelton

shaky knees

The fourth annual Shaky Knees Music Festival returns to Atlanta May 13-15 with an impressive lineup that is sure to keep you busy bouncing between stages. Headliners include Florence + The Machine, My Morning Jacket and Jane’s Addiction, but the acts that fall in between are sure to be just as exciting. Check out the 10 acts you won’t want to miss in this year’s lineup:


1. The Front Bottoms
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Hailing from New Jersey, this indie rock duo brings an eclectic blend of pop, rock and punk sounds to the stage. That, in addition to the witty lyrics that offer a glimpse into the world surrounding them, makes The Front Bottoms an act to catch at this year’s festival.

 

 2. Wolf Alice
wolf alice

An alt-rock outfit hailing from North London, Wolf Alice mixes folk, grunge and electronic elements with vintage ’90s indie rock. The band released their first full-length, My Love Is Cool, last summer. Check them out in this year’s lineup as you eagerly anticipate what they have in store for the future.

 

 3. The Struts
struts

The loud sound these English rockers bring to the stage will be hard to miss at this year’s festival. Their classic rock style and big, bright vocals make for a performance you can’t help but sing and dance along to and the upbeat tempos of their latest release, Everybody Wants, will be more than enough to sweep you off your feet.

 

 4. Beach Slang
beach-slang-by-jessica-flynn-36

This young band’s tireless love for music and life shines through in their part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

 

 5. Alex G
AlexGHollow

The multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter started his career through a series of DIY releases on Bandcamp. After the critical acclaim of his sixth album, DSU, a series of re-issues of past albums, and signing with Domino Recording Company, Alex G released his first album with the label, titled Beach Music, in 2015. With an already impressive resume, this young artist is one to catch in this year’s lineup.

 

 6. Barns Courtney

barns courtney

After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Barns Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of U.S. blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable U.S.-British twang. His interesting sound and undeniable catchy melodies make him an act you will want to follow.

 

 7. Son Little
son little

Singer, instrumentalist and songwriter Aaron Livingston—aka Son Little—brings an eclectic sound to the stage with his blend of acoustic blues, vintage soul and hip-hop. His expressive lyrics are refreshingly personal, and give the listener a small glimpse into his perspective on the world around him.

 

 8. Diet Cig
diet cig

This pop rock band from New York has a fun and upbeat sound that captures the innocence of adolescence. While the young duo is relatively new to the music scene, they are already well on their way to a strong track record. Each song is overflowing with an intense and undeniable energy, making Diet Cig an act you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.

 

 9. Kaleo
12438971_444505185742588_5873902346957073701_n

You won’t want to miss the driving indie folk sound this quartet brings to the stage. Hailing from Iceland, the band started playing together as teenagers, adopting the name Kaleo—a Hawaiian word for “the sound.” Inspired by a mix of blues, folk, country and rock, the band’s eclectic sound is one you won’t want to get out of your head.

 

 10. The Dear Hunter
dearhunt

Originating in Providence, Rhode Island, The Dear Hunter began as a solo, side project of Casey Crescenzo. Now, the progressive rock band’s sound features a wide variety of instruments and styles, and their eclectic style and energy makes them an artist to watch out for.

SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Camren Skelton

SXSW

With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.

1. The Accidentals

the accidentals

Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.

When to see them:

3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)

2. Barns Courtney

barns courtney

With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.

Where to see him:

3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)

3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)

3. Beach Slang

beach slang

In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

Where to see them:

3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)

3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)

3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)

4. Cicada Rhythm

cicada

What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.

Where to see them:

3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)

5. Dilly Dally

dillydally

 

Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.

Where to see them:

3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)

6. DMA’s

DMAs

On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)

3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)

7. Japanese Breakfast

japnesebfast

A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)

8. The Kickback

kickback6

The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.

Where to see them:

3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)

9. Marlon Williams

mw

New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.

Where to see him:

3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)

3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)

3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)

10. Mothers

mothers

Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.

Where to see them:

3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)

3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)

11. Moving Panoramas

moving panoramas

Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)

3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)

12. Roomsounds

roomsounds

Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.

Where to see them:

3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)

13. Sunflower Bean

sunflowerbean

What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)

3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)

3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)

14. Sweet Spirit

Sweet Spirit

The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.

Where to see them:

3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)

15. Saint Pé

saint pe

After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.

Where to see him:

3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)

16. Spookyland

Spookyland-2015-press-photo-1a

The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.

Where to see them:

3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)

3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)

17. T. Hardy Morris

thardymorris

For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.

Where to see him:

3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)

18. Tedo Stone

tedostone

Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.

Where to see him:

3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)

 

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