SXSW Festival, a mecca for music, film, and interactive media, once again captivated audiences with its unparalleled energy and diversity. As festival-goers descended upon Austin, Texas, they were greeted not only by the vibrant sounds and sights of the festival but also by the undeniable charm of the city itself. Austin’s eclectic culture provided the perfect backdrop for the diverse mix of performances and showcases that unfolded over the course of the event. Amidst the sea of talent on show, there were 5 acts that caught our eye, who we think have a huge future in the industry that we all love.
The Silver Lines
Hailing from Birmingham, England…. this rock ’n’ roll outfit are destined for festival main stages. This became apparent to us after catching one of their sets at The Chess Club, a 100 capacity venue that was so rammed that there were spectators watching from outside the venue. In a mere 30 minutes, they seamlessly navigated through a repertoire of old favourites and fresh tracks, showcasing their versatility and cementing their status as one of the most dynamic acts on the indie circuit today.
Listen to: Cocaine
King Nun
London school friends turned raucous indie-punk band King Nun certainly turned a few heads at the festival this year! During a bustling week, the band delivered four electrifying sets across various venues throughout the city. Fortunately, we managed to catch their performance at Las Perlas, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the lead singer scaling the amps to the lead guitarist weaving through the crowd, unleashing shredding solos at every turn, their boundless energy set them apart from the rest at the SXSW Festival.
Listen to: Selfish
Coach Party
The Isle Of Wight outfit played 4 times throughout the week and we were lucky enough to catch them on the British Music Embassy stage. Having previously supported Queens Of The Stone Age, Sports Team, Wet Leg and played major festivals like Glastonbury, the band are no stranger to playing in front of big crowds. Playing songs off their brilliant debut album ‘Killjoy’, the angelic vocals and relentless guitars proved that Coach Party are a force to be reckoned with.
Listen to: All I Wanna Do Is Hate
Shannon and the Clams
Warming up the Stubbs venue before The Black Keys headline show, there really wasn’t a more suitable choice than the California indie punk quartet to get the crowd going! One of the highlights of their performance was an incredible cover of ‘War Pigs’ by Black Sabbath which went down a treat. With their raw energy and infectious stage presence, Shannon & The Clams left an indelible mark, ensuring that the night kicked off with an unforgettable bang.
Listen to: Runaway
Thus Love
The Vermont quartet blew the roof off The 13th Floor bar which is something they are no stranger to doing at SXSW Festival. The last time they played the festival, they were temporarily forced to continue as a trio rather than a quartet after one of their members got injured in a crowd-surfing incident, so as you probably tell, there’s never a dull moment. The band’s dynamic stage presence was palpable as they energetically roamed around the stage, infusing each corner of the venue with their infectious vitality. Needless to say, when they come to the UK, we can’t wait to catch Thus Love again and experience their magic once more.
Listen to: Repetitioner
Words by Jonah Osborne