Seriously..what I would give to be in my home-state again. This year's line-up for SXSW 2012 looks to be one of the best yet. Boasting performers from all over the globe, [and a slew of media and comedy acts to boot] it's no wonder why its one of the biggest and longest festivals of our time.
One of the things that I truly appreciate about this gathering of creative minds and bodies, is the unbelievable list of relatively unknown bands that are invited each year. This incredible opportunity allows them to showcase their talents to a world that might otherwise have no clue who they are. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this is ideally THE place to do it.
Since the event takes place March 9th through the 18th, [with a pretty hefty entrace fee, sadly] it means the list of bands showing up is damn near endless. Forunately, Ive collected what I think is an essential list of newcomers to look out for if you plan on venturing there this year.
Of Monsters And Men:
This Icelandic collective is a mix of folk and pop influences that have been compared to the stylings of Arcade Fire. With both male and females vocals by singer/guitarists Ragnar Thorhallsson and Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir [don't ask me how to pronounce them] I would also venture to say that you can hear some Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros mixed in as well. Their debut album is titled 'My Head Is An Animal.' Check out some tracks below:
Of Monsters And Men - Little Talks
Of Monsters And Men - Dirty Paws
Cashier No. 9:
Having just won best album and video at the North Ireland Music Awards, these guys are feeling pretty good about themselves--as they should. They're most recent LP effort, 'To The Death Of Fun' is anything but what the name suggests. With vocals sounding a lot like Paul Simon [post-Garfunkel] mixed with the januty upbeat style of MGMT its not hard to get into this group. Have a listen:
Oh Mercy:
Hailing from Australia, they combine the indie sensibilities of Vampire Weekend and the musical timing of Jackie Greene and Bob Dylan. This band has such great range from radio jams to 'cinematic opening credits' themes. Their newest album, 'Great Barrier Grief' is a full of catchy, on-the-road type songs. Guess they take a lot of roadtrips down under!
...It would appear I have run out of space to add things. More to come!
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