I have to be honest here, reading all of the excellent SXSW preview pieces on this blog over the past week has given me a serious case of FOMO. From Aaron Byrd introducing me to my new favorite band Flamingods, to Jose Galvan alerting me to the fact that Argentina’s finest Las Kellies would be there, to Rachel Reynolds extolling the virtues of modern supergroup BNQT – I sure wish that I were on my way to mess with Texas next week. As the old saying goes though, those who can’t go… write.
So if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Austin next week, here are a few more bands to add to your must see list (Spotify playlist below).
Real Estate
Real Estate deeply piqued my interest the moment I heard their debut single “Fake Blues.” They won my eternal devotion when I watched them cover one of my all time favorite songs from their clear spiritual forebears, Felt, on a segment for Fader T.V. When I finally got to see them live, they became one of my favorite bands. The transportive aspect of their live shows is tough to describe, so you really should just see it for yourself. Needless to say, KCRW is thrilled to have Real Estate as part of our official day showcase at the Austin Convention Center on Wednesday, March 15th.
Boogarins
Boogarins hail from Brazil, and they make gorgeous, swirling psych rock tunes, most of which have been intriguingly filtered through an indiepop lens. Typically they sing in their native Portuguese, or they don’t sing at all. I strongly associate Boogarins with SXSW as that’s where they came onto my radar in 2014. My life is considerably better for this, as will be yours if you seek them out this year.
R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner
R Stevie Moore is a lo-fi pioneer who’s been making music since 1968. It’s hard to imagine a world in which artists like Guided by Voices, Pavement, or even the aforementioned Real Estate could exist without his pioneering efforts. Thankfully we don’t have to, and his teaming up with Jason Falkner (The Three O’Clock, Jellyfish) has resulted in some career best songs from both artists.
Bufi
Bufi is a producer based in Mexico City, and he is responsible for one of my favorite singles of last year, “Manana.” The single itself and the remixes that come with it are all stone cold jams. Bufi’s sets are almost certain to produce some of SXSW’s most epic dance parties this year.
Dear Boy
Dear Boy are an L.A. based band with an incredible knack for writing pop songs, and putting on a show. Frontman Ben Grey has a stage presence that must be seen to be believed, so much so that you’ll be amazed that this band isn’t already selling out stadiums, or headlining festivals.
Bonus Bands!
KCRW is once again partnering with FloodFest for some pretty choice day parties at the Cedar Street Courtyard. Allow me to point you in the direction of a few of my favorite acts that are playing this year. SXSW day parties are the best!!
Temples
The new record from English psych rock act Temples, Volcano, is currently in the heaviest rotation in my headphones. I constantly get their 2014 track “Mesmerise” stuck in my head, and I’m never mad about it. Temples are also amazing live. This one is a no brainer.
Tei Shi
Tei Shi is an Argentine dance music maven currently based in Brooklyn. Her tracks are slinky, seductive, and perpetual staples of my DJ sets. I’m deeply intrigued by the thought of what her putting on a daytime show will look like. Will you please go find out for me and report back?
Black Lips
I’ve still yet to catch a live show from The Black Lips (#lifegoals), but I absolutely stand by what I wrote about them for this very website three years ago:
Given the energy that they capture just on their recordings, and notably strong fan base, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume they put on a truly great show. (Editor’s note: they do)