SXSW is my favorite music festival. It’s technically a “conference” but it’s really just a week of music in one of my favorite cities — Austin, TX.

The amount of music is overwhelming and the best moments are often the surprise discoveries. But, after seeing a handful of bad bands back to back (and there are plenty of those too), you often just need something dependably awesome to keep your spirits up.

And that’s where KCRW comes in, with TWO showcases we are presenting on Wednesday, March 14 as part of the official festivities and a third on Friday, March 16, with headliners The Temper Trap. (There is no RSVP list. It’s an official showcase so anyone with a badge or wristband can come).

Check out the lineup below and join us if you will be in Austin!

  KCRW Showcases at SXSW

Wednesday, March 14
3-6pm – Convention Center (Radio Day Stage)
Alabama Shakes * Michael Kiwanuka*
HoneyHoney

Wednesday, March 14
8pm-2am – Haven
Apparat * Band of Skulls* Kimbra
Ki: Theory * Oberhofer * Blood Orange

Friday, March 15
8pm-2am – The Parish
The Temper Trap * Quantic + Alice Russell * Willy Mason
Crystal Fighters + Clock Opera

Our first showcase will be on the Radio Day Stage at the Austin Convention Center from 3-6pm. Alabama Shakes and soul singer Michael Kiwanuka are two of the most buzzed about artists of the year and both got very early airplay support from KCRW. We’re thrilled to have them together on one lineup with LA’s own HoneyHoney completing the bill.  (**Click on the band names to hear their recent live performances on Morning Becomes Eclectic!)

Then, we head over to Haven for a night of KCRW favorites:

German electronic producer Sascha Ring a.k.a. Apparat, who has developed a passionate following, particularly for his dynamic live show.

Apparat – Ash/Black Veil by Mute UK

UK’s Band Of Skulls, who make their much-anticipated return with one of the best rock albums of the year in “Sweet Sour”.

Band of Skulls – Sweet Sour by Vagrant Records

New Zealand singer Kimbra, who is best known as Gotye’s female counterpart on the hit song “Somebody I Used to Know”, and has a forthcoming solo album that is bound to turn just as many heads. She’ll also tour with the Aussie singer in Spring, then hit the road with Foster the People this summer

Settle Down by Kimbramusic

Ki: Theory a.k.a. Joel Burleson, a high-profile, much in demand remixer who puts on an electrifying live show.

I Wanna Run (feat. Maura Davis) by KiTheory
Brooklyn-based newcomer Oberhofer, whose debut LP, full of distinctive, energetic, catchy pop, will be out on Glassnote in late March.

Oberhofer – Away Frm U by Pretty Much Amazing

Formerly known as Lightspeed Champion, Devonté Hynes’ latest project, Blood Orange captures the sensual sounds of a city at night on the album “Coastal Grooves”.

Sutphin Boulevard by Blood Orange

KCRW’s Friday night showcase kicks off with Willy Mason who has had some notable guest spots recently (Chemical Brothers/ Lianne La Havas) and returns with a new solo album later this year.

Also on the bill are Colombian-based DJ Quantic and British singer Alice Russell, who have joined forces for a fantastic new album already enjoying a lot of KCRW airplay.

Quantic & Alice Russell with the Combo Barbaro – Look Around The Corner by Tru Thoughts

Headliners The Temper Trap will be letting us know what we have to look forward to when they release their new album in June. Expect to hear lots of new songs that night. But who could forget about the song that launched them to fame.

The Temper Trap sweet disposition by Glassnotemusic

Avant-pop quartet Clock Opera and UK’s Crystal Fighters, who bring an eclectic mix of acoustic guitars and banging beats, round out the bill.

KCRW will also be the official radio sponsor for Filter Magazine’s Showdown at Cedar Street. The three-day showcase running March 15-17 from 11am to 6pm will feature Keane, Fanfarlo, Built to Spill, Kaiser Chiefs, Reptar, and Milo Green among many others. View the full lineup here.

RR