March might be big for basketball, but it’s also big for music. The big South by Southwest (SXSW) festival is happening in Austin, TX for the next few weeks. SXSW is for music, film and interactive (apps, social mediaetc.) industries to show off what they’re working on and interact with others in their industry. The festival has been attracting bigger names recently (Coldplay, Lady Gaga and 50 Cent are all scheduled to play), but the festival is known for pushing some of the best new bands and artists into the spotlight. These are some of the bands that I’ll be looking out for in the future (you know, when I’m not crying about how far away TX is).
The Saint Johns are Louis Johnson and Jordan Meredith, a Nashville-based folk duo that writes beautiful duets. His rock voice contrasts really wonderfully with her delicate, breathy vocals. Plus, their lyrics are incredibly honest and relatable. These two have the potential to fill the folk-duo void left from The Civil Wars’ breakup.
Download: “Your Head and Your Heart,” “Josephine”
PHOTO TAKEN from ventsmagazine.com
Mary Lambert is known to many as the girl in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Same Love,” but don’t blow her off as a backup singer. Her own music is more orchestral and way more emotional. Her song “Body Love” combines music and spoken word and will probably make you cry. Plus, her voice is phenomenal.
Download: “My Moon,” “She Keeps Me Warm”
PHOTO TAKEN from musicradar.com
NGHBRS is an alternative rock band from Long Island with a fun sound. Their song “Hold Up Girl” has a fun, infectious hook with an even cooler Instagram-inspired music video to go with the song. Luckily, these boys will probably be returning to our area after SXSW. They regularly play in NY.
Download: “Hold Up Girl,” “Love, Come Down”
PHOTO TAKEN from idobi.com
Alex Vargas is an English singer songwriter with a killer vocal range. He can hit the high notes and convey a lot of emotion in his voice. His sound is different, a blend of soul and rock. Plus, his covers (he posts on YouTube regularly) are also amazing. Here’s hoping SXSW is just the first of many stops in the States for the Brit.
Download: “Tears in the Water,” “Sweet Nothing”
PHOTO TAKEN from cuckoorecords.com
