Breaking Beats: Best new voices SXSW
South by Southwest (SXSW) unofficially kicks off the music festival season. With over a week of workshops, speeches and musical acts, there’s a lot to see and do at the down south hipster haven. While I’ve personally never been, and I’m not there now, :( I do have some insight into new artists to watch. Historically, SXSW is a major industry event that gets artists signed and recognized. That’s why there are hundreds of artists coming from all over the world to play at different venues across Austin.
Here’s my take as to who’s gonna build more recognition this year. Just wait — they’re gonna be HUGE!
Coast Modern — Animals
This indie pop duo has been bubbling under the radar with only two singles. Their music makes me think beach vibes, played over that classic pop fun found in most LA acts.
Izzy Bizu — Mad Behaviour
Young, Ethiopian, UK-based artist Izzy Bizu is kinda like Lion Babe with an old school Mariah choir sound. “Mad Behavior” is powerful but simple. I’m especially in love with Bizu’s subtle twists in pitch in the way she sings the song’s title.
Day Wave — Drag
Oakland-based indie act Jackson Phillips is Day Wave. It feels like 2012 is back with the Bay Area’s beachy vibes — singer/songwriter Washed Out and Brooklyn rock band Diiv come to mind.
Mitski — Your Best American Girl
Asian American indie rocker Mitski sings with major heart and emotion. Just hear the build up on “Your Best American Girl” and you’ll know what I mean. I recommend you check out her NPR Tiny Desk Performance.
PWR BTTM — I Wanna Boi
Queer and American is what I think of with PWR BTTM. The group is known for amazing live performances.
Eliot Sumner — Species
Androgynous English musician Eliot Sumner is the child of Sting and actress Trudie Styler. I love the confident vocal delivery over pensive beats and sounds.
Diet Cig — Sleep Talk
Diet Cig features punky sounds, with autobiographical lyrics. I love their name but I can’t help thinking, where does one get diet cigs?
Milo — True Nen ft. Open Mike Eagle
A friend of mine was trying to get me into Milo awhile back. Now I see he’s doing big things at SXSW. I get Pacific Northwest rap vibes from the guy, but he’s totally from the midwest.
Feels — Tell Me
These LA psych punk rockers made some major headway with their Ty Segall produced debut LP. The lead singer’s voice is super lovely.
Lapsley — Love Is Blind (Sam Gellaitry remix)
Lapsley has such an interesting voice that it’s no surprise she’s been getting a ton of recognition from Beats Radio 1, and all across the blogosphere.
