Once again, South By Southwest (SXSW) has announced a new list of bands playing in 2013 and since this sort of stuff makes for really easy and thoughtless posts, we figure we would take a look at the new announcements and comment on it.
Alien Ant Farm – No doubt they are in Austin to celebrate the 12 year anniversary of their greatest success, a cover of Smooth Criminal, originally a song by Michael Jackson. To their credit, they had a great music video. What ever happened to this kid?
Allo Darlin – This cute English/Australlian four piece group first entered our hearts a few years ago with their self titled album. They are back with a new album. I’m excited to see them with new material.
Aloe Blacc – Aloe Blacc was fantastic when I saw him live in August, and I have no doubt he will shine at whatever showcase he will have in Austin. I really hope he writes a song called “I Need A Dollar (no longer)” or something.
Bonobo – This English electronic act is a favorite of Brian, one of our writers who has since disappeared since he created offspring. In his honor, we shall go to this show, which is probably going to end up being pretty good.
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound – JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound have positioned themselves to be the break through act at next year’s SXSW if they haven’t done it by then. Energetic shows and fantastic music are two key components to success and JC Brooks and company has it in droves.
Charli XCX – Charli XCX will be following in the footsteps of Ellie Goulding and Marina and the Diamonds, two other notable UK pop/female acts to test their talents in Austin before launching a full scale invasion of North America.
DJ Yoda – If this guy just remixes Star War soundtracks, I would give his show a highly favorable review.
Everything Everything, The Enemy – Two UK acts you didn’t know still existed until you saw their names on this list. I hope their new material is good.
Fuck Art, Let’s Dance! – German band with arguably the best band name ever.
Hayden – If you are wondering where all the girls went during a certain time slot, it’s probably the time when Hayden is playing.
The Heavy – Phenomenal live act will once again bring their soul-rock interpretation to Austin. They were a highlight last year, don’t miss them this year.
The Joy Formidable – The hard rocking duo will bring their stadium ready rock to Austin once again. Probably one of the last times you get to see crazy eyes perform in a small environment. These guys are primed and ready to take the world over.
Ed Kowalczyk – Ex-Live member will attempt to sing solo material over drunken requests of “lightning crashes”, “I alone” and maybe “Lakini’s Juice” for the diehard Live fan. We’ll see how long he lasts before he breaks. I will attend just to say I’ve heard the term “and her placenta falls to the floor” over loudspeakers.
Lianne La Havas – Mercury Prize nominated singer-songwriter looks like a lock to play her jazz influenced music in that church in Austin that I have never been to.
Little Boots – It’s been three years since Little Boots wowed the world with her catchy dance tracks and her love for the tenori-on. She’s back now and I am quite excited to hear her new material.
Los Claxons – Me and Paul really hope this is the Klaxons singing their tunes Mariachi style. Atlantis to Interzone to Juarez. Or something.
The list goes on and on, check it out here
