Toronto – Here is an A to Z list of bands playing at SXSW. I’ve even been kind enough to link each band to their respective myspace/website so you can check them out*. Apologies if I missed any letters, English isn’t my first language.
Antlers – I might see these guys again, although it’d be weird to see their depressing music in the clear afternoon light
Broken Bells – Danger Mouse + The guy from the Shins? Yes please. Will this album only kind of change Natalie Portman’s life?
Chew Lips – English dance-pop act has Josh blowing his load with each single they release. Might check them out.
Dr. Dog – Lo-fi folk band keeps on churning out consistently good albums. New album Shame drops sometime in April
Everybody Was In The French Resistance…Now! – I had no idea Eddie Argos (of Art Brut) had a new band. It has to be great. In Argos I trust.
Fanfarlo -They cancelled their show in Toronto in December. I now get to see this London band at a warmer venue. Awesome. Luna is an amazing track.
Gay Witch Abortion – I have never heard of this band, but look at that band name.
Holy Fuck – This time, when I see them, I won’t confuse this Toronto electronic act with Polaris winning Toronto hardcore band Fucked Up
Imaad Wasif – 24 Terrorist character or Canadian born Indian singer songwriter? Check out his show and decide.
Jj – Where did these Swedes come from? From Africa to Malaga was such a good chill tune, but their new album sounds more or less the same.
Kyle Lee – Is this a Chinese Texan hip hop artist? I don’t know, but he has an Asian last name so here’s hoping.
Local Natives – They impressed many people last year, a breakout album later, these guys are ready to rule Earth.
Marina and the Diamonds – I wrote about them already, but she’ll be very good live.
Neon Indian – Hipster ratio will be off the charts for this HRO fan favorite.
Orquestra Contemporânea De Olinda – Brazillian worldly music. Gotta check out some worldly stuff for Mark
Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Shoegazey throwback band played about a billion shows last year, I didn’t catch them then. I won’t make the same mistake again. Maybe.
Quest for Fire – No idea who they are but they are the first band with the letter Q in it I see. Clever marketing yo.
Russian Futurists – Had a blast seeing them at Wavelengths despite short set. Should have equal blast at SXSW despite short set.
Spoon – Austin’s favourite band open SXSW at Stubbs with what undoubtedly will be a great performance.
Toro Y Moi – One of the first big discoveries of 2010, this dude will bring some chilled tunes to Austin.
Ume – Frank from Chromewaves really enjoys this bands live set. Who am I to argue.
VV Brown – Wonderfully talented retro pop sounding VV Brown will bring what is surely a great set to SXSW.
Walkmen – 7 or 8 years later, I still love the song The Rat
Xx – They continually seem to have bad luck, hope these guys make it to SXSW
You Say Party! We Say Die! – BC band looks to build on the success of XXXX here in Austin. Laura Palmer’s Prom..what a song
Zeus – Arts and Craft band is about to hit the stratusphere with their debut (?) album.
*(it’s also really good for search engines)
