The sheer magnitude of SXSW can be overwhelming to even the most seasoned festival goers. Multitudes of eclectic, eccentrics gather in the small confines of downtown Austin, Texas. The city becomes a writhing music beast waiting to discover the “next big thing.”
There are a number of ways to tackle the SXSW insanity. Number 1: wrist band. While a bit overpriced, this small piece of plastic will get you into almost any event. Others spend hours RSVP’ing to every event, day and night parties, searching for the hook up to the free booze and food. Extensive lists are compiled and websites, like do512 and RSVP one track, focus on helping all music lovers get to their favorite artist(s) events.
Helpful sites for RSVP’ing:
Do512: Look up Any SXSW RSVP Event
The Line of Best Fit: Guide to Performances, Parties, Showcases
A less daunting way to jump the massive RSVP list hurdle is to know the artist you’d like to see, visit their website and see when exactly they will be playing. Most artists have shows that are not listed on the official SXSW website. Also, check out the other artists they share a line up with. Most likely it’s a similar sound, and you will discover something beautiful and new before you even hit the streets.
My top choices for this year’s SXSW are the following:
XXYYXX
You can tell this DJ/Producer has spent a lot of time playing with his electronic toys. 17 year old Marcel Everett combines avant-garde, electronic with hip hop, for a bass heavy float through space.
Groundislava
Waiting outside the TwitterFeed party, overheard him described as listening to bass music under water through a snorkel. This DJ/Producer is a sound alchemist, experimenting with a bass that hits your soul alongside the soundscape of clicks and beeps usually reserved for minimal. While his album has a down-tempo sound, his live sets bring the energy.
Poolside
One of the best new finds of this years SXSW. Properly named, this band is like a 70’s era disco pool party with a bit more synth. Check them out at the many RSVP day parties.
Baths
Feels like floating through the air on a beat carpet. His twist and turn of melodies and bass create a compilation of sound that feels otherworldly. Check them out at the Flower booking show on March 14th.
Alt-J
This UK based group is bound to blow audiences away. As soon as their name was released on SXSW, Alt-J has been in the ears and spotify playlists of many a music aficionado. Playing six shows at SXSW, they are this year’s must see.
Flosstradamus
Get down! Flosstradamus has brought trap music from the dirty south to the forefront of electronic music, creating an awesome show for the hip hop and electronic music lovers soul. Check it out at the Check Yo’ Ponytail party on March 16th.
Also check out:
When preparing to leave your room for a day of SXSW, you may want to have an idea of how the day will unfold while still staying open to the magic of SXSW. Secret undisclosed parties, unknown artists… it’s all happening! When someone tells you your favorite artist is playing in an alley way down the street, don’t doubt them. Just follow and see where your musical rompings will take you.
Some Day and Night Parties, open to RSVP, that sound especially appealing:
@night Party March 12 @ 8pm
Tokimonsta, Teebs, Flying Lotus
Hype Hotel Day Party March 13 @ 3:30pm-6:30pm
Shlomo, John Talbot, Disclosure
Forcefield Party March 13 @ noon-6pm
Young Galaxy, Poolside, Toro y Moi
Flower booking March 14 @ at 8pm
Slow Magic, Baths, Houses
The Air Up There March 15 @ 2pm-2am
Govinda, Keys N Krates, XXYYXX
Check Yo Ponytail March 16 @ 8pm-3am
The dopest dance party of the SXSW line up…
Worlds Fair, Flatbush Zombies, Flosstradamus, Danny Brown, A-track
South by Send off March 17 @ 4pm-midnight
