Since SXSW released the artist list for 2024, I dedicated myself to exploring the playlist oficial do evento no Spotify looking to attend the shows in Austin between March 8th and 16th.
To my pleasant surprise, I came across eight incredible bands from different styles and regions. I share the list with you, encouraging you to:
- If you're going to SXSW, mark your calendar and hopefully we can meet up there.
- If you don't attend the event, add these new bands to your playlist to give a fresh twist to your usual selection.
Here are the bands and songs that have caught my attention so far (this list should grow, and I will publish part 2 soon). Check it out below or explore the selection through our playlist on Spotify:
X Ambassadors
X Ambassadors is an alternative rock band originating from the United States, known for their distinctive fusion of pop, rock and indie elements. With an eclectic approach, the band combines diverse musical influences to create a sound that incorporates electronic, R&B and soul elements. Formed in Ithaca, New York, the band is made up of brothers Sam and Casey Harris, as well as guitarist Adam Levin. They rose to prominence with hits like “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” demonstrating a unique ability to create captivating, emotionally engaging music.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/artists/2197782
JJ Shiplett
Based in Calgary, JJ Shiplett is a roots and Americana singer, songwriter, musician and storyteller. The award-nominated artist is currently recording his upcoming fourth studio album, “A Way Through Time,” produced by Jay Stewart in Vancouver. JJ has performed alongside Johnny Reid, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jim Cuddy, Ben Harper and, most recently, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. In 2022, he played a sold-out show at the prestigious Studio Bell at Calgary's National Music Centre. The President of Stampede Entertainment (a prominent promoter in Western Canada, booking large stages at the Calgary Stampede) said about this show: “JJ Shiplett's 'Different Kind of Light' concert at the National Music Centre/Studio Bell was one of my favorite live experiences of 2022!”
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/MS59106
Sarah Klang
Sarah Klang has three albums in the top 5 in her native Sweden, as well as winning the Swedish Grammy for Best Album twice. However, none of this could prepare her for a completely different journey. Leaving her twenties behind and becoming a mother to her first child was the catalyst for a new cycle of songs recorded for her new album, “Mercedes” (released October 2023). All rooted in personal human experiences, but also shared generally.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/artists/2193650
Tagua Tagua
Based in São Paulo and formed in 2017, Tagua Tagua is led by composer and producer Felipe Puperi. After writing two EPs, “Tombamento Inevitável” (2017) and “Pedaço Vivo” (2018), Tagua Tagua released his first album, “Inteiro Metade” (2020). The album interweaves tropical psychedelia, the principles of ye ye ye and the influence of funk and soul, all dominated by flexible melodies and dreamlike timbres.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/MS58630
Smut
Chicago-based band Smut fuses the songwriting sensibilities of Oasis with the vocal delivery of Cocteau Twins – the percussive rhythms of Gorillaz with the sensuality of Massive Attack. An electric current of hope driven by vibrant guitars and engaging synth lines. The band has achieved national tours with Bully, Swirlies, Nothing and WAVVES since its founding, and released its debut album 'How The Light Felt' to critical acclaim.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/artists/2193493
Sorry Girls
Sorry Girls danced out of the darkness into the light. Since forming in 2015, the Montreal duo of Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront have transformed a strange, dreamy sound into lush, pleasure-seeking pop. Expanding on their debut album, “Deborah,” the band’s expertly arranged second album, “Bravo!”, sings to the back rows of the stadium, drawing listeners in with a new focus on personal lyrics.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/MS58578
PAPISA
PAPISA is Rita Oliva, singer, songwriter and producer who explores the connections between Brazilian music and dreamy, psychedelic indie pop. She was part of the bands Cabana Café and Parati before releasing her solo work with the EP “Papisa” (PWR Records, 2016), followed by the single “Pressão” (Freak, 2017), the album “Fenda” (2019), her twin brother “Remixes da Fenda” (2020) and the single “Melhor Assim” (Costa Futuro, 2023).
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/MS58935
The awards
Originally from Valencia (Spain), LOS PREMIOS was founded in 2020 during the months of confinement by friends Pablo Silva and Borja González-Ayllón. The spectrum of references and styles is very wide. There is a natural connection with the sounds of the rock/psychedelia universe and the counterculture of the 60s/70s, but with no intention of revival. Twilight synths, calm vocals and Afro-Cuban drums fill the atmosphere with a salty breeze.
More information: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/MS59491
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