Curated by Kieran Webber & Catalina Perez
SXSW 2024 has landed and as always is filled to the brim with the cream of the musical crop
SXSW is HERE! We’re once again at that time of year where we start digging through all the amazing acts playing in Austin to decide who we think YOU should check out. This is never an easy task and if it was up to us we’d urge you to see EVERYONE. However, that physically isn’t possible so, here are 10 artists we think you should check out at SXSW 2024.
Holly Macve
Holly Macve’s country folk-dusted sound and alluring vocals tell woeful tales. Self-described as “A heavenly voice couched in spellbinding western noir ballads, with a devastating emotional delivery,” the Irish-born darling’s aura is reminiscent of vintage Hollywood.
Her stories touch upon themes of lovers lost, familial troubles, and existential thoughts for a relatable experience tied up in a lacy, cow print bow. She released her first single in 2016, ‘We Don’t Know Where We’re Going,’ and has since then had a skyrocketing career that’s not gone unnoticed. SXSW 2024 is not her first rodeo, in 2017 she was labeled as one of “12 notable acts” at SXSW by the New York Times.
The Brighton-based songstress’ divine vocals have resonated at festivals such as Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, and End of the Road. Her latest EP ‘Time Is Forever’ is a celestial whirlwind of passion and heartache in relationships. The release also features ‘Suburban House,’ which is a collaboration between the heartfelt singer and her American twin flame, Lana Del Rey. Following the song’s release, Lana Del Rey reflected on the collaboration saying, “Ever since I heard Holly’s music I knew she had one of the most beautiful singing voices in the world. Her flawless, emotional vocals have inspired me over the last six years and I love her songs, and I’m especially proud of featuring on this one.” Making her second return to SXSW, the singer-songwriter is sure to make heads turn at the festival and with a soaring career and prominent success at hand, it would be foolish not to stop by one of her showcases.
O.
O.’s mono-character moniker isn’t the only ear-perking aspect about them. The London duo’s signature sound can be categorized into an instrumental electronic jazz-funk fusion, bringing listeners to a multi-colored danceable wonderland through Tash Keary’s sprightly drums and Joe Henwood’s blaring baritone saxophone. Having been named one of NME’s 100 essential emerging artists from 2023, O. is not a newcomer to the UK music scene.
They played their first show at the Brixton Windmill from which they were invited back to support Black Midi and eventually found themselves supporting the group’s 2021 tour. Their Third Man Records London performance, 2023 EP launch, and tour with Gilla Band further solidifies that they’re making waves and oozing potential. With only two EPs under their belt, the dyad’s debut album ‘WeirdOs’, is expected to be released on June 21, 2024, but in the meantime they have graciously presented the world with a sonic slice. Their latest release, ‘Green Shirt,’ pulls audiences through a turbo tunnel of thrashy sonic metal, deviating from their previous funk echoes. What’s to be expected of their new record? Only time can tell, but perhaps the animated duo will give us a sneak peak at their first SXSW showcases…
Coach Party
Coach Party’s music is the perfect soundtrack to your 20s. The Isle of Wight band’s unabashed lyrics detail riding relationship rollercoasters and finding your place in the world, producing a communal narrative in an indie-rock angst package for a time in your life where everything feels like a cacophonic room.
Jess Eastwood, Joe Perry, Steph Norris, and Guy Page make up the quartet who officially formed as Coach Party in 2019 after being signed to Chess Club Records. The quad have been highlighted and discussed in the Rough Trade Blog, NME, CLASH Magazine, and were labeled “One to Watch” by The Guardian in 2020. They have also opened for bands Queens of the Stone Age and Wet Leg and performed at Glastonbury in 2023. Their latest release ‘Killjoy‘ opens with the playfully existential ‘What’s The Point In Life,’ and traverses through punk trenches, anger-charged verses and regret, for a unapologetically cathartic experience. Making their 2024 SXSW debut, Coach Party is sure to gain a foothold in the U.S. as their indie-rock flair coupled with their deep-diving themes can speak to younger audiences, especially those twentysomethings who are trying to cope with life and relationship struggles.
Kyra
Soul drips from Kyra’s lips with every harmony and melody she sings. The London singer’s soothing voice floats above jazzy soul instrumentals, creating masterpieces akin to a land of milk and honey. Starting out at the age of 16, the West London singer is no stranger to live performances as she’s a self-described established key player in the UK’s music scene. Labeled an artist to watch and gaining the attention of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, the singer-songwriter has also been playlisted on Jazz FM and is a household name in the making. Her latest release ‘as things grow’ opens with a cluster of strings and takes the audience through an entrancing, ethereal journey of motherhood, relationships, and self care. The SXSW first timer is going to be representing the UK’s jazz and soul scene through contemporary jazz record label, Jazz Re:freshed, and is sure to charm audiences with her captivating, blissful voice.
Spyres
Spyres have been making waves in the alt-rock scene in recent years. Their upbeat pop-infused sound is reminiscent of the 2000s pop punk scene and can be compared to the likes of Paramore and Alvvays. Kiera McGuire, Emily Downie, Jude Curran, and Alex White make up the Glaswegian four, whose sonic autograph combines McGuire and Downie’s harmonious vocals with Curran and White’s rhythmic backbone to create a bubbly soundscape of angst.
Officially formed in 2019, the Scottish group released ‘Otherside,’ which has become their number one song on Spotify. Since its release, the quartet has gained the attention of Kerrang!, BBC 1 Radio, Radio X, BBC Introducing, and have supported bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain and Nothing But Thieves. The group have also performed at festivals such as Isle of Wight, TRNSMT, and Live at Leeds. Their latest release Karaoke Sellouts encapsulates the coming-of-age feeling through a vibrantly sonic playground and angsty lyrics for an EP that brings a youthful rush to listeners’ ears. Although the band has an immense amount of experience, SXSW is unchecked on their list. However, Spyres will undoubtedly leave their footprint in Texas and provide a refreshing and danceable experience.
The Lottery Winners
The Manchester based band have fast become one of the UK’s most loved and sought after bands, especially after 2023’s number 1 album ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’ (a fact that frontman Thom regularly reminds fans). So he should too, to be in a band and get the coveted number one slot on the album charts is no easy feat and requires hard work and dedication. It’s this drive and passion that has pushed The Lottery Winners to the position of popularity they are today. This and the fact that frontman Thom Rylance is arguably one of the loveliest and most entertaining people to grace a stage in the 21st century.
Their music is a delightful blend of indie pop positivity that is equal parts honest and vulnerable, making them incredibly relatable. They’ve conquered the UK with their sonic beauty and now they’re likely to capture the American essence and spread it around Austin like wildfire.
HINDS
The Madrid based band consisting of Carlotta Cosials (Vocals, Guitar) and Ana Perrote (vocals, Guitar) make their debut at SXSW in 2024. There is no doubt they’ll be bringing their mainstage ready sound to a large crowd in Austin and proving why they’re one of the most exciting bands to leave Europe in recent times.
They masterfully blend a large indie rock sound with synths and wider soundscapes, creating a sound that is reminiscent of Pixies and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s retrospective but wildly fresh sounding that has fun at its core, making it for a live experience that will leave you buzzing for days after. Do not miss out on their SXSW shows as they’ll be cascaded to stardom within the next year, we’re calling it now.
Annie Taylor
The Swiss rock band are going to absolutely go down like a treat in the cowboy state of Texas at this years SXSW. Their desert, riff infused, rock n roll is the perfect soundtrack to SXSW and the audience will lap it up. Not to mention, the bands live show is a frantic, high octane, rock show that is reminiscent of a bygone rock era. Imagine if Deep Purple and Queens Of The Stone Age created a super group, that band is Annie Taylor.
If you’re looking for your fix of rock n roll goodness at SXSW then look no further than Annie Taylor.
For a more full breakdown of what is on offer at SXSW listen to our official playlist here:
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