SXSW 2024 – The Best of Austin’s Music Events
Being able to experience South by Southwest (SXSW) for the first time was a dream come true. This year’s SXSW took over the city of Austin from March 8th-16th. There has always been so many great things coming out of the festival every year that we were thrilled when we found out we would be attending. Even looking at the events calendar one could easily get overwhelmed by the number of things going on and trying to make a schedule. We wish we had more time to be a part of everything, but we tried our best to get as many music showcases as possible with the time we had. So many things stood out and so many great discoveries were made.
This year’s festival was met with a little bit of controversy as over 100 artists pulled out of the festival when it was revealed that the US Army, RTX (formerly Raytheon), Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems were sponsors of the festival. Many artists did not want to support weapons manufacturers and companies that profit from war and decided to take a hard financial hit in order to stand by what they believed in. Some artists opted to pull out of official SXSW showcases but kept or joined unofficial SXSW shows on their schedule making them more popular than normal. Hopefully SXSW takes this into consideration in the future when considering sponsors and makes more conscious decisions to make sure they align with their values.
Overall, the experience was very positive, and the vibe was what we expected in Austin. We weren’t sure how all the festival logistics would work out and if we would get into all the shows we wanted to. This is a non-traditional music festival in the sense that the events are happening all throughout Austin in a variety of music venues. We’re happy to report that we did get into all the shows we tried to, and the longest wait time was 10 minutes. The city closes off a lot of the streets and makes it easier for the festival attendees to walk around from venue to venue.
We saw so many artists we enjoyed, and the list was hard to choose from, but we tried our best with what we experienced. Artists that almost made the list were Glare, Viji, Lauren Lakis, Thus Love, Angelica Garcia, Jon Muq, David Shaw, Faux Real, Fcukers, Provoker, Horse Jumper of Love, Mamalarky, Snacktime, Glimelda, Pony Girl, The Color 8, Caleb de Casper, YB.
20 – Balthvs – Mohawk
This Colombian psychedelic funk trio brought their sound and delighted us on Wednesday night at the Mohawk. After a hot day in the city this show was like a magic carpet ride that took us around Austin. The trio came and impressed while playing their music as people swayed on the floor. It was the first time catching the band, but it definitely won’t be the last.
19 – Telehealth – Chess Club
Chess Club was packed in favor of Seattle’s own Telehealth band who conquered the fans that stood in the room. This band is known for their lively shows and being able to pull the audience in from the start. This was no exception, and we were so happy to see one of our own bands in Austin causing a stir and getting noticed. After the release of their debut, Content Oscillator, last year the band has been playing around town and quickly becoming one of the favorites. Their next show is May 21st at the Sunset supporting Kairos.
18 – Snõõper – Cheer Up Charlie’s
The punk rock band took the stage at Cheer Up Charlie’s, and we couldn’t keep up with them and their energetic performance. They didn’t come to mess around; they were here to let us know who they were and made sure we wouldn’t forget them any time soon. Every second was filled with intense movements and captivating vocals. Their debut record, Super Snõõper, has been buzzing in the scene and people are eager to experience their lives, some of them just to see their mascot who is a large green bug. We can see why everyone was so obsessed with catching them play over the week.
17 – The Armed – Cheer Up Charlie’s
Another band we caught at Cheer Up Charlie’s who absolutely killed their set. So many people were on the stage it was hard to focus on what was happening without missing something. This hardcore punk musical collective had our eyes glued on them trying to keep up with what was happening. This was an intense set full of raw and exceptional talent.
16 – Hot Garbage – Range Magazine – Chess Club
The Chess Club was not ready for Hot Garbage on Thursday night. The tiny stage couldn’t even fit all the band members, but this made the moment even better. The crowd was ready to party with the band and sometimes you couldn’t even tell who was who on the overpacked floor. The vibe was good, and the music was how we liked it. The band is getting ready for a European tour in May but we’re hoping to catch them around here soon enough.
15 – Squirrel Flower – Cheer Up Charlie’s
We caught Ella O’Connor Williams on Wednesday night at Cheer Up Charlie’s outdoor stage and watching her play solo with her guitar was something magical as the colorful lights illuminated the space. Her latest album, Tomorrow’s Fire, is incredible and we can’t stop listening to the songs. Perhaps it was magic, perhaps it was the overflowing talent she possesses, we were all mesmerized by the sound. So happy we were able to catch her perform in Austin after she dropped out of the official events.
14 – Spoon Benders – 13th Floor
We were already fans of the Spoon Benders before going to Austin and we wanted to make sure we caught one of their sets knowing it would be awesome. The PNW band has proven over and over again that their live performances are electrifying, full of moshing and headbanging. The rage that ensues is something you don’t want to miss. No one can deny the magnetic presence of lead Katy Black that seems to synchronize her headbangs in perfect harmony with the music. The band has been constantly touring and is out with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets now and soon to be with Portugal. The Man and Red Fang in the summer.
13 – Fat Dog – Mohawk
This was another band that was on our radar before heading to Austin and we made sure our schedules aligned. Catching them in the indoor stage at the Mohawk made it even more memorable for us. Fat Dog formed during the pandemic and picked up a lot of steam which they have ridden over to the US for their debut performance in Austin. Lead singer Joe Love jumped in the audience, and they played the wildest set especially enjoying, “King of Slugs.”
12 – Gel – Mohawk
After their set at Mohawk’s indoor stage, we felt even more compelled to see Gel again for their outside set the next day. This band does not mess around while performing and lead singer Sami Kaiser, brings the house down with her commanding vocals. People raged, moshed, screamed, kicked and punched during their sets letting go of whatever was inside bothering them. At some point we even saw a crowd surfer land on a photographer’s head and then noticing their bloody face while continuing to shoot. If you’re into hardcore punk this is something you don’t want to miss live.
11 – Shakey Graves – Mohawk
It was a few months ago that we saw Shakey Graves enchant the Paramount Theater in Seattle, but this would be a solo set in a way smaller stage at the Mohawk. Alejandro Rose-Garcia sat on the stage alone playing an intimate set during the Wasserman showcase on Friday afternoon. It’s not hard to be captivated by the talented and charming musician who was playing in his hometown. We’ve always felt so enchanted by his sound, and this was a special set to catch as everything was out in the open. Rose-Garcia took his time to chat with the crowd as he played a few of his hits creating a unique moment at a very busy music festival.
10 – The Black Keys – Mohawk
Ohio natives, The Black Keys, performed a special show Thursday night, highlighting songs from their 2021, Delta Kream, album which is a cover album of hill country blues songs. It was a real treat to hear these songs live in such a small venue. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stood on the small stage and created an intimate atmosphere along with their band. The following night they took the stage at Stubb’s BBQ for their normal show in a larger venue, giving their fans another shot to see them play live. They also had a documentary film premiere at SXSW This is a Film About the Black Keys. The band is returning to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on October 3rd to support their US tour of Ohio Players.
9 – X Ambassadors – Bloody Mary Morning at GSD&M
Fresh off their UK tour the X Ambassadors brought the house down during their performance presented by Austin City Limits celebrating their 50th anniversary of ACL TV. The venue was an outdoor park and was the most reminiscent of a music festival setting. Bloody mary’s and tacos were provided by Tito’s making the atmosphere even more lively. We always enjoy singing along to hits “Renegades“, and “Unsteady“. X Ambassadors are currently on the North American leg of their tour in support of their fourth album, Townie. They are stopping by Seattle on May 11th to play at the Showbox Market.
8 – The Red Clay Strays – Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
The Red Clay Strays hail from Mobile, AL and were the most country-esq band we caught at SXSW this year. Rolling Stone picked them to join their future in music showcase and I can see why. They are all really talented musicians, and despite having only one album they commanded the stage like seasoned pros. They are currently in the midst of a mostly sold-out tour across North America supporting their debut Moment of Truth. If you can score tickets to one of their shows, consider yourself lucky! Their Seattle show is at the Showbox July 26th.
7 – La Sécurité – Range Magazine – Chess Club
We were fortunate enough to catch La Sécurité’s set at the Chess Club as part of the Range Magazine showcase. They are an art-punk collective based in Montréal/Tiohtià:ke and their energy is infectious. They went through their set with a fast-paced energy and punk attitude, and it was very entertaining to watch them. They are getting ready to tour in Europe but we’re hoping they return in the fall so we can see them play live again.
6 – Lo Moon – St. David’s Historic Sanctuary
Lo Moon is an indie band based out of LA that we’ve been itching to see live. Their show at St. David’s was very memorable as they rocked so hard the power went out and had to switch their plans to play an acoustic set. Eventually the power came back on, and they were able to finish the show as planned. Their third album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck, is out now and the band is coming to Seattle August 2nd at Madame Lou‘s.
5- Faye Webster – Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
Faye Webster summarized what most attending SXSW this year were thinking by starting off her show by saying how conflicted she felt in playing SXSW, not supporting war, and standing by her fellow artist many of which decided to drop out of any official SXSW event. Webster’s classic style is well interpreted in her production which includes a stage and screen look like a museum gallery. Her calm presence and moody songs have turned many heads all wondering just what it is about her talent. We stood in complete silence as we watched her performance and enjoyed her charisma. She is currently on tour supporting her new album, Underdressed at the Symphony. Don’t miss out on this sensation as she returns to Seattle October 1st at the Paramount.
4 – Friedberg – Las Perlas
Friedberg was also another band we really enjoyed seeing in Austin. We had caught them in Ireland last year opening for Placebo and they really made a good impression on us. They are a multinational band with members from London, Berlin, and Austria. Their sound has a worldly quality, but maintains a alt-rock pop infused sound. The four-piece band named after lead Anna Friedberg, played a set loaded with infectious guitar hooks layered between Anna’s vocals. They are currently on tour in North America stopping by at the Crocodile on April 26th. When asked what their name was by an audience member, they told us its fried like fried egg, and berg like iceberg.
3 – Scowl – Stereogum Showcase – Cheer Up Charlie’s
Scowl brought the hardcore punk energy to Austin! Their performance was raw, energetic, and very punk rock. Singer Kat Moss incited a mosh pit, and the audience followed along without any questions asked. This was a high moving set, and we couldn’t keep our eyes off Moss and the band. They absolutely know how to captivate an audience and to keep everyone wanting more. They will be coming through Seattle July 14th supporting A Day to Remember at WAMU Theater.
2 – Hinds – Seven Grand
Hinds played an impressive 14 shows in 4 days as part of SXSW. We caught them at their 1 AM set at the Seven Grand and again at their larger show at the Swan Dive. Their set was fun, energetic, and playful. The creation of duo Carlotta Cosials and Ana Garcia Perrote took Austin by storm once again and people were raving about their sets. The band which formed back in 2011 is currently finalizing the details of their 4th studio album and its release date. We did get a little tease with “Coffee,” which follows their unique garage rock style.
1 – Cumgirl8 – Shiner’s Saloon
The rooftop at Shiner’s Saloon was the perfect setting for NYC’s Cumgirl8. This band was on the top of our list to checkout at this year’s events, but they were one of the many to drop out in protest of the army sponsorship. We were thrilled to see them announce unofficial events and made sure to catch them, not once, but twice over the weekend. Their rowdy performance stood out right away and quickly became our favorite show. This band does not hold back on anything when they perform making their set a unique live that is paired great by each band member’s personality. Who can hear their earworm song, “Cicciolina,” (named after the Italian adult film star), and not sing it constantly? With every new song we didn’t know what was going to happen on stage and who would be taking the lead. We just watched in excitement, wide-eyed, as if we were teenagers experiencing something for the first time. They are poised to be the next big thing in the punk scene, and we are here to watch their ascend.
