Once again, we’re highlighting some acts that might have escaped your notice at this past SXSW. We’d love to share all wonderful musicians we came across while plowing through the SXSW roster, because there are MANY. Instead, here is part 2 (of 3) of the 26 artists we think you could take back to your apartment after dinner and a movie.
Indigo Tree
If you’re the type of person, that even while surrounded by others and movement, stands back, looks around and takes in the moment, then Indigo Tree has the soundtrack for your camera close-up. You can smirk and slyly smile to the introspective music of the avantgarde trio. They were at SXSW promoting their brand new 4-track single for “Lazy”, a simple night time anthem perfect for driving away from the one you love. You can download that, and several other packaged singles at their site, via the 1st link below.
[More] and [More Indigo Tree]
Jenny O.
After raising the money she needed to release her wonderful Home EP late last year, Jenny O became one the “have you heards?” at this year’s SXSW, tauted by NPR and other spotlights. Her “Well, Ok Honey” is a futile croon about relationships with older men. I am a child, you have a child. She’s extraordinarily flavorful and wonderful. One of my favorites of the year.
King Charles
For someone so clearly meant to juggle and twirl women’s hearts, he separates himself from that ability quite well, with songs that burst and conquer their surroundings. He’s a Cat Stevens within a Paul McCartney: a sensitivity wrapped in melody. His oozing “Love Lust” was a TWJ favorite last year, and he’s touring with a slew of new Prince-infused funk monsters, again conquering in multiple ways.
Le Butcherettes
Le Butcherettes is essentially consisted of the whirlwind surrounding vocalist/guitarist Teri Gender Bender (that’s just her moniker hopefully). She’s had a rotating roster of drummers and guest members since 2007, but by and large it’s her wild on-stage charisma that leads to recognition for the Mexican punk band. The group has toured with likes of The Dead Weather, The Flaming Lips and the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and their Omar Rodríguez-López of The Mars Volta-produced LP Sin Sin Sin (which includes “Henry Don’t Got Love”) is due out May 10th. Catch them on tour with The Deftones as well.
Middle Brother
Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, John McCauley of Deer Tick, and Matthew Vasquez of Delta Spirit are Middle Brother, who as tales go, is always the brother that gets overlooked and overburdened. Last year at 2010’s SXSW they made their very 1st live debut late at night under the name MG&V to a crowd of unsuspecting onlookers. Their set was widely thought of as one of the best of the festival. Their boogie-woogie alt-country style will energize the dampest days and the sad tales are far more likely remind you of your own past rather than ever bring you down.
NewVillager
Ben Bromley and Ross Simonini are the gruff and glare behind NewVillager (no space). You gotta hand it to San Francisco, the city is producing some of the most eclectic music on the scene these days. With every conceivable ounce of art infused into every song, you can expect nothing ordinary from the Pop duo. But that’s exactly what makes every second of their music so exciting.
Owen Pallett
Formerly named Final Fantasy, we’ve covered Owen Pallett a bit on this site before, but man, does this guy get blessedly better as time passes. It seems he’s reached a place of complete freedom, where he express any damn feeling in any sort of manner he wishes. Imagine if you could do whatever you feel without being judged. His video for “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” might leave you puzzled by clip’s end, but you might just act the same if you knew no restrictions. Pallet’s music takes them down for you.
Pearl and the Beard
When the voices of Jocelyn Mackenzie, Emily Hope Price, and Jeremy Styles collide, they weave intricate stories that are simultaneously upbeat and cave-dwelling. With Glockenspiel, Cello and Acoustic Guitar, they shine quite brightly with harmonies way above their pay grade and songs that bring characters to vividity.
Keep in touch! Our last installment of The ABC’s of SXSW is coming up!
-Matt
The Wounded Jukebox 