Tag Archives: SXSW

Preview: SXSW Festival 2019

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

SXSW

It’s that time of year. SXSW. One of the biggest music festivals in the world and we have to confess…we are SXSW virgins. Not to worry as we’ve scoured the line up to ensure we don’t miss any music whilst stuffing our faces with tacos.

Here’s a list of ones to check out (in no particular order).

GEORGIA
SXSW Artist Page

Georgia by Rosie Marks

We are starting out with a strong contender for our all-time favourite artist of 2019.

Her name is Georgia and she writes pop inspired by the Chicago house and Detroit techno of the 80’s era, with pure determination.

Sounds like: Chase & Status, Madonna, New Order, Jungle, Kanye West, Santigold

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APRE
SXSW Artist Page

APRE

London duo APRE (aka Charlie Brown and Jules Konieczny) creates low-slung indie with heart-bonding melodies.

A witty take on alternative pop, these two have spent their days creating music in the backroom of a West London chess club and we can’t wait to see what their live performance has in store.

Sounds like: Kasabian, 10 o’clock Chemical, Everything Everything, April Towers, Fickle Friends, Sea Girls, Nick Mulvey

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ANTEROS
SXSW Artist Page

Anteros

Indulgent rock-pop band Anteros is a London-based four-piece, headed up by frontwoman Laura Hayden who set up the band with Josh in London after her move from Barcelona.

We expect their show to be glorious, glamarous and pushing boundaries.

Sounds like: Blondie, Wolf Alice, Black Honey, Ladyhawke, Blondie, Garbage, The Cardigans

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RUN RIVER NORTH
SXSW Artist Page

Run River North by Stephen Yonsik Lee

We’d not heard of Los Angeles-based trio Run River North until browsing the SXSW schedule but they’ve made the cut due to their hopeful and upbeat approach to indie-pop.

Expect their EP ‘Monsters Calling Home: Part 1’ out in the spring.

Sounds like: Like Swimming, Beauty Sleep, Of Monsters and Men, Grouplove, Fleet Foxes

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GOLDEN VESSEL
SXSW Artist Page

Golden Vessel

We’ve covered Golden Vessel are fair bit on the site. He is currently on tour across North America supporting BAYNK, before making his debut appearance at SXSW.

Check out his newest single ‘DIZZY’ which features the voice of Australian artist Oscar Key Sung, a taste of his forthcoming debut album.

Sounds like: MØ, Brolin, The National, Gang of Youths, Bon Iver, Alex Vargas, TENDER, Kanyon, REFS

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SAM FENDER
SXSW Artist Page

Sam Fender

We are super excited to watch BRITs Critic’s Choice winner, Sam Fender play his rocky and reckless form of abandon to a crowd.

Sam has a rebellious attitude througout his music, as he challenges modern assumptions and actions.

Sounds like: Duran Duran, James Bay, Stereohoney

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SIR SLY
SXSW Artist Page

Sir Sly

Correct us if we are wrong, but we are pretty sure Sir Sly was on an indefinite hiatus the last time we checked a few years back, so to our surprise they are on this year’s SXSW bill.

We are not complaining one single bit – we this authentic and brazen Los Angeles trio explode with frenetic energy on stage.

Sounds like: Growlers, Wolf Gang, All We Are, Gypsy & The Cat, Jagwar Ma, Anteros

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MORGXN
SXSW Artist Page

morgxn by Shervin Lainez

Alt-pop morgxn has singing in his blood, which has carved out a path to writing deeply personal lyrics with an smoking, yet upbeat edge.

He wants to break down barriers with his music, so we can stop and look at who we really are – “fierce, loving, beating hearts.”

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Jack Garratt

ELDERBROOK
SXSW Artist Page

Elderbrook

Following the success of his massive hit ‘Cola’ with Camelphat, young British artist Elderbrook is set to take over the US.

He creates neo-soul infused with elements of dance, and puts on one hell of a show.

Sounds like: Fyfe, Jamie Woon, Hayden James, Bob Moses, Kaasi

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FLORA CASH
SXSW Artist Page

Flora Cash

US/Scandi husband and wife duo Flora Cash write heartfelt ballads with cinematic keys amidst a brooding Scandi backdrop.

They are set to play SXSW and we are really looking forward to seeing the chemistry on stage, whilst they sing of heartache, politics and general struggles.

Sounds like: Laurel, Lana Del Rey, Lucius, Bon Iver, Johnny Cash

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Emma Elisabeth – Soul Traveller

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Emma Elisabeth - Soul Traveller

The dewy folktronica tones of Swedish-raised artist Emma Elisabeth have immediately struck a chord with us.

Her slightly eery single ‘Soul Traveller’ is the first release from her coming debut album, something that was not initially planned by Emma during her creative outburst in Berlin, where she now resides.

Listen below.

She plays SXSW, as follows:

Barracuda Backyard on Monday, March 12 from 8:30 PM to 9:10 PM
Esther’s Follies on Friday, March 16, Time TBA

Barracuda, German Haus Event, March 10 from 22.10 PM to 22.50 PM
Second Play Stage – SFA / Thursday 15th / 4:00pm (stripped back set)
Second Play Stage – Hilton Cannon + Bell / Friday 16th / 6:00pm (stripped back set)

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Lucy Rose, Laurel, First Aid Kit, Susanne Sundfør

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Jacob Banks – Unholy War

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Jacob Banks

Meet Mr Jacob Banks, a neo-soul artist from the UK.

Updating a genre that’s been part of music for decades, ‘Unholy War’ is a determined track that may just bring soul into the digital age.

Although not a typical indietronica track, we can’t get enough of Banks’ smooth vocals and the track’s punchy riffs and textured beats.

It is the first offering from Jacob’s upcoming EP, ‘The Boy Who Cried Freedom’, out this spring on Interscope Records. He is currently on tour with LÉON in the US, and will be playing SXSW.

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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S.W.I.M – Stop & Remember

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

S.W.I.M by Yiota Siapera

We love supporting music from all around the world, so we are excited to receive some new stuff from Athens-based music project, S.W.I.M (Someone Who Isn’t Me).

‘Stop & Remember’ is a swirling assortment of analogue sounds, off-beat rhythms and transcending vocals, courtesy of Σtella.

Their first official release on Inner Ear is a 7″ vinyl single including ‘Stop & Remember’ (A Side) and ‘Leap Of Faith’ (B Side), featuring Σtella and Coti.

The girls will also be representing Greece at this year’s SXSW.

Sounds like: Nimmo

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Summer Heart – Nothing Can Stop Us Now

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Summer Heart – Pretty Haze

Summer Heart (aka David Alexander) returns with ‘Pretty Haze’.

Once again, it’s another summer lo-fi number, worthy of warming you on the coldest of nights.

‘Pretty Haze’ is out on 19th February and is the first single from Summer Heart’s upcoming EP. Summer Heart will also be playing SXSW this year.

Sounds like: Swimm, Hazel English, Coldplay, Washed Out, Day Wave, Teen Daze, Toro y Moi

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Fickle Friends – Say No More

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Fickle Friends – Say No More

It’s increasingly tough for an artist to distinguish themselves in the music industry, but Fickle Friends have done just that. Every track by Fickle Friends is instantly recognisable, yet they stand out from the crowd.

The Brighton five-piece have released a simple, but stylish video for ‘Say No More’.

It’s a beautifully crafted pop track. Need we say anymore?

Tour Dates

02/02/2016 Guildford Boileroom
03/02/2016 Cardiff Moon Club
04/02/2016 Bournemouth 60mp
05/02/2016 Falmouth MONO
06/02/2016 Bedford Esquires
07/02/2016 Leicester Scholar
08/02/2016 Bristol Louisiana
09/02/2016 Chester The Live Rooms
10/02/2016 Stoke Sugarmill
11/02/2016 Stourbridge River Rooms
16/02/2016 Liverpool Studio 2
17/02/2016 Reading Oakford Social
18/02/2016 London Dingwalls – Huw Stephens Presents
19/02/2016 Southampton Joiners
20/02/2016 Totnes Devon Arts Centre
21/02/2016 Colchester Arts Centre
23/02/2016 Norwich Waterfront
24/02/2016 Nottingham Bodega
25/02/2016 Manchester Sound Control
26/02/2016 Sheffield Leadmill
28/02/2016 Newcastle Think Tank
29/02/2016 Edinburgh Electric Circus
01/03/2016 Aberdeen Tunnels
02/03/2016 Dundee Beat generator
03/03/2016 Glasgow King tuts
04/03/2016 Stockton Ku Bar
05/03/2016 Lincoln Engine Shed
07/03/2016 Hull Fruit
08/03/2016 Leeds Oporto
09/03/2016 Birmingham Rainbow
10/03/2016 Oxford Bullingdon
11/03/2016 Aldershot Arts Centre
12/03/2016 Brighton Patterns

Sounds like: Harts, The 1975, Monogem, Paperwhite, Roosevelt, LANY, Broods, Ghost Beach, PROM

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Shura – Indecision

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Shura – Indecision

The video for ‘Indecision’ by Shura is here!

She’s has a great few months, having recently been listed for the BBC Sound Poll, confirmed for SXSW 2015 and signed to Polydor.

A striking take on gender, sexuality and identity assumptions, directors Emily McDonald and Nev Brook describe the ‘Indecision’ video as:

“a film about freedom and change…it’s a journey from one existence to another. We wanted to play with people’s first impressions and how they are often not the whole story.”

‘Indecision’ again features a wider cast of Shura’s friends in the club scene (many of whom snogged in the clip for ‘Touch‘), as well as a cameo from Shura herself.

LIVE
Fri Jan 16 – Eurosonic Noorderslag at Simplon Main
Sat Feb 14 – Sonar Stockholm 2015
Wed Mar 25 – London Village Underground: TICKETS
Tue Jul 21 – Croatia Rocks Festival 2015

Sounds like: Blood Orange, Madonna, Ronika, Solange

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Prinze George – Upswing

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Prinze George

Remember when we told you Years & Years were going to be huge? Well, this time around it’s Prinze George who we have our eager eyes on.

In the last 12 months, they have grown from strength to strength and now the trio returns with an new track called ‘Upswing’.

Despite running on a tropical beat and being full of synths, Naomi Almquist’s dark echoey vocals sing of disconsolation. It’s a seriously catchy number.

Prinze George’s five-track EP is set for release in March and they are set to play SXSW 2015.

Sounds like: Kid Astray, MS MR, Indiana, X Priest X, Years & Years, Chvrches, The Naked and Famous, Pistol Shrimp

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Brolin – Swim Deep & Interview

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Indietronica Staff

Brolin

Brolin is a UK-based vocalist, songwriter, producer and remixer. To date, he has remained pretty anonymous, simply stating on his Soundcloud page; “I am a bedroom producer, self-taught, self-analysing, into beats, space, and melody”.

Working alongside producer Raffertie, he is back with the video for new track ‘Swim Deep’. Brolin’s vocals in this track are beautiful and work wonders with the lyrical intimacy and emotive electronic production.

The video for ‘Swim Deep’, directed and produced by Phoebe Arnstein, features three couples as they allow cameras to capture their tender post-sleep moments.

We had a catch up with Brolin before his Brighton show:

We know Brolin as the masked singer. What was the reason for you hiding your identity?

I feel the music I write is autonomous; who I am isn’t relevant for the perception of my music. Retaining anonymity allows me to be defined by my music, only. It’s not realistic to remain completely anonymous though, due to various practicalities involved in the industry. That’s just the way it is. My anonymity isn’t sacred; it’s just a way of avoiding unnecessary distractions from the music.

Describe your sound in 3 words.

Melodic truck stop.

Can you explain the meaning behind the lyrics for your latest track, ‘Swim Deep’?

The lyrical content explores relationships and the passing of time.

You are performing in Brighton and London this week. Do you prefer recording, or performing live?

I’m not overly sure I have a preference, as both have positive aspects… performing live is far more immediate as you connect with the audience and respond directly to their reaction. However, when writing… if you’ve been working on a tune for days and suddenly get to a point where the track starts developing into something special, you get a similar adrenaline kick at 3am on your sofa, as you do playing your tunes to a room full of people.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

Anna Of The North, Mikael Seifu, Pote and The Best Rock Album in The World… EVER (Vol 1).

‘Swim Deep’ was released on 27 October and features remixes by Asa. and Panda. Purchase on iTunes now. Brolin’s debut album is expected early 2015.

Forthcoming shows:

29 October – Brighton – Sticky Mike’s, Brighton
30 October – Servant Jazz Quarters, Dalston
15 November – Oval Space, London supporting Kele

He has also been booked for SXSW 2015!

Sounds like: Rainer, H A R T E B E E S T, Kaleida

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RÜFÜS – Take Me

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Eleanor

Although not brand new, ‘Take Me’ is due to receive its official release with Columbia Records on April 14^th. The tropical anthem from aussie indietronica artists RÜFÜS is an uplifting, feel-good tune, blending romantic electronic pop with Balearic-style house.

‘Take Me’ is the second track to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘ATLAS’, out April 28^th. ‘Atlas’ is available to order here via Australia, where it has already been released and subsequently reached number 1. The video is a clever montage of model landscapes and tribal outfits.

Currently playing a bunch of shows at SXSW, RÜFÜS have now announced they will be supporting Cut Copy on a bunch of UK dates, and have also just released this gem – a cover of Foals ‘My Number’ and Booka Shade ‘Charlotte’, which is, quite simply, awesome.

Sounds like; Cut Copy, Foals, Booka Shade, Holy Ghost!, Midnight Juggernauts

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