Must See Bands of SXSW 2012 - Charli XCX

Seven weeks to go...

Charli XCX

I previously made a brief reference to the fact that there will be a lot of electronic acts at SXSW this year. If I may be a little more specific; SXSW will be heavy on the chillwave and all of the sub genres that have have come after it. Not much can be said that hasn't already been said on the subject of chillwave.  It isn't exactly the most beloved of music genres and it hasn't exactly been my favorite.  Generally, I thought this past year was a pretty poor year for music and I feel that this particular genre is to blame for much of that. So much of it is just so banal and saccharine and desperately needs to be pushed to more extreme levels in order to be interesting. Most artists have failed to do this.  Some have succeeded. Charli XCX has succeeded with...well, one or two songs really. So yes, I'm basing all of my expectations on a couple songs, but even with this limited output she's been able to push the boundaries of this genre just far enough to make something pretty damn good.  Granted, technically this probably isn't even considered chillwave, but I don't think it would exist without the genre. It's got a dark-goth-pop edge to it that I enjoyed and I'm looking forward to seeing what else she has to offer.

Nuclear Seasons (dir. Ryan Andrews)

Must See Bands of SXSW 2012 - Teengirl Fantasy

The hotel room is officially booked and I'm ready.  Here is another must see band for 2012.

Teengirl Fantasy

I was a little late in my discovery of this band and just recently started listening. I'm pretty obsessed with Dancing in Slow Motion featuring Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum. SXSW, at least for me, is looking to be heavy on the electronic bands this year and I'm not complaining. 

Dancing in Slow Motion (dir. DJ Mark Brown)

Must See Bands of SXSW 2012 - Gauntlet Hair

Leading up to SXSW this year I will be highlighting some of the bands I am most excited to see and that you should most definitely check out yourself.

Gauntlet Hair

Artsy, avant-pop, psychedelic, experimental, reverb-heavy rock. Whatever you call it, it's kinda great. With their yelpy vocals and comparisons to Animal Collective, their debut self-titled album was another one of my favorites of 2011.  They will be at SXSW 2012 and I will be seeing them. 

Keep Time (dir. Bernardo Pantoja and Skyler Stevenson)


More bands to come...

Must See Bands of SXSW 2012 - Youth Lagoon

I may be jumping the gun a little here, but SXSW is some of the most fun I have all year and I just can't contain myself.  Bands are still being announced and show/party lineups haven't even started being announced.  But.  Believe me, no one shows up more prepared than this guy.  I literally spend hours every year putting together my show list and 2012, probably unfortunately, will be no different.  The experience can be a little confusing and overwhelming for someone that hasn't done a little research and doesn't go in a little prepared.  I'm gonna help you out by highlighting bands that I think you most definitely should check out this year.  First up:  

Youth Lagoon

Youth Lagoon is Trevor Powers and he put out one of the best albums of 2011. It's the best home-recorded-hushed-vocal-reverb-heavy-bedroom-pop since Perfume Genius and I can't wait to see him perform live.   

July (Directed by Tyler T Williams)

More bands to come...