Top Acts at SXSW 2014

SXSW-2014With literally thousands of acts from all over the world coming to play in Austin for SXSW, it’s a little overwhelming. Whether you have a platinum badge or just signed up for the free parties, try and check out these great acts this week.

Birds of Tokyo

  •             Friday, March 14
  •             101X Live Broadcast- Day Four
  •             Buffalo Billiards 1-6pm
  •             Free with RSVP through Do512

This Aussie indie rock group has made waves Down Under and now here in Austin. With two critically acclaimed albums under their belt, the band’s third self-titled album has spent a good amount of time in the Australian Top 20, peaking at Number 2 on the ARIA Albums chart and was awarded Best Rock Album at the ARIA Awards in 2010. The five-piece ensemble from Perth has a long list of credentials, from receiving the Rolling Stone ‘Readers Choice’ Award and ARIA Award for ‘Most Popular Artist,’ Birds of Tokyo have made waves in the indie rock scene.

The Preatures

  •             Tuesday, March 11 @ Haven 11pm
  •             Wednesday, March 12  Radio Day Stage  2014 Day 1 @ Austin Convention      Center 4pm
  •             Friday, March 14 @ Bangers 9:20pm
  •             Saturday, March 15 @ Stubbs 10:30pm
  • For full list and RSVP links, click HERE

This Australian quintet has a Fleetwood Mac vibe to their sound, making them the essential feel-good music everyone is looking for this SXSW.  With an notable rise to fame after their EP ‘Is This How You Feel?’ was released in 2013, the lead single became a breakthrough hit, winning first prize in the Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition that same year. Envision 70s pop with a modern twist and you get The Preatures.

The Strypes

  •             Wednesday, March 12 @ 101X Live Broadcast Day 2 @ Buffalo Billiards 1pm
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room TBA
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ 1100 Warehouse 7:30pm
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ Swan Dive 11:30pm
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ Palm Door 12pm
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ 1100 Warehouse 2pm
  •             Thursday, March 13 @ Cedar Street 11am
  •             Friday, March 14 @ Palm Door 12pm
  •             Friday, March 14 @ Speakeasy 1pm
  •            For full list and RSVP links, click HERE

The Irish quartet stick to what they know- total rhythm and blues filled with catchy lyrics a la The Beatles, not to mention their impressive cover of ‘Come Together’.  What’s more impressive? Not a single member of the band is over 18.  Their debut album Snapshot received rave reviews after peaking on the Irish charts at Number 2. You’ve got plenty of opportunities to catch the Strypes this week, so don’t miss your chance.

Suicide Year

  • Friday, March 14 @ Silhouette 1am
  • Saturday, March 15 @ Fader Fort Day 4 TBA

Consider yourself lucky if you’re able to catch Suicideyear this week. The 20s-something producer from Baton Rouge is about to take the beat world by storm. Be on the lookout for pop-up performances around town throughout the week. His love for hip-hop is apparent in nearly every one of his remixes, and rumor has hit he’ll be collaborating with Young Money. He’s remained under the radar until now, so expect big things in the next upcoming months.

Mad Decent Showcase

  • Thursday, March 13 @ Empire Control Room 8pm- 2am
  • RSVP link HERE

Austin Party Weekend will be one for the books. Three days and nights of memorable showcases from some great labels. The Mad Decent family will be there in full force, with sets by Houston rapper Riff Raff and New Orleans bounce master Nicky Da B, and electronic acts Paper Diamond, Cashmere Cat with Trippy Turtle, and many others. Expect to arrive early. Entry is not guaranteed, and this kickoff party is well worth the wait. Check out the full set list below.

GARAGE

  • 1:15-2am: Paper Diamond
  • 12:30-1:15am: Riff Raff
  • 11:45pm-12:30am: Bunji Garlin
  • 11-11:45pm: Annie Mac
  • 10:30-11pm: LIZ
  • 10-10:30pm: WhatSoNot
  • 9:15-10: Gent & Jawns
  • 8:45-9:15pm: Nicky Da B
  • 8-8:45pm: Slick Shoota

CONTROL ROOM

  • 1:15-2am: Cashmere Cat & Trippy Turtle B2B
  • 12:30-1:15am: Mr Carmack & Djemba Djemba B2B
  • 1-2am: Low Pros (A-Trak & Lex Luger) feat. Migos, Travi$ Scott, Que & Guests
  • 12:30-1am: 100s
  • 12-12:30am: Black Atlass
  • 11-12pm: Nick Catchdubs & Guests
  • 10:20-11pm: Treasure Fingers
  • 10-10:20pm: World’s Fair
  • 9:40-10pm: Grande Marshall
  • 9:20-9:40pm: Davinci & Sweet Valley
  • 8:40-9:20: gLAdiator
  • 8-8:40pm: Small Town DJs

For full SXSW coverage, follow Kaitlyn Clement on twitter @the_kitSOLO.