SXSW 2013 is well underway, with official music activities kicking off last night. However, as any band performing this week can tell you, we’ve got plenty, plenty more shows before the dust settles on Sunday. With literally thousands of artists hitting Austin, it’s tough to know where to start. I, for one, don’t pretend to have any sort of answer. We’re incredibly tickled about each of the bands playing our Cascadia showcase on Saturday, but here are nine additional West Coast artists that are totally worth scheduling time for.
Devendra Banhart: While the world-roaming, freak folker could be tagged with a number of locales ranging from South American to Paris to San Francisco, he’s kept a residence in LA for some time now. Moreover, as I understand it, a good deal of his terrific, new record Mala was recorded there. With over a decade’s worth of quality material, Devendra will have a deep well to draw from at SXSW. He’ll certainly “showcase” Mala material including “Mi Negrita“, “Never Seen Such Good Things” and “Für Hildegard von Bingen“, but I’d expect a few older gems as well.
Haim: Oh, Haim. The three, long-haired, Los Angelean sisters of Haim are probably running through the minds of many a man in Austin this week. And their utterly catchy tracks such as “Forever“, “Falling” and “Don’t Save Me” have been playing in my own head since last fall. I expect a full-on dance party if I’m fortunate enough to get past the buzz lines and into one of their sets this week.
Rhye: Containing on the LA train, Rhye’s sultry, sweet, soft and delicate tunes of their Woman EP have not left my headphones for more than a day since I stumbled onto them a few weeks ago. I liken them to a mix of Alt-J, the xx, and the Antlers, but they’ve definitely got their own subtle, synth vibes of their own. Check out “Open” and see why they’re a West Coast must-see at SXSW.
Social Studies: San Francisco’s Social Studies have been making waves since they dropped their new LP Developer last fall. The new album, produced by Eli Crews of tUnE-yArDs & WHY?, is simultaneously full of space yet tight. Natalia Rogovin warms up the mix with passionate melodies that complement Social Studies’ well structured, disciplined instrumentation. They’ve gotten the “Beach House” tag fairly often, though Social Studies implements more kaleidoscopic keys and a more robust, alive rhythm department.
Wax Idols: Oakland’s Wax Idols yields a fierce, raw, strong sound that I’ve described before as including hints of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth and some good ole punk ethos. Hether Fortune & co pack an all girls punch that will hold up to any act’s intensity in Austin this week. Yet they also feature deep guitar work, lively breakdowns and Heather’s entertaining fronting duties.
Foxygen: Southern California’s Foxygen certainly won’t be flying under too many SXSW radars this week. With the the release of their new album We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, they’ve gotten plenty of buzz and media attention, including a Pitchfork BNM nod. But none of that actually affects the quality of their jams, which is grade-A. I’m not particularly sure how their softer, nuanced tracks will go over in packed, buzzing, beer-fueled venues this week. But it’s worth finding out.
Toro y Moi: It’s no secret that I’ve been hooked on Toro y Moi’s 2013 Anything in Return album since it dropped in January. The album further demonstrates Chaz Bundick’s diverse musical know-how while providing some down-right grooves. Additionally, having seen the band at Noise Pop festival in San Francisco last week, I’m itching to catch the set again. They translate the new record marvelously live.
Youth Lagoon: Boise’s Trevor Powers has made a name for himself with his debut LP Year of Hibernation and now his follow-up Wondrous Bughouse. Both show how Trevor meticulously crafts intimate, emotionally-accessible, intricate songs. His new album seems much more dense, complicated and robust, but in the best of ways. I’m incredibly curious to see how Youth Lagoon will bring the excellent new material to life on stage.
Pickwick: Seattle’s soul-infused Pickwick just released their debut album Can’t Talk Medicine yesterday. This release and their new national tour might be an introduction to the band for many people. But for those in the Pacific Northwest, and particular the 206, the band’s dedication, fired-up live shows and constant fine tuning have been winning over fans for several years now. Personally, I’m amazed to watch their continued progress, including selling out SF’s Independent last week. But I expect awesome things in their future.
Japandroids: Vancouver’s power rock duo are no strangers to both buzz and SXSW. They’ve made their rounds before, and the release of last year’s Celebration Rock brought plenty of critical and popular love to Japandroids. The hype train is certainly a fun one to ride, but I think a full year of constant touring will most certainly have toned up the band’s chops. Having seen them at the Fillmore this fall, I can attest that they deliver every bit of intensity that the record offers.