Running around Austin at hyper speed while trying to scarf down a taco can be daunting at best, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite acts you should take care not to miss this year. Happy Hunting!
20. Hey Marseilles
Hey Marseilles is a 7-piece orchestral band with folk elements not unlike that of The Decemberists. With a propensity for story telling through melody, Hey Marseilles could be perfect for those looking for adventure.
See them at Parish on Friday, March 20.
19. Thee Oh Sees
Less than a year after they released their album Drop, Thee Oh Sees have announced that they have another on the way. Mutilator Defeated At Last is not coming out until May, but surely we will be able to preview some of it at one of their many shows in Austin this year.
18. Gringo Star
Siblings Nick and Peter Furgiuele have earned the right to call themselves tenacious. Having appeared alongside acts like Best Coast and The Black Lips, Gringo Star has been creating indie melodies for years and is a fixture in the Atlanta community.
Check them out at The Pizza Loft (301 Chicon St.), March 20.
17. DeLorean
The feel good beats of DeLorean hail from Barcelona, Spain where, let’s be honest, they know a thing or two about dance music. Named after the time machine in Back to the Future, DeLorean has an uncanny ability to persuade everyone in the room to move their bodies. Unfortunately their shows haven’t been announced but no worries; where we’re going we don’t need roads!
16. Angus and Julia Stone
This brother and sister duo hit it big with their song “Big Jet Plane.” Their self-titled album Angus and Julia Stone is an elegant example of folk rock’s simplicity and candor. Catch them at various venues in Austin.
15. La Luz
Surf rock with an edge and a message. That’s what you get with La Luz, featuring vocals that channel Nico and an ominous organ.
Check them out at Hotel Vegas Patio (1500 E 6th St) Friday, March 20.
14. Ballet School
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why we love Ballet School so much. Perhaps it’s because they use the dreamiest elements of 80’s synth pop to transport us to a simpler time of trapper keepers and neon leg warmers. I digress. Be sure to check out their album The Dew Lasts an Hour and keep a lookout for them in Austin.
13. Charlotte OC
Charlotte OC’s vocals are haunting account of heartbreak similar yet unique to that of Banks or Kimbra.
We think this incredible artist is going places fast, so do yourself a favor and check her out at Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto) Friday, March 20. RSVP here.
12. Kelela
Kelela’s smooth vocals paired with interesting synth layers make for a unique ebb and flow sure to make for a great performance. She just announced the release of her new EP Hallucinogen in May so maybe we will get to hear a few tidbits in Austin.
11. Surfer Blood
Surfer Blood is everything you’ve ever wanted on that summertime mix tape you’ve been meaning to make.
Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a sneak peak of their new album 1000 Palms, due out in May, at their show at Lamberts (401 W 2nd St) on March 18.
10. Lois & the Love
Lois & the Love have been tempting us with singles for years but they are finally set to release in their first album this summer, aptly named Love is Louder. We suggest you take the opportunity to see their powerhouse performance before they really blow up.
9. Dry The River
Sure, Dry The River made waves with their 2012 LP Shallow Bed but an obvious shift to edgier lyrics and melodies can be heard in their newest album Alarms in the Heart.
But don’t take our word for it; see for yourselves at Buffalo Billiards (201 E 6th St) Tuesday, March 17.
8. Alvvays
What better way to celebrate the fresh spring Austin air than to let Alvvays’ sun drenched rock & roll wash over you like a rogue wave.
Molly Rankin infectious stage presence is not to be missed this year at Cheer Up Charlie’s (900 Red River St) March 19.
7. Palma Violets
If you happen to be the kind of person always looking for an album you can listen to all the way through without skipping a song, look no further than Palma Violet’s 180.
The Londoner’s psychedelic, garage-rock vibes will be on display at Parish Thursday, March 19.
6. Twin Shadow
Florida native George Lewis Jr. is bringing back 80’s inspired chillwave in a big way. His unique electronic melodies and his smooth vocals are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of show hopping.
His third album Eclipse drops right before his performances at Stubb’s BBQ March 20.
5. Courtney Barnett
Australian artist Courtney Barnett’s deadpan vocal delivery mixed with her folky-garage rock style is refreshing and just fun to listen to.
She’ll be playing her entire debut full-length album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit at Stubb’s BBQ on Wednesday, March 18.
4. Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels is the incredible brainchild of rappers Killer Mike and El-P. From their first self-titled album Run The Jewels to the sequel Run The Jewels 2, these guys don’t hold back and continue to blow us away.
See them at Stubb’s BBQ on Friday, March 20.
3. Odesza
Consisting of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, this electronic duo is sure to put on a good show. Their hit song “Say My Name” featuring Zyra is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
If it’s dancing you want, it’s dancing you’ll get at their show at Parish, Wednesday, March 18. RSVP here.
2. BØRNS
Garret Borns’ sweet falsetto croons are just what you need to get you into the SX spirit. It’s pretty difficult to listen to his EP Candy without getting inspired so we dare you to try it.
Catch him at Parish (214C E 6th St) Wednesday March 18. RSVP here.
1. Stromae
It’s fitting that Paul Van Haver chose to be known as Stromae, which means “maestro” in French vernacular. He’s been conducting entire nations to get out of their seats and dance to his hit song “Papaoutai”. Up until now it’s been pretty hard to catch him live in the States so we suggest you take advantage of this awesome opportunity.
Playing at Stubb’s BBQ (801 Red River St) Wednesday, March 18.
