10 Austin SXSW Artists That Are Going To Make 2018 Their Year

Bursting at the seams with talent and energy, these Austin artists have bright futures as they play their way through the meat grinder that is SXSW.

The Lagoons: Their now-signature blend of synth-pop, jazz, soul and electronica was first heard on their Summer 2016 single ‘California’ and was followed up by their Spring 2017 "Gems EP". These guys define ambient chill-tronica

Los Coast is the brainchild of Trey Privott and John Courtney and is completed by Megan Hartman on bass, Damien Llanes on drumkit, and Nat Wright on keys. Together, their music is a punchy, psych-tinged, lyrical variety of rock and soul.

 Capyac is a surreal dance act made up of one half swamp baby (P. Sugz), one half mechanical trash diva (Potion). Their freakish dance music is as addictive as it is out there.

 

 Mélat is the eclectic soul of modern RnB. Mélat tells a story that is both challenging and inspiring crafted from her very own life experiences. It is a pure and honest reflection of her soul. From love, lust, success, to failure Mélat sings of what it means to be a human being simply longing to "be".

 

Annabelle Chairlegs live in a microdose of psychedelia. A cyclone of energy, these guys aren’t out to break down the walls of psych rock, they’re just trying to break down your living room walls. Vocalist and chief songwriter Lindsey Mackin’s surreal set of pipes can whip and growl in a single breath that bites like Janis and floats like Debbie Harry.

Kalu & The Electric Joint: This musical chemistry comes from the bond forged by frontman Kalu James, who emigrated from Nigeria at age 18 to claim Austin as his new home, and guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt, who adds a touch of American soul to Kalu’s West African heritage.

 

Hovvdy: Based in Austin, Texas, Hovvdy (pronounced "howdy") is the writing and recording project of Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. Hovvdy has found a unique identity in rhythmic, down-tempo pop songs that are hopeful, yet melancholy; relatable, yet distinguishable.

 GO FEVER is Australian ex-pat Acey Monaro, Jim Campo (keys), Benjamin Burdick (bass), Keith Lough (guitar) and Josh Merry (drums). Their sound evokes all the best music from the second half of the last century, drawing on late 70’s pub rock, new wave, girl groups and rock and roll.

Mr. Kitty: A duo that does Gothtronica mixed with electroclash offers one of the most exhilarating live shows at SXSW. Crystal Castles, HEALTH, and witch house music can all be detected in the melancholic electro-banging of Mr. Kitty

Greyhounds: Anthony Farrell and Andrew Trube are a musical duo that oozes with passion and soul. Combining some Motown vibes with their jazz/soul instrumentation makes these guys one of the most powerful live performances to put on your schedule for SXSW.