Blacklist Royals announced their full schedule for SXSW this week, available here. Twin brothers Nat and Rob Rufus are aiming for a June release of their second full-length album, “Die Young With Me.” Inspired by the scars of a childhood spent battling cancer, it’s a more serious departure from the rollicking glee of their debut “Semper Liberi.” Producer Ted Hutt brings the same magic touch to the album as he did with similar blue collar American rockers Flogging Molly, Lucero, and Gaslight Anthem.  Rest-assured, however, that the rough edges are just as deliciously jagged in this new recording; listen to “Righteous Child” for further proof. –Terra James-Jura

Oh, where to start with Natural Child. The hard information: they just released their latest album, “Dancing With Wolves” on February 25th. They’re set to tour with The Black Lips in April, and will be playing Hotel Vegas in Austin for SXSW March 12th and 16th. The intangibles: the core trio of Natural Child, Wes Traylor, Zach Martin, and Seth Murray are probably some of the toughest, truest and hardest working artists on the scene. Since their inception, members have been added to create a 70’s style family band, and their raw, rowdy energy has wildly benefitted with each additional ruffian. “Out in the Country” demonstrates their expanded sound, and how bringing in a pedal steel player is very rarely a bad idea. Take any opportunity afforded to catch an earful of Natural Child’s hell-raising garage rock live. Just don’t bring your kids. They’ll have too many of questions you won’t want to answer. –Terra James-Jura

The Apache Relay is currently touring as an unofficial Americana Rock Brigade with fellow Nashvillians Promised Land Sound and The Lonely Wild. They hit Austin this week for SXSW as part of a run out West, then stick around Nashville for the release their new album on April 22nd. There’s a strong dose of Motown in the instrumentation on their brand new single “Katie Queen of Tennessee," and this boundary-pushing makes it far too easy to fall hard for the indie root nomads. And if your name happens to be Katie, well, good night.  The song is available for immediate download if you pre-order the album. –Terra James-Jura

Try as I might, I could not stop the video for “Where We Started” from kicking my heart cockles. I was good until the last 30 seconds before the assault of flannel, Polaroids and cornfields in autumn had me doubled over. Dinner and a Suit offers universally appealing, piano driven pop rock that is completely capable of dominating the Top 40 stations. For now they are putting plenty of miles on their van Caroline as they tour their dapper little hearts out. They’ll be making a SXSW appearance at Headhunter’s Patio on March 11th. –Terra James-Jura

I picked up a new word while reading up on PUJOL. A kludge is “a clumsy or inelegant solution to a problem; an ill assortment of poorly matched parts, forming a distressing whole,” and also the title of the band’s new album. Slated for a May 20th release, it’s a follow-up to the acclaimed debut album “The United States of Being,” that won over listeners with smartass lyrics and Daniel Pujol’s bratty snarl. Judging by the vinegar in the shambling single “Pitch Black,” “Kludge” is sure to deliver the same punk in the face. Pujol will be at the Parish Underground On March 14th. –Terra James-Jura

 Congratulations to The Modern Royals, our newest Artist of the Month! The Deli is operating on good faith that the band did not fall back on their Chicago roots with the democratic credo of "vote early, vote often," but instead allowed fans of their psychedelic sex-rock to make it happen.  It was a tight race with modern harpist Natalie Salzman for a moment before The Modern Royals cleaned house.  The band is playing The End on Tuesday, March 11th with Creature Comfort, Kid Freud and Amanda Cramer.  The show starts at 8pm, and cover is $5.  -Terra James-Jura

Humming House threw a WWII-era newsboy cap into the mess of swing revivalists with their self-titled release in 2012. Since then they have toured the world, warming up crowds with their blend of Irish folk and backwoods stomp for the likes of Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earl and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Their most recent live album “Live at the Red Clay Theater” is available for free download here. SXSW appearances include Twangfest and Rowdy’s Saloon on the 15th. This video for “Fly On (Forever is Better With You)” portrays the fun-loving sentimentality that makes the band so entertaining to hear. –Terra James-Jura

Nashville is hopping this weekend before SXSW, and here’s a handful of what’s happening over the next three days…

Friday:

This is Night 2 of Freakin’ Weekend V at Exit/In (sorry, The Deli disqualifies Thursday as ‘the weekend,’ however unofficial it may be). Diarrhea Planet, Turbo Fruits, Cy Barkley and the Way Outsiders, Hunters, Fox Fun and Deluxin’ play, beginning at 8pm, $15.

Stagolee, The Cunning, The Allen Thompson Band and A La Carte hit the Mercy Lounge at 9pm, $8.

Ponychase throws their LP release show at The Basement with Jasmine Kaset and Pale Pools at 9pm, $5.

Saturday:

Stone Jack Jones will be giving a free in-store performance at Grimey’s at 5pm.

Night 3 of Freakin’ Weekend V. Natural Child, Ex-Cult, Cheap Time, Juan Wauters, The Paperhead, Leather Nightmare and Weekend Babes play The End beginning at 8pm, $15.

Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes throw their album release show at Exit/In, with Alanna Royale and Blank Range rounding out the bill. Party starts at 8pm, cover is $10.

Sunday:

Noah Gunderson and Armon Jay are at Mercy Lounge at 8pm, $12.

Terrific lineup for the Sunday Post at The Basement: Coyote Talk, Golden Youth, Sam Hunter, Cardboard Kids and Everyman. Show starts at 8pm, no cover.

Congratulations to ELEL for winning Round 2 of Road to Bonnaroo this past Monday. Anyone who has caught them around Nashville will not soon forget the spectacle of 8 musicians (or, more specifically, 7 musicians and a very poppin’ Jo Jo Jackson on bass) grooving on stage to their own sexy vibes. The best part about them is that, between the synth and some well-placed hits on a wood block or cowbell, their music would not be too out of place wafting through a hotel lobby or someplace equally inoffensive. This juxtaposition somehow doubles their indie cred. Speaking of duplicates, Nashville’s coolest Muzak band is about to hit the road with *repeat repeat for Iteration Tour 2014, with stops in Austin for SXSW before returning home. “Kiss Kiss” is their latest single. –Terra James-Jura

http://www.elelmusic.com/

An exotic blend of instruments, voices, and beautiful lyrics is what Cigarette Trees are all about. The song “The Snows” is whimsical and almost from a transcendental realm, and even a little ominous. Their songs are theatrical and the lyrics are genius. They are the Cigarette Trees and they will be playing at the East Room on March 20. Their sound makes for a wonderful listening experience for everyone. You will not be disappointed! -Amanda Aydelott

Wednesday night regulars at Dan McGuinness Pub might be tacking on a few more miles to their drive if they were attending for the sole purpose of seeing Dave Pahanish in action (unless they happen to be East Nasvillians.) He and his band Panfish have moved their hang to The Building for Hump-day Eve. The first show in the new location will be March 5th with special guest SIMO, followed by an open mic, starting at 8pm. For those unaware of the Pahanish empire, follow this link for a review of the latest Panfish album, “Demogod.” -Terra James-Jura

Everyone and their mother seems to be having an album release show this weekend, so here’s a short list of who’s doing what where.

Friday:

Honey Locust release their new album “The Great Southern Brood” with a bang at the Stone Fox with opener Alex Baker of Dewey Decibel. 9pm

Majestico are releasing their album “When Kingdom Come” with a show at Soulshine Pizza Factory 6pm, free.

Slick releases their album “Street Lips” with Moseley and el el at The Basement, 9pm, $5.

This is also Night One of the The Delta Saints Revue. The Delta Saints take the stage at Exit/In for two evenings. Friday night includes performances by Humming House and Boom Forest. $10 in advance, $12 DOS and $17 for both nights.

Saturday:

Ri¢hie album release show for “Night Game” with Blank Range and Bully at The End at 9pm. This lineup will be like seeing a leprechaun, a unicorn, and Elvis on one stage.

Across the River, The East Room is celebrating their 1 year anniversary with The Features, Photo Ops, Babe City, Mystery Twins, and *repeat repeat.

Night Two of The Delta Saints Revue at Exit/In. Saturday night’s show includes Omega Swan and Joe Robinson in the lineup. $10 in advance, $12 DOS and $17 for both nights.

Sunday:

Find your next favorite band at Gorilla Fest at the Rutledge. Beginning at 4, an epic battle of the bands will be waged between Insane, The Turncoats, Tristen Proffitt, Everson, Take Captive The Captain, The Sweetest Sleep, Arcane Atlas, Paradise in Ruins,Hour Hands, Another Dead Saint, and others.

Supposing that you attend Gorilla Fest, you will be within walking distance of 3rd and Lindsley, where Wild Cub will be playing with Roman Candle. This event is being presented by Lightning 100, and only a precious few tickets remain, available HERE.