At South By Southwest (SXSW), thousands of musicians from all over the world travel to take part in the most expansive festival around. It only makes sense that the best up-and-coming talents from Los Angeles would take part — and here we’ve got the creme de la creme of southern California headed to Austin.
Words: Mark E. Ortega & Sandra Burciaga
1. Girlpool
This quirky, sassy and refreshing duo consisting of Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad closed up 2014 with an incredible Monday night residency at the Echo in Los Angeles. The girls definitley made a statement this past year in L.A., playing songs from their debut self-titled EP and winning fans over with their simple harmonies and female empowering charm. The girls will release their debut full-length, Before The World Was Big on June 2nd via Wichita Recordings. Catch Girlpool on March 18 at Mohawk Outdoor when they show SXSW what they got! ~ SB
2. BØRNS
Though technically from Michigan, BØRNS is an L.A. transplant that has been making waves in recent months. His single “10,000 Emerald Pools” has been catching a lot of buzz, and another track “Electric Love” even caught the attention of Taylor Swift, an endorsement that has done quite a lot for other rising musicians. With a sound that’s Beach Boys meets electronic, BØRNS has been lighting up the music blogosphere and is showing no signs of slowing down. Catch him Tuesday either at Spotify House at 1 PM or at the KCRW showcase at midnight or Thursday at the StubHub showcase at 10 PM among other sets. ~MO
3. Night Terrors of 1927
Jarrod Gorbel of The Honorary Title and Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley fame have joined forces and released quite an impressive debut album and will be in full swing at SXSW. Sennett has left most of the vocals to Gorbel, a good move that allows the former child star’s unique guitar to stand out. They sound a bit like CHVRCHES and their single “When You Were Mine” stands out, in small part thanks to Tegan and Sara’s guest vocals. Catch them at a number of different unofficial parties, from Wednesday’s B+Q BBQ or Friday at the Baeblemusic Day Party at 3:30 PM. ~MO
4. Ryn Weaver
When looking back at SXSW 2015 in a few years, it might be remembered for birthing the big breakout of rising pop talent Ryn Weaver. The infectious track that put her on the map “OctaHate” is just the beginning. She is poised to be one of the busiest performers at SXSW, so try and catch her Tuesday at Spotify House at 2:30 PM or Thursday at Stubb’s. ~MO
5. Springtime Carnivore
The brainchild of Greta Morgan — herself having chalked up success in previous bands The Hush Sound and Gold Motel — Springtime Carnivore have a throwback pop sound that immediately finds itself lodged in your brain. Morgan’s vocals definitely favors a much more vintage sound, and if you didn’t know better, you’d think this was something that slipped through the cracks in the ’60s. You can catch them at the Under the Radar Day Party on Saturday at 10:10 PM. ~MO
6. Terry Malts
We’ve been loving on the bay area (and Los Angeles) punk trio known as Terry Malts since the release of their 2010 debut album Killing Time. From loud high energy punk to slightly darker tones with a post-punk edge, Terry Malts know how to give you all the fine flavors of punk. Their latest Insides EP is probably the most pop-punk record they’ve made to date, and it’s amazing. Watch Terry Malts take the stage at Red 7 on March 20 at SXSW. ~ SB
7. Milo Greene
As was noted in our review of their recent release Control, Milo Greene has ditched the folk sound and embraced a more poppy style. They’ve been lighting things up on the West Coast lately and look to give it a go out in Austin. Check them out on Tuesday at Hype Hotel at 11 PM. ~MO
8. The Shrine
Get ready to have your mind either blow away or melted with the sounds of these Venice skate rockers. When the Shrine are not shredding bowls, the dudes blast a heavy rock ‘n’ roll explosion full of head bangin’ ferocity and 70s flavor. They promise a damn good time. Catch them live at SXSW when they tear up the stage at The North Door on March 20. ~ SB
For even more L.A. bands at SXSW, check out Grimy Goods editor, Sandra Burciaga’s “6 Must See L.A. Bands at SXSW” over at Los Angeles Magazine.
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