Image via Complex Original
Every year, bands descend on Austin with the hope of building buzz, earning new fans, and maybe, possibly, signing a record deal. But with so many acts, it’s a daunting task for the average concertgoer to sift through all the options. (To give you an idea of the gravity of the numbers, SXSW hosted more than 2,200 bands last year.) So, rather than walk into any random bar and hope for the best, we’ve done the work for you and culled the crowd to 10 acts that are guaranteed to bring the heat. From established artists making rare small-stage appearances to newcomers just now gaining steam, these acts have all proven themselves to be excellent in a live setting. While you’ll no doubt see many more than the artists included here, these SXSW headliners should give you a head start in planning your trip to Texas.
Sophie
Sophie and the rest of his PC Music associates have been breaking the boundaries between pop and dance music, irony and sincerity, for the past couple of years. Tracks like “Bipp,” “Lemonade,” and “Hey QT” (with PC Music founder A.G. Cook) may feature warped vocals and off-kilter beats, but they remain bizarrely catchy nonetheless. Sophie is playing a showcase this year with the whole PC Music crew; if you’re wondering what pop’s future tastes like, this is it.
DeJ Loaf
Detroit rapper DeJ Loaf had one of last year's best songs with “Try Me,” a creeper hit that found its way up the charts due its relaxed, sing-songy cadence. (The fact that her lyrics are as real as they come only adds to the song's appeal.) SXSW will be a place for the rest of the world to see the still up-and-coming MC perform, proving that her appeal is more than one (very good) single.
Twin Shadow
Twin Shadow’s evolution from low-key indie rocker to full-on pop star has been fascinating to watch, mostly because all the arena-ready elements were there from the beginning just waiting to burst out. George Lewis Jr.’s new album, Eclipse, will drop this year, showing off his love for ’80s stadium rockers like Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Seeing such big-sounding music on SXSW’s small stages should be a gigantic pleasure.
Gang of Four
Legendary post-punkers Gang of Four are one of SXSW’s most exciting surprises this year. Though the current lineup is mostly newcomers, lead singer and guitarist Andy Gill has always been the band’s heart. (Gill’s angular guitar playing not only defined the band’s sound, but also 30 years of punk and hardcore that would come later.) Seeing Gang of Four rip through “Natural’s Not in It” alone should make the trip to Austin worth your time.
Action Bronson
Rapper Action Bronson has been edging closer and closer to mainstream success. The former chef, video host, and Queens native also happens to put on one of the best live hip-hop shows in the business. Bronson’s charismatic flow, which many have compared to Wu-Tang’s Ghostface Killah, is surprisingly versatile. Oh, and apparently the guy can also sing—a talent that should be evident once his new album, Mr. Wonderful, drops.
Jessie Ware
Since Jessie Ware debuted a few years back with a crop of other R&B-inflected pop artists, her voice has only become more confident. Live, the London-native is as smooth and sultry as on record, channeling ’90s-infused pop with emotionally disarming grace. Hearing “Wildest Moments” and “Tough Love” live will no doubt become SXSW highpoints. And considering that Ware has already collaborated with mainstream artists like Nicki Minaj, this may be the last time you can hear her in such an intimate setting.
Viet Cong
From the ashes of Canadian art-rockers Women come Viet Cong, one of 2015’s breakout indie bands. The foursome’s self-titled new album melds elements of post-punk, industrial, and psych into a whirlwind of experimental rock. Even in their early days, the group is one of the best indie bands playing live right now, flipping the script between rollicking rockers and tripped-out jams. Don’t miss them.
THEESatisfaction
Seattle experimental hip-hop duo THEESatisfaction push at the genre's edges with their Afro-futuristic sound. Ethereal, celestial, and socially aware—fans of Erykah Badu or fellow Seattleites (and collaborators) Shabazz Palaces will love Stas and Cat’s take on mind-expanding rap. SXSW should also be a great place to preview new music from the pair’s upcoming EarthEE, which drops later this year.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks may take its name from the classic David Lynch series, but the foursome’s sound has virtually nothing to do with the surreal show. Instead, the young Chicagoans mix garage rock and power-pop for a sound that could have played equally well three decades ago as it does today. If you’re looking for straight-up rock ’n’ roll with a fuzzed-out twist, seek these folks out.
Big K.R.I.T.
Big K.R.I.T. is, at this point, a Southern rap icon, though he still hasn’t quite bubbled to the top of the mainstream hip-hop world. That said, K.R.I.T.’s work—both as a producer and an MC—has a half-decade of fire tracks, from 2014’s underrated album, Cadillactica, to 2010’s Big Boi collab “Shine Blockas."