Watching the indie film Frank not too long ago made me reflect on how much SXSW has blown up over the years. In the film (*SPOILER ALERT*), a main character manages to convince the leader of the fictional band—Soronprfbs—to play a gig at SXSW in hope of making it big. Being a drama high in comedy, of course, that hope fails magnificently. But the film does manage to encapsulate how the festival is viewed nowadays, as many artists see it as a stepping stone to the next thing in their career. Saying that you played at SXSW and didn’t suck is kind of a big deal.
But, as with what happened to Soronprfbs, SXSW is not always meant to be that next step for artists. In a truly frank and comprehensive rundown of the local Hub artists gracing the festival this year, which artists should you not ever miss in this rare opportunity? Which artists are on the cusp of the next step? Which artists might blow it? Who in fact are these people? Who actually knows any of these things? We’re hoping us.
Artist: Average Cock
When / Where: Swan Dive, March 19th, 11:55pm
Analysis: This mystery artist should be huge (pun intended). You’ll probably know who they are, especially if you managed to attend BERFEST last year.
Artist: Chandos
When / Where: Swan Dive, March 19th, 8:35pm
Analysis: Local AP favs Chandos are gonna be solid. Maybe not quite that next step for them, but you should not miss it.
Artist: Handsome Ghost
When / Where: Buffalo Billiards, March 18th, 10:00pm
Analysis: This mainstream pop friendly singer-songwriter is definitely going to suck in a crowd. But, not quite sure you should be amongst them unless you’re of that inclination.
Artist: Statik Selektah
When / Where: Friends, March 18th, 1:40pm / Karma Lounge, March 20th / The Velveeta Room, March 21st
Analysis: If this hip-hop DJ/producer isn’t already on your radar, you probably won’t have the best time. But if he is, one of his sets should be definitely selected.
Artist: Della Mae
When / Where: The Gatsby, March 20th, 8:00pm
Analysis: These country/folk broads have the chops and credentials to land a large show. Might be a fun one, but might also not be a priority.
Artist: JSTJR
When / Where: The Main, March 20th, 8:00pm
Analysis: This DJ blends some interesting features into his mixes. If you’re into some D’n’B with a twist, he might be a worth checking out.
Artist: Speedy Ortiz
When / Where: Swan Dive, March 19th, 11:55pm / Mohawk Outdoor, March 17th, 12:00am / Cedar Street Courtyard, March 18th, 10:15pm / Yahoo’s Brazos Hall, March 20th, 11:20pm
Analysis: With a new album relatively in tow and arguably the Boston showcase artist, Speedy Ortiz are stepping up their game with multiple times and dates for SXSW. You should most definitely check out at least one of them.
Artist: Krill
When / Where: 720 Club, March 19th, 10:00pm
Analysis: Another AP favorite hits up SXSW. Should be more fun than most and very highly attended. Krill forever.
Artist: The Ballroom Thieves
When / Where: Holy Mountain Backyard, March 18th, 8:00pm / Brush Square Park, March 19th, 4:00pm
Analysis: This folk group takes stages in environments fitting for them. Great pick for those inclined. Not so much for those not.
Artist: Chadwick Stokes
When / Where: Lucky Lounge, March 20th, 11:00pm
Analysis: Ear-friendly folky singer-songwriter from JP has a bit of a following, but definitely a bit of a fringe pick.
Artist: The Juliana Hatfield Three
When / Where: Buffalo Billiards, March 20th, 1:00am
Analysis: Probably not going to win much more fans than she already has as she’s already very established. Juliana Hatfield will be a must hit for all those who are fans and probably not even come up as a blip for those are not.
Artist: St. Nothing
When / Where: Brush Square Park, March 19th, 7:00pm
Analysis: Unlisted but should be a hidden gem for those wanting a little more electropop in their lives.
Artist: Radclyffe Hall
When / Where: Brush Square Park, March 19th, 5:30pm
Analysis: Even more hidden and unknown than St. Nothing but sharing the same electropop room, should be paired well with their Boston peers.