Yesterday I gave y'all the first half of my list of top ten bands I can't wait to see at SXSW. Today I'll give you the second half (again in no particular order).
1. Gary Clark Jr. This local 28 year old Austin native's guitar playing skills will BLOW YOUR MIND. I can't even handle it. Just listen. And then listen again. Is he for real?
FYI: Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, proclaimed May 3rd 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day. Gary was 17 at the time.
2. Of Monsters and Men A six piece indie folk band from Iceland that will have you dancing in your seat. Their catchy sing-a-long tunes are infectious. CAN NOT WAIT to see them live. The band has been compared to Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharp and Arcade Fire. Listen to "Little Talks" below.
FYI: Of Monsters and Men has only been to the States two times. They begin their first ever North American tour this March at SXSW.
3. Polica (pronounced POE-LISA) This Minneapolis quartet is one of this year's most buzzed about bands at SX. Lead singer Channy Leaneagh says the group was formed to "escape to a different reality" and that's exactly how the album makes me feel. "Give You the Ghost" is their debut album... listen to it entirely. You won't be disappointed. Oh and the drums. They are rad.
FYI: Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) was quoted telling Rolling Stone magazine after his grammy win this year that "Polica is the best band he has ever heard". Wowza.
4. Delta Spirit These boys make me get that warm tingly feeling. Plus it doesn't hurt that there is a banjo, harmonica and tambourine involved in loads of their tracks. It was harder for me to pick one of their tracks to show y'all then it was narrowing down all the bands at SX into my top ten list.
FYI: I'm sneaking in an extra video here. chills.
5. CHARLI XCX Currently touring with the Sleigh Bells this 19 year old Londoner is BADASS. Synths and cymbals are totally my thing so I was immediately hooked. Stoked on catching her live...apparently she's got moves like Jagger. I love the live clip below and if you enjoy make sure to check out the video for "Nuclear Seasons". Totes Amaze.
FYI: Charlotte ( her real name) started her first band when she was 7 and used to bully her friends into imitating the Spice Girls with her.
Ok so I'm cheating again and including a bonus band. I just can't shake the sound of these guys. It took me a while but after listening to their tracks a few times I couldn't help but pressing repeat. It's such a unique sound. Very 70's vibe to me. I have to post two videos so you can really get a feel for them... Enjoy "Seer" but don't skip "I'm here now". It's seriously one of the most mesmerizing and beautiful tracks I've heard in a long time. You won't regret. Motopony. Boom.
Ok well there you have it. My top ten (twelve) must see bands at this years SXSW. Hope y'all enjoy.
Yours,
Juli
SXSW is one of the best times to visit Austin, so Juli's right on and I'm so jealous I couldn't go this year.
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