Okay – so here’s the deal, we have a lot to do. Seriously. Releasing updates, preparing and engineering exciting features, and overall making sure TuneUp is as rad as possible means that no one could be pulled away from the HQ to go to the awesome festivities in Austin for SXSW 2009. Of course that won’t prevent us from pretending that our days are filled with interesting panels, new bands, and nightly revelry… but alas, the experience itself isn’t quite the same. So in the spirit of utter jealousy and wishful thinking, we have culminated a list of bands that we “checked out” and would love to see live, drunk on PBR and dancing the night away under the big ole’ Texas sky.
Loch Lomond:This Oregonian 9-piece band sounds like tinkling folk and synchronized sighing. They’ve opened for The Decemberists which makes perfect sense in the melody of their tunes. Can’t quite pinpoint why they work, but it might be because there is something magical about music featuring a saw, whirly tubes, and a Theremin.
Trainwreck Riders:Local San Franciscans take their rock and roll/blue grass charm to the city and come out sounding like heartfelt troubadours of hillbilly-Haight. Pick up some moonshine and clap your knee.
Laura Marling:From Hampshire, England and ridiculously young (only 19!), Marling has already made a bit of a name for herself as a beautifully talented singer-songwriter. She’s been a part of The Dirty Projectors and recently released her first album to rave reviews. With airy vocals and illustrative lyrics, her music is straight-forward but still harmonic. Definitely someone to look for in the future.
rnrnThe Vanguard:Feels like a dream pop throwback. They have the light 80’s shoegaze appeal going for them. Think Duran Duran chilling out with Joy Division. They even have a song called “Rio”! Slow, melodic keys and quiet syncopation makes The Vanguard good music for a kick back synth showdown.
Blaqstarr Known mostly for being signed to Diplo’s Mad Decent label, collaborating with M.I.A., and hailing from Maryland, (DJ) Blaqstarr makes rowdy club jams that go to all corners of a trip hop, rock hard musical genre. Fast and dirty… but somehow comes out smooth and clean. Wonderfully melds vocals, melody, and hip hop into an undeniably entertaining sound.
LadyhawkeA Debbie Harry for electro-pop, Ladyhawke has a gritty techno echo and seems to be a good bet for crossover success. She’s got the discoparty groove and a gritty rock voice. Nice to see some punk attitude in a new wave of guilty pleasure dance music. The kind of girl who would destroy a hotel room. Awesome.
So enjoy your time at SXSW you lucky bastards. Soak it up. We’ll be hanging out in the office getting things done and bumping out these jams all week long! And if you aren’t in Austin either, than we suggest you do the same!
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