Someone is rumored to suit and tie up. But we’re putting our money on these bright new stars. Read on for our favorite songs (stream our playlist) and find out which Aussie wears the pants, who fancies herself a baller, and what artist would rather be invisible (hint: It’s not Timberlake).
SXSW Music runs March 12-16. For more information, go to sxsw.com.
Coast through warm waves of electropop then sneak a peek into his life on the road.
Describe your sound in six words or fewer.
Melodic Afro groove folk pop.
How do you entertain yourself on tour?
Crosswords and Eye Spy.
What’s your preshow ritual?
Beer/whiskey.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Invisibility.
Download Dan Croll’s debut EP, From Nowhere, at dancroll.com.
This folksy pair from Adelaide, South Australia, is about to make many weird American friends. Singer Taasha Coates gives it to us straight.
Describe your sound in six words or fewer.
Guy playing guitar and girl singing.
What’s your favorite candy?
In Australia, we call them lollies, and my favorites are peanut M&Ms. Yum.
Who wears the pants in the band — you or guitarist Tristan?
Me, of course.
For more sweet melodies, go to theaudreys.com.au.
Look out for the London band’s April 16 release Song & Dance — swirling, urgent synth you’ll lose yourself in. But first, singer Tim Digby-Bell answers our Q&A.
How do you entertain yourself on tour?
I read a lot. Also, we play a lot of pool. If there were a music/pool festival where you challenge bands to a game of pool, we would be headliners.
Android or iPhone?
iPhone, but I am trying to limit my usage — I’ve been reading Sherry Turkle, and phones are part of the way we will soon rid ourselves of all humanity. But the games are good.
What is your favorite song to play and why?
“Push It.” We end our set with this, and it’s always a fun one to play.
What’s your go-to drink?
Tea. I would genuinely be a different person if I didn’t drink it.
Drown in digital bliss at duologuemusic.co.uk.
The New York-by-way-of-Texas dudes are a rowdy good time. Get punked.
Describe your sound in six words or fewer.
You can stream our record online.
Android or iPhone?
Telekinesis.
What’s your preshow ritual?
Taking our daily herbal mood enhancers.
Do as they say and then download Light Up Gold at itunes.com.
Gloomy thoughts loom within addictive beats (recognize the tune from the Game of Thrones trailer?). Singer Lizzy Plapinger shows her dark side in our Q&A.
Describe your sound in six words or fewer.
Dark, warped, soulful, epic pop.
How do you entertain yourselves on tour?
We love a good TV marathon — Game of Thrones and Summer Heights High have been some of our faves. We always look up good local vintage stores to check out, too.
What’s your spirit animal?
Unicorn … or maybe dalmatian?
Creep through EP Candy Bar Creep Show at msmrsounds.com.
Valeska Steiner and Sonja Glass of Switzerland and Germany, respectively, sing irresistible pop in the vein of Feist.
Download Mutual Friends at itunes.com. For more information, go to facebook.com/listentoboy.
Brooklyn-based songstress Loreley Rodriguez embarks on her first tour. Listen up.
Describe your sound in six words or fewer.
Uncomfortably comfortable pop.
What is your spirit animal?
Michael Jordan.
What can we expect from your debut EP, Systems (out April 2)?
It will hopefully represent the two sides of my musical personality: Some weird ideas and some pop ideas; some songs in English and some in Spanish.
Hear the bilingual singer at soundcloud.com/empressof.
We’ve been anticipating the U.S. release of 180 since riding their raging wave of garage-psych Britpop.
Download the new album (March 12) at palmaviolets.co.uk.
These Los Angeles boys took a chance and handed off a demo to Shins member Richard Swift. Now we all get to bask in retro-tinged bliss.
Rock out to the past at facebook.com/foxygentheband.
The female-fronted group may be new to the states, but they’ve already racked up a Best Newcomer nom from the Norwegian Grammys for their moody, ethereal indie pop.
Listen to EP In and Out of Weeks at highasakite.no.
The New York-by-way-of-Alabama singer is all about introspection — the hurts-so-good-you-wanna-cry kind.
Download new album Cerulean Salt at dongiovannirecords.com.
Feel-good pop from three California sisters and a dude on drums make a repeat SXSW appearance. We just can’t get enough.
Make it a family affair at haimtheband.com.
With a new band in tow, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) keeps his indie cred high — and the cool kids rocking at full volume.
Download the eponymous album at itunes.com.
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