Artists on the Rise at SXSW

SXSW is coming back to Austin for the first time in two years, and there are over 300 musical acts who are showcasing their incredible talent. If you’re having trouble figuring out which acts to check out at SXSW this year, here are five artists you should go see at the conference:

1. BLACKSTARKIDS

These Kansas City Natives combine indie, hip-hop, pop and even some punk style lyrics. Through this diverse array of genres it’s hard to pin down the exact sound of BLACKSTARKIDS, but the diversity of their sound makes them incredibly unique. Signed to the same label as bands like the 1975 and Japanese House, they are an alternative group that sonically and lyrically sets themselves apart through their presentation and creativity in a world full of sad boy indie rock bands.

2. Minimal Shlager

New group Minimal Schalger combines the sounds of synth and indie to create pop songs that give the coming of age songs a darker edge. With only a handful of released songs, in the age of 80s inspired synth-pop, this German/English duo will make waves at SXSW. If you want to say that you discovered this group before they blew up, check them out at their show at The Iron Bear on March 16th starting at 11:00 p.m.

3. Ximbo

Hailing from Mexico City, Ximbo is bringing the Latin American hip-hop scene to the forefront of people’s attention. Her over 20 years of experience making music shows in her latest collaboration “Déjalo”, which carries heavy R&B beats with flairs of Latin influence. Her music covers topics like feminism in Latin America to reminding oneself that happiness comes from within. In the growing Latin American hip-hop scene, Ximbo is an example of the influence that women have on this genre.

4. Damien McFly

Moniker for Italian artist Damiano Ferrari, Damien McFly takes a lot of his influences from bands like Mumford and Sons and other folk/pop musicians. In his most recent single “Slowly Fade Away”, the yearning melts into the song, reaffirmed by the combination of powerful drums and repeated piano melodies. In the growing Italian music scene, McFly is an artist to keep an eye on as he continues to enhance his musical ability.

5. Freetown Collective

If you like music that has powerful storytelling or if you like music that has a beachy sound, Freetown Collective is an artist you should check out. This Trinidadian group hopes to challenge the standards of what people think music can be and the narrative that is pushed out. They are playing at the Flamingo Cantina on March 18 at 8:00 p.m. if you’re interested in checking them out!