BY ZOE SALVUCCI
POTTERY
PHOTO BY ZOE SALVUCCI
Every year in Austin, thousands of musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and fans gather to celebrate and discover the latest trailblazers in each of the three industries. With SXSW 2019 having just wrapped up, here is part two of our artists to watch list.
1. Pottery (CA)
This young five-piece from Montreal only have two releases on their Spotify, but right after SXSW they’re kicking off a US tour supporting Sweden’s Viagra Boys. With post-punk sounds reminiscent of the UK and a look like an American indie band, Pottery is sure to bring their unique energy to audiences across the world.
2. Illiterate Light (US)
Virginia-based alternative rock duo Illiterate Light, made up of Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran, makes up for the lack of members with their explosive sound. Pounding drums and shredding guitar build the rock and roll sound of Illiterate Light, a sound not heard often in modern music.
3. Black Midi (UK)
Black Midi is—or was—London’s best kept secret. They have released no music and only just appeared on social media, but have already done a KEXP session and played numerous shows around London, including support slots for highly acclaimed punk band Shame. Their math-infused punk style is unique in sound and brilliant in execution, and their young faces make it all the more impressive. With a US tour hot off the heels of SXSW, Black Midi is about to take the US by storm.
AVALANCHE PARTY
PHOTO BY ZOE SALVUCCI
4. Avalanche Party (UK)
Seeing Avalanche Party live is an experience like no other. Vocalist Jordan Bell gets right in the audience’s face, meandering throughout the crowd while the band holds down the beat on stage. It’s intense, aggressive, and truly a unique live experience, which is important in leaving a mark on the industry.
5. Godcaster (US)
Split between Brooklyn and Philadelphia, Godcaster is an insane mashup of experimental psychedelic garage rock that consistently leaves audience’s minds blown. Their energy is tangible, their musical chemistry undeniable, and their recent single “She’s a Gun” catchy as hell.
6. Roe (IE)
Hailing from Derry in Northern Ireland, Roe’s solo multi-instrumentalist act is one you have to experience firsthand. With a huge voice and an even larger stage presence, she fills the room with her music and charm.
7. Chai (JP)
CHAI
PHOTO BY ZOE SALVUCCI
CHAI, four girls from Tokyo, may have put on the most joyful sets at SXSW. From their latest single “Fashionista” to a cover of “Dancing Queen,” their set of hits made it impossible not to immediately fall in love with them.
8. Jealous of the Birds (UK)
Soulful singer-songwriter Naomi Hamilton made her second SXSW appearance since 2016 this year, hot off the heels of her 2019 release Wisdom Teeth. Performing with a full band now, Jealous of the Birds made quite an impression at South By, one of several Northern Irish acts to make their mark at the festival.
9. DYGL
UK-based, Japan-born DYGL, pronounced day-glow, are your classic indie rock band, but with the catchiest hooks imaginable and the stage presence of a band with twice their experience. With their latest single, “A Paper Dream,” released just days before the festival, 2019 is looking to be a huge year for DYGL.
10. The Nude Party
On a first listen of The Nude Party, you might think you’re listening to a band from 1973, because of their nostalgic style with a modern twist is the latest addition. With their self-titled debut album released only last year, the Nude Party have already made quite a name for themselves in the American garage-rock movement.
11. Sorry Girls (CA)
Montreal duo Sorry Girls is a nostalgia-fueled powerhouse of new wave-reminiscent indie-pop. Following the release of their EP Easier in November, published by Montreal DIY label Arbutus Records, Sorry Girls is likely to have an exciting year in 2019.