OFTEN referred to as the world’s largest music conference, South By South West; more commonly known as simply SXSW, is a haven for creatives the world over and has been utilised as a stepping stone toward greatness for countless bands from the US, UK and many further flung locations.
An event which enables young hopefuls to perform in front of scores of musos over the course of numerous gigs, the city of Austin, Texas finds itself besieged by an obscene amount of talented individuals from the 11th-20th March and it’s entirely plausible that the world’s next big musical love affair will be pounding the pavements in search of prosperity and the acclaim that their music rightfully deserves.
Given its proven star-making abilities, it should come as no surprise that a strong contingent of bands from Scotland’s ever thriving music spectrum are in the process of making their way to the festival with high hopes and a wealth of phenomenal material. With all the potential to earn themselves a place on a major label or among the act which the bloggers in attendance will be touting for greatness, we’ve provided an in-depth rundown of the homegrown talent that’s set to follow in the footsteps of artists such as Frightened Rabbit, Young Fathers, CHVRCHES, Hudson Mohawke, Fatherson, Hector Bizerk and more by undertaking the voyage.
HOLY ESQUE
A band that have ventured to Austin on numerous occasions over the past few years but have never been in such a firm position as they find themselves today, Holy Esque’s unique brand of emotionally charged and deeply enthralling alt-rock has catapulted them into the view of the mainstream consciousness in recent months.
Making their presence felt with the superb Submission EP in mid 2015 before staking their claim as one of Scotland’s most culturally pertinent and inventive bands with their wonderfully overwhelming debut album At Hope’s Ravine at the tail end of last month, the Glaswegian four piece have all the tools at their disposal to make a huge impact upon the American audience.
Set time- Thursday 17th March- Tellers, 12:00am-12:40am
WOMPS
Initially making their mark on the industry as members of Algernon Doll before metamorphosing into the stellar, 90’s inspired rock trio that we see before us today, WOMPS are signed to UK label Damnably and found themselves recording with the revered Steve Albini upon their first trip to the states.
Having ventured to New York’s CMJ in 2015 and with their forthcoming debut album Our Fertile Forever slated for release in June, SXSW is sure to be an excellent opportunity for them to expand their fanbase ahead of its release.
Set time- Thursday 17th March- The Main II- 10:00pm-10:40pm
The Spook School
Hailing from Edinburgh, The Spook School have been doing the rounds since 2012 and are an act that manage to marry an innate social conscience with their incredibly fun brand of infectious indie pop.
Attaining praise from high profile sources such as NPR for their recent Try To Be Hopeful LP and set to play alongside PAWS at their forthcoming album launch show at Stereo, it’s highly probable that they’ll be returning to Scotland with a legion of new supporters and a place upon many ones to watch lists.
Set time- Saturday 19th March- Tap Room At The Market- 9:00-9:40PM
The Revenge
Revered among dance circle for his almost encyclopedic knowledge of the expansive genre’s nuances and tropes, The Revenge is an artist whose creativity knows no bounds and lends itself to truly riveting sets and original compositions.
Having released his full length debut Love That Will Never Die to considerable fanfare, the producer lesser known as Graeme Clark was entirely successful in bridging the gaps between the eras and crafting a spellbinding sound that’s simply impossible to suppress.
Armed with an array of surefire dancefloor fillers, his set is sure to be one that incites a great deal of joy within those in attendance.
Set time- Friday 18th March- Latitude 30- 12:00-12:40am
KLOE
A homegrown talent whose shimmering electro-pop has cast a spell upon many music lovers, all signs point to KLOE transcending Scotland’s music scene and making herself known on the world stage.
Armed with a solid batch of incessantly catchy tracks that wade into the territory of sultry r&b and mainstream pop in equal measure, KLOE has found herself on the roster of Columbia Records, SXSW is sure to provide many admirers with their first chance to bask in her music firsthand.
Set time- Friday 18th March- Latitude 30-9:00-9:45pm
PINACT
A Glasgow based three piece that possess a wholly anthemic, 90’s infused blend of raucous guitar pop that’s garnered them fans wherever they’ve roamed, Pinact are looking to build upon the hype which sorrounds them with a stellar showing at SXSW.
Signed to New York’s Kanine Records, their debut album Stand Still And Rot single-handedly marked them out as not only a truly special proposition but also declared the arrival of a new force within Scotland’s music scene.
No strangers to the pressures of performing in the states yet making their debut appearance at Austin’s famed conference, there’s every possibility that they’ll leave a lasting impact upon those that catch their set.
Set time- Wednesday 16th March- Valhalla- 10:00-10:40pm
NAKED
Signed to Scotland’s own LuckyMe label, Edinburgh’s NAKED are an elusive yet no less exciting proposition.
Catapulted into the public eye thanks to ‘Moshin’ In The Front’; their collaboration with cult US rapper Mykki Blanco, their more sinister production style is utterly electrifying yet is offset by their propensity for genuine tenderness within their output.
Having impressed all that came across their 2015 EP Youth Mode, it’s sure to be a productive journey for this hotly tipped duo.
Set time- Tuesday 15th March-800 congress- 10:30-11:30pm
CHVRCHES
Establishing themselves as full blown superstars in both the states and the UK with the release of their sophomore LP Every Open Eye, Glaswegian trio CHVRCHES have became the darlings of the electro pop world ever since their emergence and show no signs of slowing down.
Ascending to the heady heights of the Radio Day Stage and sure to pull in one of the most ravenous crowds of any act, SXSW is merely a chance for the band to cement their control of the US and provide their loyal fanbase with a truly thrilling set.
Set time- Friday 18th March- Radio Day Stage-1:00-1:30pm
