Last year, it was Franz Ferdinand. In previous years, it was the Darkness and the Polyphonic Spree. These are just some of the acts that earned enough music-biz buzz at South by Southwest to generate widespread attention.
This 19th edition of the festival–which continues through Sunday in Austin–promises similar discoveries. Whether it’s indie-rock, hip-hop or rock en espanol, there are enough fresh faces to fill a few seasons of “American Idol”–without a whining Brit and faded pop queen passing judgment. Here’s who you might be hearing a lot of this year:
Just about anything Canadian: Not a band but a state–er, province–of mind. The cool north is hot this year, and acts such as Death From Above 1979, The Dears, Pony Up! and Stars.
British invasion: Kasabian, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Long-View and Goldie Lookin Chain. These Brit bands are riding a wave of Anglophilic applause. Kasabian’s updated Stone Roses dance-rock could follow Franz Ferdinand up the charts.
North Texas hip-hop: Maybe, just maybe, this year will bring a breakthrough. Scene-queen Erykah Badu is hosting an SXSW night featuring local fave Strange Fruit Project and her new discovery, Jay Electronica.
Black Tie Dynasty: This Ft. Worth electro/post-punk-influenced band has been drumming up all sorts of kudos for its new EP, “This Stays Between Us.”
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Devin the Dude: Houston hip-hop is known for its bling, and that’s what makes down-to-earth Devin’s dude-next-door style all the more appealing.
M.I.A.: More Brit hype, this time for a female Sri Lankan immigrant who recalls the retro hip-hop glory days of JJ Fad.
Jimmy Chamberlin Complex: Former Smashing Pumpkins drummer goes it alone with his fusion-leaning project.
The Kills: This male-female duo has the “next White Stripes” buzz going.
Buck 65, Aesop Rock and MF Doom: There’s a huge underground following for these three, with whom it’s all about progressive and avant-garde hip-hop.
Daniel Johnston: The troubled Texas singer-songwriter is the subject of a documentary that’s also playing the festival.
Dogs Die in Hot Cars: These Dogs bark out clever, literate, XTC-ish rock.
Phoenix: Whoever said the French can’t rock hasn’t heard this sublime mix of Steely Dan sashay and alt-rock energy.
LCD Soundsystem: Big dance beats and mocking attitude make for an intriguing combo.
Andrea Echeverri: The frontwoman from Colombia’s acclaimed Aterciopelados steps out on her own with an alluring blend of pop, folk and Latin rhythms.
Missy Higgins: Australian singer-songwriter, who’s chart-topping at home, brings her sensitive rock-pop to the States.
The Oktober People: Albuquerque gave the world the Shins and now offers this intoxicating mashup of Radiohead, Mogwai and Pinback.
Hot Rod Circuit and the Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower: Punk lives in the youthful hands of these two bands.
The Go! Team: On disc, these guys make a weird and joyful noise. Can it be duplicated live?
The Bravery and Brazilian Girls: The former is infectious rock, and the latter has more of a dance-jazz sensibility, but these are two of the most-talked-about bands in New York these days.
Daara J: Hip-hop is truly international as this Senegalese outfit shows.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Kris Karnopp ([email protected])