SXSW 2024 felt like a vibrant return to its roots, embracing a global perspective reminiscent of its pre-pandemic glory days. Despite facing challenges, including a controversial partnership and notable last-minute cancellations led by artists from Ireland, the festival’s spirit remained unbroken. Amidst this backdrop, countless bands took to the stage, their performances a testament to the enduring power of live music.
Here are 10 bands (+5 more honorable mentions), who stood out for their live performances, ability to connect with the crowd and overall energy, despite a hectic and hard working schedule. Some of them used the stage to voice their support for artists who canceled in protest or to support the protests in their own way, while others were here to connect with fans in the intimate venues of Austin. Enjoy!
The Lottery Winners
The next UK export to be ‘famous in America’, the Lottery Winners started SXSW off earlier than many bands, playing an acoustic performance with a string quartet on the Saturday night at the British Music Embassy. They followed-up later with their trademark, high-energy headline show at 11pm. Their album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, reached #1 in the UK Official Charts in May 2023 and is bursting with exuberancy while tackling issues of mental health. It includes three major collaborations with Shaun Ryder, Frank Turner and Boy George, building on previous work with KT Tunstall, Sleeper, Nickelback and The Wonder Stuff. 2024 sees the band playing a host of arena tours supporting Rick Astley and Nickelback, as well as shows with Noel Gallagher.
Angélica Garcia
Raised in El Monte, CA by Mexican and El Salvadoran parents, Garcia has been surrounded by music her entire life; her mother was an artist who had a top 40 Hot 100 hit and her stepfather was in A&R prior to becoming a priest. L.A.-based Garcia – who also goes by Angel – mesmerized SXSW audiences at British Music Embassy with her kaleidoscope of movement and borderless music. Singing in Spanish-only, her performance transcended language and connected with audiences through universal understandings of grief, joy, beauty, rage and peace. Her new album Gemelo, drops on June 7th and you can see her in Europe from May to July.
The Silver Lines
Formed by the brothers Ravenscroft and joined by Kindo on drums and George Vivian on bass, The Silver Lines were uninspired by the current landscape of guitar music and indie music tropes of teenage love and rants, so instead decided to make music that turns them on.
Performing at Valhalla with a Jagger-like swagger on stage, their songs tackle topics including toxic masculinity, aggression, loneliness and other taboo coming of age topics. Another UK export, you can catch them live in France in April.
Telescreens
Originally from LA, but now based in New York, the Telescreens blew the proverbial roof off of the outdoor stage at the Mohawk Austin. With the energy of early 2000s Strokes, Jackson Hamm has the undeniable charisma of a rock ‘n’ roll front man, and despite breaking his guitar strings twice during the set, the rest of the band – including an energetic drummer who also broke his kit – kept the energy flowing while he repaired the guitar himself. You can catch them live in Austin in May, and Queens, NY in June.
Holly Macve
Hot off the heels of her collaboration with friend and musical mentor, Lana Del Rey on the song “Suburban House”, Holly Macve captivated the SXSW audience at British Music Embassy with her soulful and intimate performances. Alone on stage with only her guitar and keyboard, Irish songwriter Macve played songs from her first EP in three years. Time is Forever is her most honest storytelling yet. Recorded and co-produced with Zach Dawes, the project explores the intricacies of love and loss through both a personal and a universal lens.
Folk Bitch Trio
Hailing from Melbourne/Naarm, Australia, Folk Bitch Trio is made up of Gracie Sinclair, Jeanie Pilkington and Heide Peverelle. Their low-key performance at the Driskill Hotel was a serene oasis amidst the frenzy of SXSW. Their harmonies, thoughtful arrangements and confessional lyrics enchanted the “seated and more” chilled out audience.
Spyres
Glasgow-based Spyres made their U.S. debut in New York at the New Colossus Festival in March, followed quickly by a flurry of shows at SXSW including Marshall Funhouse at the Parish. Since forming in 2019, the indie rock quartet has gained attention for their infectious hooks, big choruses and introspective lyrics. Influences range from Courtney Barnett to The Jesus and Mary Chain, resulting in a sound with the spirit of classical and modern indie-rock mixed with an homage to shoegaze.
Skinny Lister
Formed in 2009 in London, the now five-piece pop-punk band visited SXSW for their third time in (previous appearances included 2012 and 2013, the same year they also played Coachella). Skinny Lister overflowed with a riot of energy despite their hangovers, booze-laced sing-a-longs, and the occasional arm wrestling competition between singer Lorna Thomas and the crowd at Marshall Funhouse at the Parish. To give you a sense of what to expect, Skinny Lister have toured with Frank Turner, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, bringing a true Celtic punk vibe to the stage and to the audience.
Nyssa
Self proclaimed ‘pagan-punk-poet’, Toronto’s Nyssa brought her primal energy to Canada House, singing about “wild things, old gods, romance-beyond-borders, and the exorcism of trauma.” She was long-listed for the 2021 Polaris prize and recently released her sophomore album, Shake Me Where I’m Foolish. Her magnetic performance will draw you in, hypnotize you and release you with the fervor of a spiritual ritual sacrifice. You’ve been warned.
Girl and Girl
Australia’s Girl and Girl is a 4-piece garage rock band from Brisbane with Kai James and his Auntie Liss on drums, supported by friends Jayden Williams on guitar and Fraser Bell on bass. Catchy hooks, emotional intensity and dynamic performances abounded, despite the jet lag, abundance of shows at SXSW including Australia House at Lucille, and being one of the more talked about bands here this year. They won the Gold Coast Music Prize and have made a name for themselves at Australia’s 2022 Bigsound Music Conference, London’s Wide Awake Festival. Their recent single, “Dance Now” has been gaining momentum amongst U.S. College radio charts.
Honorable mentions and worth a deeper listen:
Viji (Performance at Valhalla)
For nostalgic fans of melodic 90s fuzzy sounds and indie sleaze, Viji’s latest album was recorded with four-times Mercury Prize nominee producer Dan Carey (Fontaines DC, Wetleg).
Pony Girl (Performance at Canada House at Swan Dive)
This group’s art-pop shoegaze is a playful exploration of sound, weaving intricate melodies into a tapestry of auditory delight.
Hotel Mira (Performance at Canada House at Swan Dive)
Lead singer Charlie Kerr has all the charisma of the late Michael Hutchence supported by an electrifying mix of “zipline synths, sleek disco strings and fiery guitar solos.”
Willow Parlo (Performance at German Embassy at Shangri-La)
Germany’s answer to the dream pop of Boygenius. The perfect summer road trip music for farewells & new beginnings, introspective journeys and exploring ethereal landscapes.
Moritz Simon Geist (Performance at Austin Convention Centre)
German media artist who has combined his background as a research scientist with his education as a classically trained musician on piano and clarinet to produce a unique electronic music sound by using robotic devices, machine learning algorithms and the physics of sound.
SXSW 2024 was a reminder of music’s resilient spirit, its ability to unite us across borders and through challenges. These artists, each unique in their expression, shared their souls with us, creating moments of connection and inspiration that resonated far beyond the festival’s stages.
