Just in time for SXSW Music Week?s March 12th kickoff, here are 3 essential emerging acts to catch at this year?s highly anticipated festival.
WHO: Dessa
WHEN: Saturday, March 17 10:00PM
WHERE: Maggie Mae’s Rooftop
WHY: Singer, rapper and writer Dessa has been bucking the norm for over a decade – since joining the infamous indie hip hop collective Doomtree in 2005. Her style is raw and tender, backed up by fierce beats and production that give her music a unique depth and relatability. Her new album, Chime, draws inspiration from Dessa?s fascination with the human brain?s connection to love (which even led her to participate in an academic study on the subject). It?s a strong record and reflection on love and heartbreak ? the Verge describes it interestingly as ?not an album about science and technology, but about science as another way to investigate experience.? Don?t miss out on Dessa?s amazing live game @ SXSW next week.
STREAM: “Good Grief” + “Fire Drill“
WHO: Jordan Rakei
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13th @ 9:00pm
WHERE: Elysium
WHY: 25-year old New Zealand singer-songwriter Jordan Rakei has a talent that?s well beyond his years. His soulful, jazzy R&B sound is thoughtfully crafted and executed ? and his most recent release, Wallflower, reflects an added influence from his new home base of London, where Rakei performs often with local legends United Vibrations and Rhythm Section. The multi-instrumentalist and beat maker uses his many influences to work classic sounds into a more modern style of electronic soul that hooks your ear immediately. And Rakei?s melting pot sound and flawless voice are fantastic live ? so don?t miss the up and comer @ SXSW this year.
STREAM: “Sorceress” + “Nerve“
WHO: Nikki Lane
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13th @ 10:30pm
WHERE: The Gatsby
WHY: Nikki Lane has been getting a lot of buzz since the release of her most recent record, Highway Queen (which came out last year). Lane is no stranger to the scene though ? her last album, 2015?s All Or Nothin?, was a solid record (produced by Dan Auerbach) and established her as a strong new force out of Nashville. The alt-country crooner has an incredibly unique voice, and her style blends a country sweetheart twang with her dark, rock and roll drawl to create a sound that packs a punch. Highway Queen received critical acclaim all around for Nikki?s unique take on country swagger ? so don?t miss this powerful female voice @ SXSW this year.
STREAM: “Jackpot” + “Highway Queen“