If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ Rock ‘N’ Roll, The Delta Riggs bring it from Australia with some psychedelic/roots/jam rock. Reminiscent of a great night in a great dive-bar, their song “Better” is a slow groover, awash with soulful grit, latching on your hips and putting a smile on your lips. By Desiree Autobee
The Delta Riggs
(Facebook)
Rating 8.5
By Bruce Rave
For years, the UK has had smaller versions of Austin’s SXSW. Several continue to thrive, and none more so than The Great Escape. It takes place in Brighton every May. 300 bands play in this charming party town, which is located on the English Channel. The event is more of a regional European festival with attendees and bands arriving from far and wide: Australians came to play even US bands like The Orwells, Phosphorescent and Parquet Courts, not only showed up, but blew people away in the process. A few established Brits such as Billy Bragg and Everything Everything played for those willing to shell out extra pounds to see them. For me, it was all about the up and coming peeps… just as it is at SXSW.
I saw about two dozen bands over the course of three days. If I were to give you one group that hit the biggest home run for me, it was The Strypes. These Irish mid-teens hammer out an intense R&B/garage blend of early Stones and Yardbirds. If you like this kind of music as much as I do, their live show is a “10” and it will be impossible not to have a smile on your face. They have amazing poise for their age, on and offstage. I interviewed them during the weekend, and that chat will soon be posted on B3SCI – stay tuned. Strypes hope to hit America next March for SXSW 2014. Another band that I interviewed was Tribes, who are also great live. Look for that post in the near future. This London band borrows more from the 70’s glam period and just released a new album in the UK. It follows up their top ten debut. They had the misfortune of following The 1975, who flashing-back had dazzled us at the B3SCI SXSW party in March. With two serious UK hits now under their belts, The 1975 drew such a huge throng that many Tribes fans gave up waiting in line. Temples matched the keen expectations I had for them, of which were mostly based on their first single “Shelter Song”. Their set contained several more songs with hit potential, and Temples absolutely deliver live. All four guys in the band ooze stardom, and front man James Bagshaw sports a perfect Tommy Bolan hairdo (bonus points). Temples played two unannounced shows, one being a few hours in advance of the also secret 2am set from Palma Violets. I didn’t see PV that night, but I recall they killed at SXSW.
Some other highlights among a slew of strong artists: Catfish and the Bottlemen came highly recommended to me by BBC honchos, and I loved their melodic, guitar-driven energy. Echotape are up and comers with huge potential that remind me a bit of The Horrors and even Temples. The Family Rain are three brothers, including two twins, who play like Wolfmother’s second album should have sounded. Owen McGarry is a promising Irish singer-songwriter with a crystal clear voice and lots of potential. Merchandise hail from Tampa and have become NME darlings with their dark and dirty post-punk power. An added bonus for me was at one point winding up in a private courtyard where Little Green Cars were taping a beautiful cover of Neil Young’s “Philadelphia” for VEVO. A major buzz artist was London Grammar. Her sweet voice attracted a huge outside line. I got in and can see why people are excited, even if her softer, slower style isn’t quite my glass of white wine.
While TGE is smaller than SXSW, it’s still impossible to cover everything due to schedule conflicts. One US band I hated to miss was electropop band Feathers from Austin. They definitely cut through the clutter and were on lots of lips. For SXSW, 6th Street in Austin has become such a shitshow that attendees avoid the street at all costs at night. Not the case in Brighton. Sidewalks, bars, and cafes were filled with college types and other mellow locals who seemed unfazed by the festival, so walking between venues was a real pleasure. We really lucked out with the weather. Brighton had endured ten consecutive stormy days, but not a drop of rain fell during the festival. One downside shared by both TGE and SXSW: As both events grow, there are more and more lines that make it impossible to gain admittance to certain showcases. Both festivals now have the task of trying to grow without being too big for their own good. I hope TGE can retain the casual intimacy that it still has at this point. I highly recommend it to anyone who can attend, but I’d do it within the next couple of years.
The Great Escape 
(Official)
* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!
FYFE, a/k/a former David’s Lyre frontman Paul Dixon, is name on the lips, tweeters, spotify playlists of seemingly all the world’s music bloggers/tastemakers/rigmarole, on the strength no less of just two (VERY VERY GOOD) tracks. “Conversations” is FYFE’s latest and is neither a departure in quality nor progression for the UK-based artist; as both “Solace” and “St. Tropez” have been uniquely engaging in sound, such is the slightly more hip-hop/beats-tinged “Conversations”.
FYFE 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Leeds UK producer Debian impresses again with soulful space garage of his new remix for Mt. Wolf. The original track for “Shapeshifter”, a slow-grooved alt-R&B-ref’ing bit of indie pop, is nice enough for sure; here, though Debian completely flips the total complexion and feel of the song switching in a unique & slightly vibed interpreation of the current UK garage sound without turning the track into some sort of cliche. Very well done.
Debian Blak (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
We divided and we conquered. Team B3SCI took to the streets of Austin, TX this past March for the annual SXSW Music Conference. Among the seemingly infinite amount of shows we caught by bands from all over the planet, B3 was there with non-stop coverage including exclusive interviews, take-away performance sessions, and even our B3SCI Presents first ever SX-party! So check out from SXSW 2013 some of what you missed, you remember, and what you straight up forgot about with this firsthand look back:
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Sunday, March 10th
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Seryn @ Holy Mountain
I must confess that I had never heard of Seryn before SXSW. On Sunday night, after a long day of trekking about, I ended up walking into Holy Mountain. As I walked in, and took a gander at the surroundings, the bar was about half full and easily navigable. As I made my way in, the band began to play; I could feel the pulse of the kick drum as the sound waves of the low end penetrated the walls, the layered vocals came through with a bright passion, the accordion mixed with the guitar and bass and complemented the percussion, creating a powerful sound that instantly grabbed me. The growing attentive audience seemed to be in on something that I’ve been missing out on. Seryn has an appreciation for skilled musicianship, that can not be replaced by a programmed loop, and their thoughtfully crafted songs are more orchestral than folk-like. It’s not hard to become a fan of Seryn. By Desiree Autobee
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Monday, March 11th
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Poolside @ Mohawk
I’d say the best time to go to SXSW, and not feel pressure, is the day before the music portion is officially set to start. The place to be that Monday evening was Mohawk – it was a breeze to get in and it was slated with a really great lineup. The perfect band to compliment the calm before the SXSW storm was Poolside. With chill beats and solid bass lines, their songs are ripe for a groove or two. It seemed like the entire crowd sunk their bodies into each song, willingly giving up their control for the opportunity to be transported into the rhythmic world that Poolside has so expertly created. By Desiree Autobee
Vacationer @ Mohawk
If ever there was a way to escape a bad day or a general need to have a relaxing good time, I’d recommend seeing a Vacationer show. Their midnight slot at Mohawk on Monday night was packed and it set a great tone for the remainder of SXSW. Vacationer sounded just as good live as they do on the album. Kenny Vasoli does a great job as a frontman, translating Vacationer’s subtly subdued electro-pop sound into a performance that is every bit as energetic as the music is laid-back. Vasoli was genuinely appreciative of the crowd that night, mentioning the band had played SXSW the year before without much notoriety; extensive touring since then with bands along the likes of Tennis, Body Language, and Niki & The Dove, as well as music placements and coverage by the music community has catapulted Vacationer’s fan base – deservedly so. By Desiree Autobee
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Tuesday, March 12th
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Dan Croll @ Cheer Up Chalie’s
Dan Croll hit it out of the park Tuesday afternoon at Cheer Up Charlie’s. His electronic-fused singer/songwriter pop was truly infectious and took hold of the audience. He and his band played tight, sounding great in addition to being charming with banter in between songs. Croll has become a true professional in the short time that he’s made an impact on the music scene. By Desiree Autobee
Zak Waters @ Cheer Up Charlie’s
Zak Waters is a force to be reckoned with. From the moment go, he and his band made you almost forget it was the middle of the afternoon on a Tuesday. Waters’ high energy matched the high danceability to his soulful music and the crowd couldn’t move from stage-one (previous performance) to stage-two (where he was) fast enough; Cheer Up Charlie’s turned into a midday dance party. I saw many bands play at SXSW, Zak Waters was a standout. By Desiree Autobee
Guards @ Empire Control Room
New York’s Guards have been creating a stir. They delivered a stellar set at the Empire Control Room on Tuesday despite crappy sound in a room that seems mostly perfect for hardcore punk or metal bands. In a live setting Guards have a straight forward, energetic, hard pop approach that supports consistently good songs. Their debut album is yet to drop, but last song of their set, “Ready to Go” is a single that is putting people on notice that this is a band to watch. By Bruce Rave
Young Girls @ BD Riley’s
Roaming about on 6th St., I followed my ears into BD Riley’s Irish Pub. The scene was a bit strange at first, as I walked in and felt as though I had interrupted a PTA dinner convention, but the music was in wonderful stark contrast to the visual before me, and sounded like it should have been coming from a sun-kissed Levi’s commercial (or similar,etc). It became easy to forget about the people around me and the chaos outside, and to focus on the warm, retro-garage pop being played. Young Girls aren’t young girls, rather they are a quartet of young men, and their music makes you want to take a sick day and head out to the beach. Song after song, they played their hearts out and created a hazy west-coast vibe in the middle of SXSW. This Texas band is one to watch. By Desiree Autobee
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Wednesday, March 13th
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Blondfire @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
Amidst non-stop touring in support of their numerous successful and recent releases, around noon, Blondfire kicked off the B3SCI Presents dayparty at Maggie Mae’s with a line out the door. Erica Driscoll took charge of her four-piece band, initiating the first daytime of SXSW music with a high energy output of hits and fan favorites like “Where The Kids Are,” “Waves” and “Trojans.”
NO CEREMONY /// NOC @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
For their first ever show in the United States NO CEREMONY /// delivered a stirring representation of ambient pop music without hesitation. The Manchester collective performed as a trio, and their electronic set up was accompanied with live vocals, guitars, bass and a variety of percussion. Stunning graphics displayed via mounted projector on stage with the band, accenting yet another layer of depth behind the elusive band. I went on to see /// NOC three more times during SXSW and thus are one of our favorite take-aways from the festival.
Ghost Beach @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
Having seen Ghost Beach perform before, I knew to expect a high energy, electro-pop blow out from the band at Maggie Mae’s for B3SCI’s showcase. The New York duo absolutely rocked the house and have since become a favorite of mine. Playing different songs from their self-titled EP and 2012 release Modern Tongues, Ghost Beach proved to be on the lips of a lot of people at SXSW. It also helps that they would go on to play 8 showcases during the conference. Worth noting, the band had recently taken an ad space in Times Square promoting a social experiment of theirs that asks artists if they are for or against piracy. It’s pretty cool, check it out here. By Brian Litwin
Phil Beaudreau w/ Dawaun Parker @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
Phil Beaudreau took to the rooftop at Maggie Mae’s with Grammy Award winning producer Dawaun Parker for a first time ever live performance on Wednesday at SXSW. You wouldn’t have known it though. The LA based duo root back to Berklee U in Boston and they had a certain chemistry on stage. Performing early tracks surfaced from Beaudreau’s anticipated debut, Ether, like “This Is Why,” “Anyway,” and “Take It High,” in addition to unreleased material, the two worked the stage. The group’s collaboration of progressive urban beats and new school soul is a winning sound for pop in our books. You can check some footage of their performance here.
Gold Fields @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MGGIE MAE’S
Gold Fields didn’t merely play the B3SCI Presents SXSW party, they stormed it. The energy of their live show surprises those who only know their Black Sunday album, which the band toned down to display their electronic nuances. Their set-closer “Moves” was the most dynamic single song I heard played all week in Austin, and many people were talking about this band’s live shows. By Bruce Rave
SKATERS @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
SKATERS seemed to have a lot to say in Austin this year. The band is hot off the heels of their “I Wanna Dance” single with some major press surrounding it. Live, the band is loud, tight and singer Michael Ian Cummings was as charismatic as dare we say.. Julian Casablancas. But more than anything, the self described plasma-punks delivered the goods. Not like your too-frequent NYC guitar band, SKATERS have a direct quality. A sound that’s to the point, one that will last well beyond most basements in Williamsburg. A recently announced national tour with Portugal. The Man might serve as some indication of this bands potential and future trajectory.
The 1975 @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
One of the most exciting acts of SXSW 2013 was Manchester’s The 1975. Being big fans of this band from their early days, it was surreal to see them headline the first ever B3SCI Presents SX-event. It became clear that The 1975 raise the bar when it comes to performing. With live shows a big part of their message, the band spared no expense showcasing their major festival ready material, intricate arrangements, explosive performance and impressive musicianship. Besides the musical inclination, there is a timelessly dramatic quality to their sound, offering elements that a diverse climate of fans can relate to. With their pleathera of jukebox ready tunes, and a capitivating live performance to boot, The 1975 were a standout of SXSW for many that we talked to. Keep an eye out for a debut album from the lads dropping later this 2013.
Trails & Ways @ B3SCI PRESENTS @ MAGGIE MAE’S
Passion & belief, the two things that, for us, define a lot of Trails & Ways live show… and really much anything about the Bay Area band’s trajectory up to now. The band’s connection to their (excellent) material and to their performance is really remarkable. A singular and unique mix of indie pop, Brazilian music and R&B; songs like single “Nunca” and the sunny yet literate “Border Crosser” come off in comparable quality to the records, but with that added art-as-experience (and aforementioned) belief and passion. Trails & Ways are a band that has to make (this) music and has to make records like this. To experience it is really very powerful.
Flume @ Red 7
21 year old producer Harley Streten, has garnished a lot of attention in recent months. From releasing tracks that have exploded all over the internet and in turn making his self titled album Flume a platinum record in his home country of Australia, the hype behind him has been large. The line to see Flume at Red 7 was huge, and a lot fans waiting knew they weren’t going to get into one of the evening’s hotter showcases at the venue as well (CHVRCHES was playing just 30 minutes after in the larger patio area). Harley came out a bit slow, but things picked up quickly. He dropped familiar tracks to those who follow him like “Insane,” “On Top,” “Left Alone” and a crowd favorite “Holdin’ On”. By Brian Litwin
Autre Ne Veut @ Empire Auto Club
Arthur Ashin aka Autre Ne Veut has made waves with his new release Anxiety on Software Records. With a lot of hype comes a lot of expectations and at the Empire Auto Club Autre Ne Veut met all of them. Ripping through the album’s two singles “Counting” and “Play By Play,” he had the entire audience in awe. Though the experimental pop singer’s music is not very intense, the live performance is. Autre Ne Veut was all over the stage literally throwing himself into falsettos and dropping down to the ground with the heaviness of the lyrics. I can easily say that this was the best performance I saw at SXSW. By Brian Litwin
CHVRCHES @ Red 7
Of the last to be announced by SXSW, CHVRCHES (pronounced churches) might have won ‘the most buzz’ award at this years SXSW. The Glasgow three piece is an electropop group, consisting of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty. The trio fulfilled much of the hype surrounding them at Red 7 that Thursday night. Having gained numerous fans online and the attention of indie all-stars Glassnote Records, CHRVCHES came out calm and collected. Bouncing between the select amount of songs they have, they had the Red 7 crowd grooving, playing hits like “Recover” and “The Mother We Share.” By Brian Litwin
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Thursday, March 14th
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SIR SLY @ HYPE HOTEL
Given the explosive success for bands like Foster the People following SXSW 2011, Sir Sly were high on my list of bands to see in Austin this year. Like the aforementioned, the trio are from Los Angeles and only had 3 songs out before the conference. The differences are though plenty still, and definitely in tone and image. Sir Sly have a darker sensibility to their pop music. Near equally as melodic, their live show is also more refined. Sir Sly delivered a solid set of new material proving that they too are ones to be watched out for in 2013.
HAERTS @ RED EYED FLY
There was little known about Haerts leading into SXSW 2013. With no pictures of the band available on line, and only one song, “Wings” (of which is great) available, the packed back patio at the Red Eyed Fly anxiously awaited the band’s set. And the multi-cultural collective based out of NYC Hearts delivered on expectations, doing so with a dynamic performance of new material. With enough contemporary elements to maintain a progressive sound in today’s musical ecosphere, my favorite elements of the band harkened at their classic rock roots, summoning CSNY, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Yong to name a few.
MØ @ RED EYED FLY
MØ (pronounced meh I’m pretty sure…) was a favorite surprise of the week. Also, with only a few tracks released to her name, the Danish female indie popstar in the making took to stage with an attitude that beemed nothing short of confidence. Her music is almost as unique as her name and presence: high energy, tons of odd contortions, and really really good. Excited to see what the future holds for this young artist that definitely knows how to operate outside of the box.
Phosphorescent @ Willie Nelson’s Ranch
I had the incredible opportunity to get away from the chaos of SXSW and join some of the locals at Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas ranch for the Heartbreaker Banquet showcase. Topping the bill for this small capacity outdoor venue were Jim James and Michael Kiwanuka. Though buzzing artist Phosphorescent is who caught my eye. The booze was free that day, the weather was incredible and the fans came by the mini-van full, making a perfect setting for the Matthew Houck lead group. It was more than appropriate for Phosphorescent to play at Willie Nelson’s Ranch considering his 2009 release was titled To Willie, and his most recent album Muchacho, is getting rave reviews. The single off Muchacho, “Song For Zula,” might just be one to see some radio play in 2013. By Brian Litwin
Toy @ Cedar Street Courtyard
This was the first-ever US gig for this Brit band. They had just arrived in Austin the late night before. Their single is “Motoring” and that is a perfect description of Toy’s live show, which literally motors along. They play tight and are capable of longer jams, for example their performance of tracks like “Kopter”. Toy anticipate an extensive US tour upon approval of longer-term visas. By Bruce Rave
The Neighbourhood @ ASOS Lounge
Having exploded as one of the most talked about bands of the past year The Neighbourhood came well equipped to their first ever SXSW. Cohesive is actually a good way of putting it. The Neighbourhood is a band without identity crisis. Their look is as dapper punk as their music is similarly pop. Indie rock with the lush overtones of the pacific coast crashed through The Neighbourhood’s set of most spectacular, alternative radio friendly songs. Much more to come from The Neighbourhood.
Peace @ The Mohawk
The Birmingham, UK band Peace are still very new to the rock and roll limelight. They have a compelling, slightly dark, slightly off kilter style and look that totally works. Peace had some tight songs such as “Wraith” and “Bloodshake,” but also stretched out on a dark jam every now and then. Peace are psychedlic Brit rockers for the radar. By Bruce Rave
Palma Violets @ The Mohawk
These UK newbies showed that their pre-album NME hype was well deserved. Palma Violets had NME’s #1 track of 2012 with “Best Of Friends”. This band has an onstage confidence that would lead us to believe they’d been topping the charts for 5 years. They completely nailed “Best Of Friends” live, while the entire set hammered us with consistency, power, and intensity. By Bruce Rave
Disclosure @ 1100 Warehouse
The Disclosure duo, consisting of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence, was a must see at this year’s SXSW. Everyone was at this show, industry players, fans, bloggers and even fellow DJ duo Bondax. The set was pure fire, blasting their singles “Latch” and “White Noise” and at the same time infusing live elements like drums, vocals and bass. People didn’t care that it was well past midnight for the beginning of their set, and that the venue was far removed from the more congested 6th street. They all came to see one the top draws of the whole festival, and Disclosure didn’t disappoint. By Brian Litwin
JAKE BUGG @ HYPE HOTEL
Jake Bugg took to arms with just his acoustic guitar at the Hype Hotel for a brief set late Thursday night. Possibly because things were delayed, and it was something like 2am, but the young lad from Knottingham brought his mod folk song sensibility to the eager crowd. The writing wisdom of the 18 years old Bugg is pretty incredible, combining influences from Dylan to Ashcroft. Only a microphone and a guitar is all Jake Bugg will ever need.
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Friday, March 15th
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Alpine @ Red 7
The debut LP from Alpine was released in their native Australia last year. It’s not often that a band can make a quality album from beginning to finish, but Alpine has done just that. The band apply that same level of craftsmanship to their live performance as well. During one of their SXSW shows at Red 7 on Friday, I noticed a few fans up front (myself included), the band played to a mostly fresh crowd, as the troves poured in during their set. Each song Alpine played built upon the previous, gaining momentum and energy as the set went on, turning a room full of unsuspecting ears into a room full of grooving SX-goers. Alpine have a unique formula for blending rock, pop, vocal and synth elements, seemingly creating new song forms altogether. Frontwomen Phoebe Baker and Lou James artfully combined demureness with high energy, for a dynamic performance that the band and the audience came alive from. By Desiree Autobee
Merchandise @ Red 7
Punks turned Artful Punks, Merchandise most definitely brought the Punk to SXSW. They rather fortuitously (or not, depending on your perspective) also brought pieces and parts of the more updated elements of their sound to their brief late afternoon set at Red 7. Aside from the weirdness (read hilariousness) of the band members accents sounding EXACTLY like some of my family from Tampa, FL., Merchandise’s performance was loud, noisy, fast and really really good.
Different Sleep @ Hudon’s on Fifth
If you read B3SCI, then you know that Different Sleep’s name pops up on the frequent. There is good reason for that. For being a sophomore in college, Rafa Alvarez amazes us constantly with his downtempo, chillers. I got a chance to chat with him and catch his set at Hudson’s on 5th. His set was dope and expect to hear my exclusive interview with him on the streets of Austin via B3SCI sometime soon. By Brian Litwin
San Cisco @ Maggie Mae’s
Keeping it in the British Commonwealth, Australia’s San Cisco has improved exponentially every time I’ve seen them perform. This very young band scoarched an onlooking crowd with tightness and energy at Maggie Mae’s on Friday. Highlights included “Awkward” and “Rocket Ships” from their Awkward EP. With talented 19 year old singer Jordi Davieson at the helm, San Cisco are proving themselves highly popular with the young girls, and they also did very well playing just before The Vaccines at a show that I had caught in LA not too long ago. By Bruce Rave
Beware of Darkness @ Blackheart
Beware of Darkness is a young LA trio that rocks hard. For a power trio this band is inventive. Think Zeppelin meets early Bowie. Like many of these more promising bands, they have yet to release an album, but their song “Howl” is a winning single. Frontman Kyle Nicolaides shows major star potential. By Bruce Rave
BONDAX @ LA ZONA ROSA
Things got down really quick at La Zona Rosa when UK DJ duo Bondax, George Townsend and Adam Kaye, took over the decks. At this venue near the river, fans got to experience what the UK has been digging for quite some time. Switching between who was at the helm, George opened the set with Moon Boots’ remix of “Gold,” which set the party off right. Throwing in some deep house and smooth samples and closing the set with the original version of “Gold,” Bondax really put their foot down on Austin. Review By Brian Litwin
Savages @ 1100 Warehouse
We’ve heard “Husbands” a lot. It’s one of those “buzz singles” that’s not easy to miss. “Husbands, husbands, husbands”, it’s all right and ok; the single plays fine enough. The walloping we got with the London band’s 1100 Warehouse set, though, was a complete surprise, and most definitely one of the strongest sets we experienced during the whole of SXSW. Heavy, and in the best sort of highly focused, highly compressed, highly syncopated kind of way; Savages live set deviates tremendously from their records. And most notably, the instinctiveness of crop-cut singer Jehnny Beth, and the quietness, rage and laser intensity through which her performance and vocal is really special, and easily one of Savages’ best assets.
FIDLAR @ FILTER CLIVE BAR
I can’t think of a better place for FIDLAR to have played late Friday night than FIlter’s Clive Bar on Rainy Street. The house party vibe is all set. It’s a house, the band is in the back yard, the beer was flowing everywhere, you could barely move an inch in any direction and the band tore the roof off (if there was one). A rock and roll band for another generation of musical youths, FIDLAR bring the party wherever they go. See this band live.
Charlotte Church @ VEVO Control Room
Yes, that Charlotte Church. The PBS “Girl With The Golden Voice of an Angel” turned trashbag pop star/tabloid pariah’s return to music ran through SXSW and a performance at the oddly named VEVO Control Room. Well… the set, the material, the performance were all phenomenal (really phenomenal). The notion that Ms. Church can sing has never really been questioned and the vocal she gave during this show was truly something special. Charlotte’s new Bjork meets Earth Mother meets Portishead meets ? sound, and the structure of her songs, really gives her the ability and opportunity to perform and showcase the outstanding quality of her singing. It’s almost as if singing in a pop format is something that she’s only now first realizing.
Ryan Hemsworth @ 512
We made it rain Pokemon cards in the club. Though beat dropper/rainman Ryan Hemsworth didn’t repeat that deluging down of Charizards & Bulbasaurs for the crowded 512 Rooftop, the Halifax native did well to translate to a live setting his realer than Real Deal Holyfield mix of electro booty rap mixes and Legend of Zelda-referencing space bass jams.
Rudimental @ Hype Hotel
You could spot all the real Britons assembled at Hype Hotel for electronic/R&B crossover act Rudimental’s late night set by who knew how to dance to drum & bass and who didn’t. Moving in time with a drum & bass rhythm is something that has alluded us Americans for what seems like millennia. Rudimental, who went 9-deep on stage, did well enough to keep all the Solange (next act on stage) kids checked into the Hype Hotel engaged and interested in material they were likely hearing for the first time. The energetic 30-40 minute set was definitely highlighted by the big energy (these Brits work on stage) performance of new single “Waiting All Night” and the impressive vocal of singer Ella Eyre.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH
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Blue Hawaii @ HYPE HOTEL
Riding a wave of chill infused daytime disco, Blue Hawaii are at the front of a movement that is only becoming more popular. The male/female duo did an exempilary job of delivering their material in a live setting. Their combination of live sampling manipulation and vocal performance was both exciting and intriguing in a live setting.
Shlohmo, Mount Kimbie, Baauer @ 1100 Warehouse
Things got down right dirty at the 1100 Warehouse for the Ray Ban – Boiler Room sponsored party on the last night of SXSW. With a lineup such as the one that the Boiler Room had curated, things were bound to get weird and possibly blow up in everyone’s faces. Chief Keef was supposed to be a main draw for the show, but knowing his history and legal issues, he did not show up. The reason is still up in the air, but really, who cares. Before things even got started, you could tell the production team and people from the Boiler Room looked worried at potential technical difficulties bound to happen. Unfortunately, this was the overall theme.
Hitting the stage first was the young LA based, oddball producer Shlohmo. With all that was going on at the venue and with visuals all over the walls, Shlohmo’s beats were a perfect soundtrack to the night. Flipping through different mixes, the crowd already excited just by being in the Warehouse started really feeling it. Joining Shlohmo on stage for a track were The Underachievers, sharing only one mic.
Lunice then hit the decks, throwing together a monster set, making way for Mount Kimbie. The London duo of Dominic Maker and Kai Campos had been ‘the’ electronic act in 2010. On this night, with again all the technical issues, they played some old tunes and some new tunes. The Austin audience started to feel their unique and “post-dubstep” sounds. For their only performance at SXSW this year, they definitely made it worth it.
The smoothest set out of all of them was Baauer’s and RL Grime’s back to back. The bass was extra heavy and as the decks switched back and forth, the crowd got rowdier and rowdier. Harry Rodrigues, Baauer, and Henry Steinway, RL Grime, are both young, talented bass engineers who have incredible futures in front of them. Of course, Baauer has seen more fame with the viral craze of his hit “Harlem Shake,” while RL Grime has made a nice name for himself in the music community as well.
This party, on paper, was one for the ages, and it was, but all the issues it had hampered the overall success of it a bit. Skream closed out the show with a set, and this video [above] kind of says it all… Review By Brian Litwin
HAIM @ STUBBS
One of the most exciting acts that I’d seen come out of SXSW 2012 was Haim. Low and behold, a year later, and the sisters lead group were packing the house at one of SXSW’s largest capacity venues. Haim have done justice to their hype. There songs are anthemic and have the perfect new wave of pop, indie production and classic rock sensibility. Speaking of classic rock – ehemmm, Fleetwood Mac, the collective even shamelessly, and appropriately, covered them during their set. Haim delivered the perfect cap to a SXSW festival that had been most insightful and musically rewarding.
*See below for more pictures and a mix of tunes from our favorite artists at SXSW this year!
Kids These Days @ Hype Hotel
MS MR @ Hype Hotel
TOY @ Latitude 30
Citizens! @ Tap Room
NO CEREMONY /// @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room
NO CEREMONY /// @ Latitude 30
FIDLAR @ Clive Bar
HAERTS @ Red 7
Trails and Ways @ Club DeVille
WILDCAT! WILDCAT! @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
The 1975 @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
The 1975 @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
Little Daylight @ Brew Exchange
Marika Hackman @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room
Tashaki Miyaki @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room
Giraffage @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
LVLF @ HOB Tent
Mayer Hawthorne Listening Party @ W Hotel
Solange @ Hype Hotel
Rush Midnight @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
St. Lucia @ Hype Hotel
Phil Beaudreau w/ Dawaun Parker @ B3SCI Presents. Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Patio
Goldroom @ Hype Hotel
FOXES @ Hype Hotel
The Neighbourhood @ Club DeVille
By Teddy Pendergrass.
I come across so much music. I’m not a self-described hipster who hates anything mainstream. But I do notice that a lot of indie labeled stuff is shitting on what the media is forcing us to watch and listen to. This article addresses a variety of tracks to see which side is better in the club genre House, Mainstream or Independent? Let’s let a few random small fan base soundcloud discoveries, count as something “Independent”. And we’ll let some recent top ranking Beatport House tracks represent the “Mainstream”. Here’s our commentary on the topic, and chime-in with your thoughts in the comments section below!
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INDEPENDENT
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John Monkman has 208 followers on Twitter. So I’m putting him on the indie side. The funk intro is great in “Follow Me.” The vocals are smooth and classy. The waves surely hook you in. Liz Cass is a good choice for singer. The bass waves are groovy. “Heeewwwwhuhuhuuuuuu” is so tingling. I like “Follow Me” but it’s missing something that says SUPER STAR. If Monkman doesn’t sell out, some more money/shine could bring this title to fruition.
Blondish – Distant Lover feat. Thomas Gandey (Original Mix)Blondish is mentioned a lot by Pete Tong. They’re semi-mainstream I guess. “Distant Lover” has a nice trance, Egyptian groove. It’s missing that special something to take it to the next level though. Blondish for sure knows that vocals are back in. However Thomas Gandey’s singing goes in circles rather than a straight line. Instead, I’d prefer to be kept off-guard with the lyrics and/or switch-up the beat somewhere in these 7+ minutes.
Teenage Mutants – Out Of Time (Finnebassen Remix)This track is so stunning… at first. The track should have just been 3 minutes long and then ended. Contrary to popular belief, good House is not just all about a hot beat and vocals. You have to make every minute have key differences that necessitate the songs length. Finnebassen is quasi mainstream, he should know better than to be this repetitive.
Enzo Saccone’s 2013 Deep House Set
This is literally the best mix that I have heard since DJ Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise 7: Asia, which is extremely mainstream. And Enzo Saccone is the most “underground” artist on this list! While his artwork is so, “yeah, I did this myself,” the music is so “yeah, I did this myself and awesomely at that.” Saccone is actually taking risks. It’s so unique and refreshing. The best type of music exudes said qualities.
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MAINSTREAM
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Criminal Vibes – Song 2 (Club Mix)
Is a memorable sample what makes this track win? I’ll defer to you – the readers. Does it really have anything special to it? Echoes? Waves of synth? For me, it’s boring.
Gary Caos – Soul Power ’74 (Sax Power 2K13)
Another sample that sounds familiar. But where is the innovation? I like this more than “Song 2” but I still am getting my yawn-on. Build-ups are not supposed to feel like a task for the listener. It’s supposed to be the hook before the hook. I’ll pass.
My Digital Enemy – My Lips (My Digital Enemy Remix)
This is the third best release currently rated on Beatport. The top tracks all have the same primary characteristic: trendy sample. Get some exciting stuff if you’re going to sample guys. It’s a turn off otherwise, for me at least.
Raw Silk – Do It To The Music (Federico Scavo Remix)
Ok, this sample is more engaging. “Do It To The Music” is definitely the best track, on the Beatport list, that I’m referring to. The track has the quality master feel. Nevertheless this track has no replay value for me. The song is too repetitive and not sexy enough. I hate saxophone use in club music. The fact that Enzo Saccone can pull it off, and this guy on Ultra Records can’t, is mind-boggling.
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CONCLUSION
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While some lack the expensive tools, many independent artists seem to have the real passion and drive. Both independent and mainstream house scenes seem to be failing at gaining my full on support. But I’m picky. I base the win completely on Enzo Saccone. He not only made me listen along for 40 minutes (so rare), but he used a sax right, which I thought was impossible. Keep an eye on this one.
SXSW-time is here (happiness and cheer). Hello SXSW 2013. How are we doing? B3’s annual hour-by-hour preview and prognostication of SX Music is back for 2013. We’ve got all the can’t miss sets and showcases you’ll want to be at covered. From Tuesday to Saturday, Antone’s to The Whiskey Room, Congress Street to that area where Stubb’s is by the Police Station, Team B3 presents our SX 2013 picks. p.s. If you’ve been sleeping and haven’t yet signed up for our A-class Day Party at Maggie Mae’s on Wednesday afternoon you can sort that out here.
TUESDAY
Brooklyn band DIIV play the Red 7 patio @ 1:00 A.M. on Tuesday.
Showcases where you’ll want to be:
1) BBC Radio 1 @ Latitude 30: Bastille, Lucy Rose, Willy Moon, Tall Ships, The 1975 & Y Niwl
2) Pitchfork @ Mohawk: Icona Pop, Cloud Nothings, Marnie Stern, John Talabot, Azari & III, Blue Hawaii, Hundred Waters
3) The Syndicate’s Conflict of Interest @ Hype Hotel: Cold War Kids, Ra Ra Riot, Ivan & Alyosha, Little Green Cars
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Blondfire @ The Belmont (8:20)
2) Charli XCX @ The Belmont (8:00)
3) Ivan & Alyosha @ Hype Hotel
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) TOKiMONSTA @ Antone’s (9:00)
2) Lucy Rose @ Latitude 30 (9:00)
3) Blue Hawaii @ Mohawk Indoor (9:30)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) St. Lucia @ Antone’s (10:00)
2) Hundred Waters @ Mohawk Indoor (10:15)
3) Tall Ships @ Latitude 30 (10:10)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) The 1975 @ Latitude 30 (11:00)
2) Cloud Nothings @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:30)
3) Little Green Cars @ Hype Hotel
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) DIIV @ Red 7 Patio (12:00)
2) Hit-Boy @ 404 Austin (12:20)
3) Icona Pop @ Mohawk Indoor (12:00)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) John Talabot @ Mohawk Indoor (1:15)
2) Nicolas Jaar @ The North Door (1:00)
3) Bastille @ Latitude 30 (1:00)
WEDNESDAY
The Neighbourhood play Club de Ville @ Midnight on SXSW Wednesday Night
Favorite Showcases:
1) NPR @ Stubb’s: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cafe Tacvba, Alt-J, Youth Lagoon
2) Windish Agency Showcase @ Red 7: Poolside, NO CEREMONY, The Thermals, CHRVCHES, Dan Croll
3) Vans @ Mohawk: Ghostface Killah, Sky Ferreira, Iggy and the Stooges, The Specials
Favorite Sets:
7:00-7:59 PM:
1) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Stubb’s (7:45)
2) Family of the Year @ Moody Theater (7:45)
3) Anuhea @ Old School (7:30)
4) Ab-Soul @ 404 Austin (7:30)
5) Japandroids @ Mohawk Outdoor (7:30)
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Wild Belle @ Haven (8:00)
2) Iggy and the Stooges @ Mohawk Outdoor (8:00)
3) Schoolboy Q @ 404 Austin (8:30)
4) Fallulah @ Old School (8:30)
5) Lucius @ The Parish (8:30)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Tom Odell @ Haven (9:00)
2) Kendrick Lamar @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
3) Merchandise @ Viceland (9:00)
4) Peace @ Red 7 Patio (9:30)
5) The Orwells @ Hype Hotel (9:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Elysium (9:00)
10:00-10:59 PM
1) Caveman @ IFC Crossroads House (10:00)
2) Phosphorescent @ Hype Hotel (10:15)
3) Rudimental @ La Zona Rosa (10:20)
4) The Black Angels @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
5) AZARI & III @ Bungalo (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: The 1975 @ Red Eyed Fly (10:30)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Stubb’s (11:00)
2) PAPA @ Red Eyed Fly (11:20)
3) Just Blaze @ La Zona Rosa (11:40)
4) Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Scoot Inn (11:15)
5) SOHN @ Red 7 (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ The Tap Room at Six (11:00), Icona Pop @ Viceland (11:00)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Neighbourhood @ Club de Ville (12:00)
2) Alt-J @ Stubb’s (12:30)
3) Flume @ Red 7 (12:00)
4) Jake Bugg @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (12:00)
5) Sky Ferreira @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:10)
Prev. Mentioned: AZARI & III @ The Tap Room at Six (12:00), John Talabot @ Elysium (12:00)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Ghostface Killah @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
2) Foxes @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Wyclef Jean @ 404 Austin (1:00)
4) White Lung @ Holy Mountain (1:20)
5) Alpine @ Empire Control Room (1:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Charli XCX @ Club de Ville (1:00)
THURSDAY
Bay Area bossa-pop crew Trails & Ways check into the Hype Hotel @ 9 PM
Favorite Showcases:
1) Pitchfork @ 1100 Warehouse: Disclosure, Ryan Hemsworth, FIDLAR, Sky Ferreira, Savages, Pissed Jeans
2) BET Music Matters @ Brazos Hall: T.I., Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Chrisette Michele, BJ The Chicago Kid
3) The Hype Machine @ Hype Hotel: Jake Bugg, MS MR, The Specials, Trails & Ways, Kodaline
Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Joey Bada$$ @ Hangar Lounge (8:30)
2) Fidlar @ 1100 Warehouse (8:40)
3) Guards @ The Belmont (8:00)
4) Kodaline @ Hype Hotel (8:00)
5) Cayucas @ Red 7 Patio (8:15)
Prev. Mentioned: PAPA @ The Tap Room at Six (8:00), TOKiMONSTA @ Republic Live (8:40)
9:00-9:59 PM
1) Trails & Ways @ Hype Hotel (9:00)
2) Lianne La Havas @ Empire Automotive (9:15)
3) Charles Bradley @ Moody Theater (9:00)
4) Big K.R.I.T. @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) BJ The Chicago Kid @ Brazos Hall (8:50)
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Bar 96 (9:30), Joey Bada$$ @ Brazos Hall (9:45),
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Wildcat! Wildcat! @ Tap Room at Six (10:00)
2) Jesse Boykins III @ Elysium (9:50)
3) Dauwd @ Holy Mountain (10:00)
4) MONA @ Cedar Street Courtyard (10:00)
5) Chrisette Michele @ Brazos Hall (10:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Sky Ferreira @ 1100 Warehouse (10:45),
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Capital Cities @ Empire Automotive (11:15)
2) The Specials @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
3) The Besnard Lakes @ Red 7 (11:30)
4) The Kid Daytona @ The North Door (11:25)
5) Beacon @ Holy Mountain (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Alt-J @ The Belmont (11:10), Schoolboy Q @ Brazos Hall (11:30),
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Killer Mike @ Bar 96 (12:30)
2) Disclosure @ 1100 Warehouse (12:35)
3) Antwon @ Easy Tiger (12:15)
4) Ryan Hemsworth @ 1100 Warehouse (12:00)
5) Snoop Lion @ Viceland (12:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Red 7 Patio (11:55),
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Death @ TenOak (12:50)
2) Generationals @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Blackheart (1:00)
4) Local Natives @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
5) Soul of Mischief @ 512 (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Ghostface Killah @ Scoot Inn (1:10), Jake Bugg @ Hype Hotel (1:00), Joey Bada$$ @ The North Door (1:20), Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Red 7 Patio
FRIDAY
Bondax make a 12:20 A.M. appearance at La Zona Rosa on Friday Night.
Favorite Showcases:
1) Our Heart Aches For Syria @ The Long Center: Deer Tick, White Lung, Omar Souleyman, Black Lips, The Orwells
2) Rolling Stone @ La Zona Rosa: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Bondax, TOKiMONSTA, Disclosure
3) Rocksmith @ Tha Main: Mystikal, YG, Trae Tha Truth, Yo Gotti
Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Fatima Al Qadiri @ The Madison (8:45)
2) Harry Fraud @ Austin Music Hall (8:40)
3) Diamond Rings @ VEVO Control Room (8:00)
4) Tropics @ Old School (8:00)
5) The Mowgli’s @ Stubb’s (8:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ Scoot Inn (8:45), The Neighbourhood @ Brazos Hall (8:45),
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Danny Brown @ Viceland (9:15)
2) The Orwells @ The Long Center (9:40)
3) Man Without Country @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (9:20)
4) Small Black @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) Charlotte Church @ VEVO Control Room (9:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Bar 96 (9:30),
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Depeche Mode @ Brazos Hall (10:00)
2) Giraffage @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00)
3) Gold Fields @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
4) Eric Burdon @ The Stage On Sixth Patio (10:00)
5) Turtle Giant @ Hickory Street (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Danny Brown @ Austin Music Hall (10:35), DIIV @ Lustre Pearl (10:00), Disclosure @ La Zona Rosa (10:00), Fallulah @ VEVO Control Room (10:00) Fidlar @ Clive Bar (10:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Hype Hotel (10:00), White Lung @ The Long Center (10:20)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Rhye @ Buffalo Billiards (11:00)
2) Pusha T @ Austin Music Hall (11:00)
3) Goldroom @ Avenue on Congress Rooftop (11:00)
4) Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas (11:15)
5) Laura Mvula @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
Prev Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Swan Dive (11:00), Foxes @ Empire Automotive (11:10), Merchandise @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:15), Ryan Hemsworth @ 512 Rooftop (11:00), TOKiMONSTA @ La Zona Rosa (11:35)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Bondax @ La Zona Rosa (12:20)
2) MO @ Buffalo Billiards (12:00)
3) Omar Souleyman @ The Long Center (12:00)
4) Mystikal @ The Main (11:50)
5) Vacationer @ VEVO Control Room (12:00)
Prev Mentioned: Ghostface Killah @ Viceland (12:15), Kendrick Lamar @ Austin Music Hall (12:40), Little Green Cars @ Antone’s (12:00), MONA @ Townhouse (12:00), Rudimental @ Hype Hotel (12:00), St. Lucia @ Empire Automotive (12:20)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) XXYYXX @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (1:00)
2) Sepalcure
3) Master P @ 404 Austin (1:20)
4) Bass Drum of Death @ Easy Tiger (1:00)
5) Trae Tha Truth @ The Main (1:25)
Prev. Mentioned: DIIV @ Mohawk Indoor (1:00), Disclosure @ Scoot Inn (12:50), Ryan Hemsworth w/ Daedalus @ Emo’s (1:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ La Zona Rosa (1:05)
SATURDAY
Ms. Badu blesses SX with a 11:00 PM set at Empire Control Room on Saturday Night
Favorite Showcases:
1) Boiler Room @ 1100 Warehouse: Skream, Baauer, Chief Keef, Shlohmo, Mount Kimbie, Lunice
2) Perez Hilton @ Austin Music Hall: Lissie, Charli XCX, Wynter Gordon, Capital Cities, Paloma Faith
3) Captured Tracks @ The Parish: Beach Fossils, DIIV, The Soft Moon, Mac DeMarco
Favorite Sets:
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Mount Kimbie @ 1100 Warehouse (9:30)
2) Ryan Leslie @ Hangar Lounge (9:30)
3) Shlohmo @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
4) Zak Waters @ Hickory Street (9:00)
5) Wynter Gordon @ Austin Music Hall (9:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Capital Cities @ The Belmont (9:00), Foxes @ Hype Hotel (9:00), Merchandise @ Red 7 (
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Lissie @ Austin Music Hall (9:55)
2) Oliver @ Ballroom Annex (10:00)
3) Action Bronson
4) Chief Keef @ 1100 Warehouse (10:30)
5) Cashmere Cat
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Hype Hotel (10:00), Fidlar @ Hotel Vegas (10:15), Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas Patio (10:15), Gold Fields @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00), Ivan & Alyosha @ TenOak (10:00), Sepalcure @ The Madison (10:00), Sky Ferreira @ Stubb’s (10:00)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Erykah Badu @ Empire Control Room (11:00)
2) Tashaki Miyaki @ Hickory Street (11:00)
3) HAIM @ Stubb’s (11:00)
4) King Chip @ Suite 101 (11:00)
5) Black Moon @ Haven (11:35)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (11:00), Laura Mvula @ VEVO Control Room (11:45), Peace @ Latitude 30 (11:00), Vacationer @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) A Place To Bury Strangers @ Brazos Hall (12:00)
2) The Robert Glasper Experiment @ Empire Control Room (12:00)
3) Casey Veggies @ Old School (12:45)
4) A Silent Film @ Antone’s (12:00)
5) SpaceGhostPurrp @ Suite 101 (12:20)
Prev. Mentioned: Antwon @ Red 7 (12:15), DIIV @ The Parish (12:10), Jesse Boykins III @ Stage On Sixth Patio (12:00), Kendrick Lamar @ Viceland (12:30), MO @ Hype Hotel (12:00), XXYYXX @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:00)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Skream @ 1100 Warehouse (1:15)
2) The Pharcyde @ Club de Ville (1:15)
3) Delorean @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
4) Beach Fossils @ The Parish (1:00)
5) In the Valley Below @ VEVO Control Room (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Big K.R.I.T. @ Old School (1:20), Danny Brown @ Ballroom Annex (1:00), Just Blaze @ Ballroom Annex (1:50), Mystikal @ Suite 101 (1:15), The Orwells @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Trae Tha Truth @ 404 Austin (1:30)
UK based Chad Valley flips the fan fave from Ghost Beach. Peep his remix of “Tear Us Apart” and keep an eye out for Ghost Beach’s Modern Tongues Remix EP, which also features remixers like Penguin Prison, Gigamesh, Summer Heart and Shook, expected to drop this April.
Chad Valley (Facebook)
Rating 8.4
UK R&B ingenue Indiana (shout to all our friends in the Hoosier State) first hit our radars last year with her sweetly lugubrious cover of Frank Ocean’s “Swim Good”. On new track “Bound”, the British newcomer has delivered a gem. Built on a deftly evil bassline & minimalist production, “Bound” succeeds on ellipsis, on what’s omitted. The drama, cinema & tension created by the track’s relatively simple instrumentation is transfixing really. To move, to break from that tension, is to invite that character of menace that exists within the spaces and gaps in the track.
Indiana (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
Newcastle Italo-popppers MAUSI’s new single “Move” is synth pop realised at its highest level. The summer-in-the-bleak-midwinter feel of “Move” is boosted up by a veritable sundrenched blitz (“sundrenched blitz” yeah, we just took it there.) of hooks and melody. The “Move” single is due 4th March on the Loose Lips label (Azari and III & Chad Valley).
MAUSI – MoveMausi (Official)
Rating 8.4
Renowned producer on the rise – Cyril Hahn flips the forthcoming single from hottly tipped songstress Gabrielle Aplin. Stay tuned for more to come from both artists in 2013. Also, be sure to check out Cyril on his debut European tour.
TOUR DATES:
22/02/2013 – Hoetell (Oslo, NORWAY)
23/02/2013 – Club 55 (Warsaw, POLAND)
26/02/2013 – Fiftyone27 (Bristol, UNITED KINGDOM)
27/02/2013 – Le Lieu (Birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM)
28/02/2013 – Heat&Defeat (Vienna, Austria)
1/03/2013 – Riot @ Simons (Copenhagen, DENMARK)
2/03/2013 – 7 years of FORMA.T (Liege, BELGIUM)
4/03/2013 – NQ Live – (Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM)
5/03/2013 – Killer Kitsch (Glasgow, UNITED KINGDOM)
6/03/2013 – The Button Factory (Dublin, IRELAND)
7/03/2013 – Social Club (Paris, FRANCE)
8/03/2013 – Sidings Warehouse (London, UNITED KINGDOM)
8/03/2013 – Audio (Brighton, UNITED KINGDOM)
9/03/2013 – SVMK Festival (Stockholm, SWEDEN)
Cyril Hahn 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
Photo by Jasmine Safaeian, Filter
Last week the Culture Collide music festival returned to Echo Park, Los Angeles. The third annual Filter Magazine event produced a four days of non-stop music by emerging talent from around the globe. Team-B3SCI were on the grounds making all the rounds to venues, parking lots, champaign rooms… you name it! Below is a collection of some favorite first-hand accounts from our troops on the ground.
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THURSDAY October 4, 2012
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Photo: Aida Daneshvar
Dean Wareham @ Methodist Church
I feel like a better music fan, and more specifically a better indie music fan, for having seen Dean Wareham at the Methodist Church. The cozy, intimate setting was dimly lit and provided the perfect setting for Wareham’s lo-fi aesthetic. The capacity of around 200 was nearly full, with casual listeners strolling in and out to catch the other acts during the time slot, namely Blood Red Shoes. Wareham is a true rock craftsman — I’m more a fan of his Luna project than Galaxie 500, and although the set was mainly Galaxie material, I found myself recognizing most of the cuts. At his preferred tempo, Wareham is hard to beat. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Andrew Slough
Blood Red Shoes @ The Champaign Room
I left Wareham early to catch the last three songs of Blood Red Shoes’ set. This Brighton duo pack more of a wallop than most three and four-piece groups, check our interview with drummer Steven back in 2k10 for more on their sound. Apparently I had missed some technical difficulties earlier in their set, but the three cuts I heard were raucous, euphoric, abrasive, fleeting, and all those other words which come to mind when thinking of the group. The Champaign Room at Taix was packed to the brim, with a healthy mosh of about 50 adding to the excitement. Unfortunately for this listener, Blood Red Shoes ended almost as soon as they began. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Monique Hernandez
Tribes @ The Champaign Room
I could not have been more pleased with Tribes’ set. They’ve been here in LA for the past couple months recording the follow up to February’s Baby, which btw is sure to land somewhere in my top ten at the end of the year. While the usual smattering of attendees relocated to another room for John Talbot, much of the crowd were engaged singing along, and genuinely pumped to see the Camden four-piece. While Tribes only played “Dancer” off the new album (great cut, similar in sound with a big chorus), the songs off Baby were spot-on. I was especially pleased to hear closer “Bad Apple”, which was left off when they played The Bootleg in March, and of course “Sappho” and “We Were Children”, two of the better power pop songs written since the mid-90s. By Chris Gedos
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FRIDAY October 5, 2012
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Photo: Monique Hernandez
The Balconies @ Taix Lounge
Every music fan hopes to catch a surprise discovery or two during any festival, and my most pleasant surprise at Culture Collide came with the first band I saw. The Balconies from Ottawa/Toronto are a hard rock trio with amazing energy and good melodies. Singer Jacquie Neville not only has all of the moves of a star front woman, but she is also the band’s guitar player. They were on the lips of many during the rest of the weekend. By Bruce Rave
Photo: Bruce Rave
The Royal Teeth
The Royal Teeth from New Orleans delivered a spot on set packed with some flawless harmonies and radio-ready songs. These guys have a band next door kind of vibe, and their “Wild” single has been gaining some traction on many radars. By Bruce Rave
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SATURDAY October 6, 2012
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Photo: Jake Giles Netter
Morning Parade @ Taix Lounge
UK and Morning Parade have seen a fair amount of radio success this year. It’s definitely worth noting that their strong live set helps backs up some of the buzz. By Bruce Rave
Photo: Brian Litwin
Moss @ Taix Lounge
While heading over from the a set at Echoplex, I bumped into the bass player of the next band I was heading to see. We talked over a cigarette about how Moss have enjoyed playing in the US and were going back to Amsterdam shortly after playing this festival. Not giving me much insight into the show I was about to take in, and by some suprise the dutch quartet blew away their small but captive audience. Their unique indie pop sound explores various influences with spot on harmonies and an overall musicianship, that would almost seem like they have been playing together for 20 years, culminating to an outstanding show. A definite highlight of the festival for me and a band worth taking note. By Brian Litwin
Photo: Jasmine Safaeian, FILTER
Ewert and the Dragons @ Echoplex
Ewert and the Dragons hail from Estonia, playing a blend of sweet melodies set in a sort of Mumford & Sons feel. More than just an A+ band name, these guys showed why they were one of the more buzzed-about bands at Culture Collide. By Bruce Rave
Photo: Brian Litwin
Gold Fields @ Echoplex
This show had everything from loads of energy, an injured lead singer, Aussie accents, radio ready songs and cowbell – lots of cowbell. Astralwerks backed Gold Fields had the Friday night Echoplex crowd moving. Playing songs off their 2011 self titled EP and closing with recent single “Dark Again (Lights Out)”. By Brian Litwin
Photo: Brian Litwin
Icona Pop @ Echoplex
Shortly after Gold Fields, the dancing continued for Swedish DJ duo Icona Pop. From the start, the twosome had control of the crowd. When they dropped blogger crazed “I Love It” featuring Charli XCX it sent the crowd into a frenzy, and during the whole performance it seemed the duo were taken aback by how responsive the crowd was. Look for the band’s sophomore showing The Iconic out on October 16th. By Brian Litwin
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SUNDAY October 7, 2012
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DIIV @ Block Party
DIIV (pronounced “dive”) is the perfect band for the Culture Collide crowd, on the vanguard of third or fourth gen shoegaze (depending on who you ask). This band do just about everything right— they play loud and they sound exactly how you would want them to sound live after listening to their acclaimed debut album, Oshin. The audience listened intently with little to no dancing— after all, shoegaze is a sub-genre meant to be listened to with a stoic objectivity. I’m certain that their follow-up show at the Echo on Tuesday night was near max capax and did not disappoint. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Chris Gedos
Tapioca and the Flea @ The Champaign Room
Tapioca and the Flea (top 20 coolest band name in history) played the Taix Champange room as a last-minute addition. Hopefully enough people saw their adroit and energetic set that they’ll be properly added to the bill for next year. They provided an interesting dynamic and can mix up tempos mid-song extremely well. With an aura never quite descending into Sugar Rat indie thanks to some Wayne Coyne lyrical coyness, the keyboardists’ contribution to the arrangements even reminded me of a 21st century Question Mark and The Mysterians. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Monique Hernandez
School of Seven Bells @ Block Party
School of Seven Bells can be slotted under the classification “Interpol-wave”, and in fact their band came to fruition opening for Banks and company. Their style is a refined and nuanced art-rock which held up rather well in front of the slaphappy West Coast crowd. Singer Alejandra Deheza has an enchanting presence, to say the least. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Bruce Rave
The Wombats @ Echoplex or Block Party
The Wombats are finally nearing the end of a long run supporting their album This Modern Glitch, which contains surprise US radio hit “Jump Into the Fog”. Most of the band’s set rejoiced from This Modern Glitch but their UK smash “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” recieved great reaction, and will always be a standard for them. The Wombats were one of the more fun bands at Culture Collide, which the crowd was happy to share. By Bruce Rave
Photo: Brian Litwin
Class Actress @ Block Party
Class Actress, an electro-pop duo, drew many festival goers away from the limited shady spots located near the hot and sunny main stage on the closing day. Fusing pop-friendly lyrics and heavy synth leads and instrumentals, lead singer Elizabeth Harper swayed side to side of the stage moving the crowd along. Playing mostly from their 2011 release Rapproacher, Class Actress set the stage nicely for the acts coming up. By Brian Litwin
Photo: Brian Litwin
Poolside @ Block Party
Brazilian trio Bonde do Role couldn’t make the show due to some Visa issues so festival producers had to scramble quickly to get a replacement band. They signed on LA’s own Poolside, which proved to be a very nice surprise. Laying down some daytime disco, the crowd started to really get into it. Grooving to songs like “Next to You” and “Kiss You Forever” the crowd didn’t mind that Bonde do Role couldn’t be there. Ironically enough, Poolside starts a fall tour in San Francisco today (October 10th) with Bonde do Role and headliner Com Truise. By Brian Litwin
Photo: Carl Pocket
Nikki and the Dove @ Block Party
Nikki and the Dove set the trippy stage for the Of Montreal out-of-this-world main course that would soon follow. As for numbers, Nikki and the Dove had nearly as many people in attendance as Of Montreal would anc their set was loud enough to reach other galaxies. I loved their stage presence, and while there’s a part of their musicianship eerily reminiscent of Prince, it’s debatable how much of their panache translates to CD. By Chris Gedos
Photo: Chris Gedos
Of Montreal @ Block Party
Of Montreal provided the perfect capstone to a weekend of great musical variety. Within the first few songs a fleet of aliens and a giant ghost (consisting of three performers)had already stormed the stage. Lead / musical virtuoso Kevin Barnes relished his moment as headliner and delivered a set of fitting distinction, one which touched upon the entirety of the band’s catalog, from its more traditionally quirky indie roots of Satanic Panic in the Attic and The Gay Parade, to the indie psych of Hissing Fauna, are you the Destroyer, to the neo-indie-soul of their most recent compositions. By Chris Gedos
