South by Southwest infiltrated Austin in large numbers this year bringing in both up-and-coming and popular artists from around the globe March 11-17. Now that Austinites have returned to their semi-normal, but obviously weird-by-nature lives, traffic has remained a nightmare and parking still ensues heartache, but at least we now have new music to listen to thanks to the eclectic mix of sounds that contaminated our souls.
Twenty One Pilots- “Holding On To You“
Walk Off The Earth
Four guys plus one dynamic lady orchestrate the Walk Off The Earth family. In fact, two band members are expecting a musical bundle of joy in June. In the meantime, the group just released their full-length album, R.E.V.O. (Realize Every Victory Outright), including their single “Red Hands.” The indie band became well known for their cover to Gotye and Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” all five band members on one guitar receiving over 147 million YouTube views. The album offers a mix of feelings too: a few love songs, feel good tunes fit for summer, and of course, the band’s cover to Gotye and Kimbra’s hit single. Walk off the earth with R.E.V.O. and realize why they’re so victorious.
Walk Off The Earth- “Red Hands“
ZZ Ward
Yes, the face behind the “’Til the Casket Drops,” introduction song, ZZ Ward is tearing up the scene with plenty of songs to get you over your ex (or something good to study to). Her unique soul and hip-hop presence took over the stage as she belted ballads paired with her dynamic band. Her songs are poetic stories of the fortunate and unfortunate tales of love, and we’ve all been there. The exes are now only a figment of her past and the inspiration to her spine tingling, “Yes, I’ve been there,” records. She performed at the KGSR morning broadcast and got the first standing ovation! Purchase her album ‘Til the Casket Drops, and prepare that anti-guy playlist to let bygones be bygones.
They’re so much more than the “Thrift Shop” phenomenon that took over our generation. Now that we know we don’t have to spend $50 on a shirt, let’s explore the duo as more than just a one-hit-wonder that will soon die away. Their album The Heist is now available in stores and features “Thrift Shop,” and their second single “Same Love.” The duo can create a fun record about shopping and then tackle marriage equality all on one album. The two were all over SXSW including the Waterloo free day parties, drawing a huge crowd to the parking lot. In case you were one of the unfortunate fellows to miss them, purchase their album to get the entire Macklemore & Ryan Lewis experience.