Sounds like a new year
SXSW 2024 starts sound check with first released round of music showcases
Mama Duke is one of 10 Austin bands or performers in the first round of showcasing artists.
Look into our eyes — we know ACL Fest isn't even over, but SXSW is coming. You've got this. Take a deep breath.
Austin's biggest festival, South by Southwest (SXSW) is looming in the distance, creeping ever closer with its crushing slate of showcases that, as intimidating as they are, inspire Austinites for the whole rest of the year.
It makes sense that the hundreds of artists on the lineup would need to be rolled out slowly, so information is already starting to trickle in about the 2024 offerings, which will take place from March 11-16.
The amorphous programming at SXSW takes form mostly as panels and speakers for the conference, showcases for the music festival, and screenings for the film and TV festival. There are also comedy sets, interactive spaces to wander, and an untrackable sea of unofficial shows, parties, and more.
This week, the big announcement was the first round of showcasing artists for the music festival: basically the first official concerts on the lineup.
The announcement comprises 150 artists, including 10 Austin artists:
- Dylan Gossett
- El Combo Oscuro
- fuvk
- Half Dream
- Joe King Carrasco
- Little Mazarn
- Lord Friday The 13th
- Mama Duke
- Middle Sattre
- West Texas Exiles
The release calls out a host of other bands and solo artists, seemingly chosen for uniqueness and popularity: c*mgirl8, Dry Cleaning, Viji, Rawayana, waterbaby, Hinds, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, and BALTHVS.
Also included are some of the presenters, which curate the showcases. One, Jazz re:freshed, made it onto our list of our favorite SXSW events last year, so it is a good idea to watch that space again.
The full list of showcasing artists announced in the first round is available at sxsw.com.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri