10 music acts to catch at SXSW 2022
This weekend, SXSW will make its grand return two years after being shut down days into a global lockdown. For musicians, it means being part in one of the biggest festivals in the United States. For some, SXSW will feature their first live performances since lockdown. For everyone, this will be another opportunity to share their love of music to a wide audience. We look at 10 acts worth catching at the event, which takes place from March 11 through March 20. More information on SXSW can be found here.
Since the release of their 2017 debut EP Corsage, Philadelphia synthpop duo Korine have been gaining traction in the Northeast performing at venues such as Saint Vitus and QXT's. Last year, the act graced the Cold Waves Festival performing alongside Stabbing Westward and accumulated one million Spotify streams. Korine will perform at Higher Ground on March 18 (11:00 p.m. - 11:40 p.m.) in the midst of a trek across the United States.
From their music being featured on Amazon Original's Dating Amber to a late-night TV performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Irish indie rock band Pillow Queens have been one of the most buzzed about acts from their country in years. The band will be in town to promote their forthcoming studio album Leave the Light On, which drops on April 1 via Royal Mountain Records. Pillow Queens will have SXSW performances at British Music Embassy @ Cedar Street Courtyard on March 15 (1:00 a.m. - 1:50 a.m.), The Velveeta Room on March 17 (12:00 a.m. - 12:40 a.m.), and Valhalla on March 18 (11:20 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.).
New Jersey singer-songwriter Annie Blackman spent the past year unveiling a slew of mesmerizing singles through Father/Daughter Records. Now, they're ready to unveil their debut album All of It on April 8. With bewitching songs such as “Glitch” and “How,” expect Blackman to find themselves in the same conversation as Phoebe Bridgers and Ani DiFranco. The artist will perform at the Father/Daughter & Bayonet Showcase on March 18 at The Velveeta Room (11:00 p.m. - 11:40 p.m.).
Texas’ MVTANT became one of the industrial music scene’s most talked about rising acts with their Gore and Mirrorshade EPs. MVTANT's only SXSW appearance will take place at Hotel Vegas at Volstead on March 18 (12:50 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.). Following their SXSW appearance, MVTANT will be touring with Author & Punisher through Europe.
Hailing from Mexico, hard rock trio of sisters The Warning have earned their stripes with performances alongside Def Leppard and Eruca Sativa. Last year, the outfit performed at Welcome to Rockville and took part in Metallica’s tribute album The Metallica Blacklist. SXSW attendees can catch The Warning at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake on March 18 (7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This spring, the band will embark on their first full tour across the United States.
Following Slow Club's breakup in 2017, Rebecca Lucy Taylor decided to dive into their pop side as Self Esteem. Last year, the English artist released their breakthrough album Prioritise Pleasure, which earned them NME Award nominations for Best Live Act, Best Album By A UK Artist, and Best Album In The World. Self Esteem will have SXSW performances at Augustine on March 16 (11:00 p.m. - 11:40 p.m.) and British Music Embassy @ Cedar Street Courtyard on March 17 (11:00 p.m. - 11:40 p.m.) Their SXSW performances cap off a handful of performances in the United States.
Texas punk band A Giant Dog are very familiar to SXSW attendees with multiple festival appearances since their 2008 formation. In nearly 15 years, the band have moved from performing at basements to hitting the road with acts such as Against Me! and Jack White. In 2019, the band unveiled a cover album of Arcade Fire’s beloved studio album Neon Bible. The band will perform at Valhalla on March 15 (1:15 a.m. - 1:55 a.m.).
Los Angeles’ Sonoda have been touring along the West Coast to deliver their meditative pop offering to different crowds each night. In 2020, the act released the short film Here We Are Now and its accompanying soundtrack to rave reviews. Last year, the act unveiled the singles “Purpose” and “Point of View.” Sonoda will perform at Hotel Vegas at Volstead on March 17 (9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
Chicago singer-songwriter Kaina delivered one of 2019’s most beloved debut albums with Next To The Sun. The artist recently unveiled their highly-anticipated sophomore studio album It Was A Home, which includes appearances from Sleater-Kinney, Helado Negro, and Sen Morimoto. Kaina will perform at Augustine on March 18 (11:00 p.m. - 11:40 p.m.) and Radio Day Stage at Austin Convention Center on March 19, 2022 3:00 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.)
Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Texas shoegaze/dream-pop group Letting Up Despite Great Faults are returning to SXSW, but this time, they have a new record in their hands. IV, which was unveiled earlier this month, is the band’s first studio album in eight years. Fortunately, cuts such as “She Spins” and “Corners Pressed” showcase a band that haven’t lost their step. Letting Up Despite Great Faults will perform at The Drafting Room on March 17 (8:00 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.)