A favorite new artist discovery for me – great pop songs wrapped in an indie rock package, delivered by one of the most captivating performers that I saw all week.
I caught Canada’s Prince two times within twelve hours, first closing out the Canada House line-up at 1am on Wednesday night and then opening up the same venue at noon the next day. Prince showcased songs from his forthcoming new album, an early candidate for my list of fave 2023 albums.
Near Beer serve up an unbridled rock show, pure and simple. Singer-guitarist Joey Siara bounded around the stage with abandon as the band blasted through songs from their recently released debut full length album. I saw them three times and wish it was a few times more. They closed out their last show with a quartet of rock classics, including Tom Petty’s “Listen to Her Heart” and “American Girl”, the Undertones “Teenage Kicks”, and the Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait”.
Brooklyn-based musician and producer Barrie was a great SXSW find. Quirky and fun pop songs whose charm was infectious.
A SXSW discovery from several years ago, New York’s Lemon Twigs shared a glorious helping of power pop wrapped in a glam rock package.
UK buzz band The Heavy Heavy kicked off an extended US tour with a busy schedule of SXSW shows. Nothing like spending some time on a sunny afternoon listening to the group’s late 1960’s-influenced rock and roll.
Los Angeles-based Kamp had a full SXSW calendar. When the long-time bassist in Shooter Jennings’ band wasn’t playing the four string for artists like Mando Saenz and Mary Scholz, he was showcasing songs from his own impressive catalog. I caught him solo acoustic on Wednesday night for a righteous set of soulful Americana.
I never saw Fort Worth’s Price when I was living in DFW so jumped at the chance to see him in Austin. He and his band five piece band (3 guitars!) rocked their afternoon set with songs from his 2022 release Win a Trip to Palm Springs.
An Austin singer-songwriter who I first encountered at one of my earliest SXSW adventures, Nathan Hamilton has only gotten better with age. His songs are infused with tremendous thoughtfulness and intelligence, which he delivered in a particularly rocking set. And this wasn’t just my opinion. I ended up sharing a picnic table with his kids at the outdoor venue, who shared a similar point of view.
The Rock Hall of Famers put on a rousing rock show that spanned their amazing career, from the classic late 1960’s hits “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There” to songs from the newly released Different Game.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.