From Willis Shawver. Follow him on Twitter at @WShawver or email him at Willis[AT]borderstan.com.
SXSW bands are coming to DC and playing at many locations in Borderstan. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Couldn’t make it to the South By Southwest Festival last week? No worries my music loving friends, because the SXSW Music Festival is coming to you!
More than 30,000 paid attendees attended this year’s festival in Austin, TX, which featured nearly 2,200 bands from all across the globe. The 10-day festival also included an interactive showcase for emerging technology and a film convention.
SXSW, which began in 1987, has sparked the careers of a number of today’s biggest music stars, including John Mayer, Katy Perry, Amy Winehouse, The Strokes, and yes, Hanson. You never know, maybe one of these up-and-coming bands will be the next big thing. Check them out when they visit the District in the next few weeks.
Carousel
College mates Jackson Phillips and Kevin Friedman formed this electro pop band in late 2011. After moving the band from Boston to Brooklyn in 2012, Carousel is setting out on the road armed with an assortment of dreamy, synth infused singles.
Listen: Let’s Go Home.
When: April 3, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
The Lone Bellow
The songs from The Lone Bellow’s self-entitled album were born from a horse riding accident that almost left lead singer Zach Williams’ wife paralyzed. While his wife would fully recover, Williams was encouraged by friend and fellow band mate Brian Elmquist to turn his journal writing into song lyrics. From those lyrics came the deeply personal, folk and gospel infused songs that fill The Lone Bellow’s debut album.
Listen: You Never Need Nobody.
When: April 17, 8 pm.
Where: DC9.
Telekinesis
Telekiness is one man, Michael Benjamin Lerner, a 26-year-old musical veteran that is just now finding his place among the best power-pop bands making music today. Based out of Seattle, Lerner is touring in support of his latest album “Darmarion,” which is out April 2.
Listen: Imaginary Friend.
When: May 6, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
Caveman
This New York City based rock band formed in 2009 when a group of close friends decided that they would rather be in a band together than be in bands separately. As a result, Caveman came to be and a distinct sound of rich guitars and layered drum beats was created. Caveman’s sophomore, self-titled album will be released on April 2.
Listen: In The City.
When: April 9, 8 pm.
Where: Black Cat.
Disclosure
This dance-pop duo is comprised of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence from South London. Bursting on to the scene with their remix of Jesse Ware’s “Running” in 2012, this talented DJ combo is making waves with their seemingly effortless takes on house and UK garage music.
Listen: Latch ft. Sam Smith
When: March 22, 10PM
Where: U Street Music Hall
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