Finding out that one of the best festivals on the plant was cancelled, a devastating blow is certainly an understatement but for SXSW Festival it was a decision probably no one wanted to make as COVID-19 grips the world.
More than 1,300 artists were expected to perform throughout the nine days and hundreds of those have had to take a serious financial hit form visa fees, flights and accommodation etc.
Here at ICM we prepared two features before it’s cancellation about some of the top indie rock/pop artists we seriously recommend you should see, have a look below and make sure you check out our alternative rock/pop recommendations.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard
The Cardiff-based four-piece Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard were set to play in America for the first time with The Line of Best Fit alongside Lauran Hibberd, Nasty Cherry and Murder Capital amongst others. It has been a whirlwind journey for the 70’s glam-rock inspired band – they’ve been signed to Communion Records and have supported some huge names in music. A huge musical journey awaits them and you will not want to miss out on it.
The Orielles
Indie rock band The Orielles from Halifax released their sophomore album ‘Disco Volador’ last month and were chosen by Steve Lamacq BBC 6Music stage. Defiant in the face of existential dread, the trio have always come up with nothing but stellar levels of intent. The new album sees them push their sonic horizon to its outer limits as astral travellers, hitching a ride on the melodic skyway to evade the space-time continuum through a sharp collection of progressive strato-pop symphonies.
False Heads
East London based trio False Heads are always known to put on an exciting and exuberant live show. Having just released their debut album ‘It’s All There But You’re Dreaming’ the band featured on ICM’s Ones To Watch 2020 series after gaining a huge cult following last year. The punk rockers are demonstrating their incredible ability to mash up gnarly, howling guitar work with delicate vocal harmonies and this promises to bring more punk-fuelled attitudes.
Lauran Hibberd
The Isle of Wight hailing sensation Lauran Hibberd was set for a busy few days at SXSW; playing shows for Good Karma Club, The Line of Best Fit and BBC Music Introducing. Hibberd’s conversation-like indie-pop sound mixed with her humorous and charming stage presence will be one you do not want to miss.
Soccer Mummy
Soccer Mummy from Nashville released her album ‘Color Theory’ under Loma Vista Recordings in 2020. Supporting the likes of Vampire Weekend, Paramore and Phoebe Bridgers she’s no stranger to putting on an amazing show. Her expect her honest and raw performance to leave you wanting more.
Reality Club
Hailing form Jakarta, Indonesia, this indie rock five-piece inject it with a firm attitude and catchy phrases whilst incorporates strong emotional messages through their sound and lyrics. The AMI (Anugerah Musik Indonesia) nominated indie band have been ever-growing and catching people’s eyes and ears since their first release. As soon as you catch their tune, you will find yourself deeply immersed and vibing along to their songs because that’s Reality Club for you.
Family Jools
Five-piece Family Jools from Bristol would have had an incredible SXSW ahead of them – playing four shows across the festival. Their Northern Soul sound stands out and give audiences an opportunity to get their dancing shoes on. Their last guitar-melody laced single ‘Swung Together’ is a blissful piano-leden rock n roll tune with a touch of Brit-Pop. Family Jools have a big 2020 ahead of them.
We hope you enjoyed these artists! Read our SEVEN alternative acts you wish you’d seen at SXSW Festival!
