Top 10 Must See Bands of SXSW 2013

I spend hours a day planning what bands I am going to go see and shoot for SXSW. This year is no different except I am going to share it with you. The bands listed below have all blown up or will. Even if you can’t make it to Austin this year, add these bands to your playlists and you will automatically become the cool kid.

Feedback appreciated – who is your favorite – who did I leave out??!? Leave comments below.
– Daran Herrman

Click Here to see this post without the videos (great to keep loaded on your phone to see who is playing when and where!)

#1 is obvious – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
This is the song that made me follow the duo and they are crazy huge now (as you all know) – They are playing at:
3/12/13 – 9:40pm – The Main (old Emo’s)
3/12/13 – 12:10am – The Belmont
3/13/13 – 12:00am – Antone’s
3/15/13 – 12:00am – Clive Bar
3/16/13 – 11:05pm – Austin Music Hall (Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin)

#2 Fitz and the Tantrums
Unreal band… the combination between the two lead singers is amazing. This is the modern day soul band.
3/14/13 – 9:55pm – Austin Music Hall
3/15/13 – 12:00am – Lustre Pearl

#3 Allen Stone
Another soul/blues type of musician but you can really feel his music. A must see for sure.
3/13/13 – IFC Crossroads House
3/13/13 – Pandora Showcase, Antone’s
3/13/13 – Walmart Soundcheck, Papi Tinos
3/14/13 – Red Light Mgt Showcase, Maggie Mae’s
3/15/13 – Hype Machine Showcase, Rusty Spurs

#4 City and Colour
Some chill music with a great vibe… you probably already heard their music before but may not know the band.
3/14/13 – 10:55 – Austin Music Hall

#5 The Neighbourhood
Been jamming this band for a while, their music is great to just throw on headphones and get work done. Kinda rap, kinda not.
3/13/13 – 12:00am – Club de Ville
3/15/13 – 8:45pm – Brazos Hall
3/16/13 – 8:30pm – The Belmont

#6 Middle Class Rut
Some of the best driving music… take a listen.
3/13/13 – 10:00pm – Mohawk Outdoor
3/15/13 – 10:00pm – Blackheart

#7 Colt Ford
He has written songs that you love including Dirt Road Anthem (Jason Aldean) – the original Country Rapper.
3/16/13 – 9:20pm – The Belmont

#8 Turnpike Troubadours
I met the lead signer, Evan, while in Steamboat for the MusicFest. The song below is on every country playlist I make.
3/12/13 – 11:00pm – Whitehorse

#9 HAIM
This is your modern day 80’s / early 90’s band. Even have some very delayed echo’s in their music. Catchy tunes though.
3/12/13 – 10:00pm – VEVO TV Control Room
3/16/13 – 11:00pm – Stubb’s

#10 Ra Ra Riot
3/12/13 – 12:00am – Hype Hotel
3/13/13 – 10:00pm – Haven

Ok, so there is more than just 10, I got carried away!

#11 Bastille
Lots of great music is produced by this band but sometimes it take a great cover for people to notice them. Start with the video below and float around to their other songs and you will be sold
3/12/13 – 1:00am – Latitude
3/13/13 – 10:00pm – Club de Ville

#12 – Dan Croll
A 101x type of band.. The song below makes me sway back and forth.
3/13/13 – 9:00pm – Red 7

#13 Atlas Genius
Such great chill music.
3/12/13 – 10:30pm – The Main (old Emo’s)
3/13/13 – 11:00pm – Haven
3/14/13 – 9:20pm – The Belmont

#14 – Airborne Toxic Event
I’m so excited to see Airborne! I have enjoyed their music for years.
3/13/13 – 1:00am – Buffalo Billards

Other notables:
Lincoln Durham, Mother Falcon, The Band of Heathens, Ryan Bingham, Ben Kweller, The Trishas, Tenacious D, Cody Canada and the Departed, The Dirty River Boys, Heartless Bastards, Local Natives, The Black and White Years, Uncle Lucius, Caitlin Rose, Alt-J, Butch Walker, Dirt Nasty, Jason Boland, Paul Oakenfold, Vampire Weekend, The Roosevelts, Andrew W.K., Matt Nathanson, Less than Jake, John Fogerty, Civil Twilight

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