There are hundreds upon hundreds of bands that play South By Southwest in Austin, TX (aka SXSW) each year and to listen to each artist in advance is not only time consuming, but often a daunting task. That’s where being High Voltage’s Research Junkie comes in handy! Instead of investing your own personal time and energy on this task, let High Voltage do the work for you.
After thorough examination of all the 2016 musical contenders, and while you wait for our daily SXSW coverage to being, here’s the list of the 20 bands you simply can’t miss this year.
Andy Clockwise
ANDY CLOCKWISE
SXSW is not complete without a little Andy Clockwise. The Australian-born maestro is touring the country as a special guest with the indie-pop dance party, Dance Yourself Clean, which just proves the man knows how to throw a party and get your body moving. Clockwise has a new EP on the horizon and the best way to be introduced to a new Clockwise tune is always live. @andyclockwise
AUDIODAMN!
These Germans debuted their catchy self-titled EP earlier this year featuring the head-bobbing rocker “Lights Out”. Upon seeing them live, the exclamation point at the end of their name becomes clear. This band aims to entertain! @audiodamn
Banners
BANNERS
For anyone with a weakness for British singer-songwriters, add Michael Joseph Nelson (AKA Banners) to your list. His debut EP, Banners, was released early this year. The single, “Shine a Light” is a goosebump-inducing incentive to see him live. If you’re not at SXSW, catch him on his west coast tour with The Moth and The Flame later in March. @BANNERSMUSIC
BARNS COURTNEY
Barns Courtney has the kind of voice that is undeniable. His song “Glitter and Gold” grabs you from its opening strains. This London-based bard is playing several showcases over the week. Don’t miss out! @BarnsCourtney
THE DEAD SHIPS
Garage and indie rock are good things but Los Angeles trio the Dead Ships elevate them to outright exceptional. For a band a mere three years old, they are already favored musical sons in LA due to putting on one of the best live shows in town. With songs that howl with an urgency celebrating life, love and every human experience in between, the Dead Ships are all sonic youth and young manhood captured by sharp guitar rock. @TheDeadShips
DNCE
DNCE
DNCE are introducing the world to a unique brand of pop music with their single “Cake by the Ocean”. Based on their imaginative style and creative performance, their live show promises to be a flavorful experience. SXSW provides the perfect opportunity to see the Joe Jonas-led project with perhaps fewer of those passionate Jonas fans. @DNCE
DREAMERS
As young bands go, DREAMERS may only be approximately in their terrible two’s but they are far from terrible and rank high on the ‘buzz factor’ scale. On February 5th, they released their second EP, You Are Here, boasting the signature single “Wolves.” They call what they do “cosmic rock” but there’s also some lyrical heft used to express a disturbance of the modern mindset. And the smart guitar lines and monster hooks make them very easy on the ears. @DREAMERSjoinus
DROWNERS
DROWNERS
You want a toe-tapping rock song, look no further than Drowners’ “Luv, Hold Me Down”. This band from New York City knows how to play a punchy tune. With opening slots for the likes of Cage the Elephant and Arctic Monkeys, Drowners have toured both the UK and North America. Catch them now to get a sneak peak of tunes from their new album, On Desire, out this summer. @DROWNERSBAND
DYLAN LEBLANC
Just when you think you’re about to be taken on an ordinary Americana folk rock ride by another singer songwriter, Louisiana native Dylan LeBlanc strums a few chords on his guitar, his string players play, he opens his mouth and the next thing you know you’re a willing participant on an extraordinary sonic journey. It’s somewhere between the humanity of Ryan Adams and the vocal power of Jim James (My Morning Jacket) and it’s a hauntingly beautiful thing. @Dleblancmusic
Jack Garratt
JACK GARRATT
A High Voltage On The Rise favorite, Jack Garratt, returns to SXSW this year not so much to introduce himself, but rather to show off. With the February release of his debut album, Phase, Garratt is conquering the world with his unique brand of genre-defying music and enthralling one-man band performance. This could be your last shot at seeing him in a more intimate setting. @JackGarratt
JAY NASH
Singer-songwriter, Jay Nash is no stranger to SXSW. 2016 seems to find the Vermonter going back to his roots busting out tunes from his 2007 EP, Over You, and popular 2009 effort, All The Stars in Copenhagen. For anyone craving that encore performance from this soul-stirring performer, here is your chance! @Jay_Nash
JP Cooper
JP COOPER
2014 brought to our ears a song entitled “Keep The Quiet Out”, a tantalizing aural treat from the dreaded (see: hair) UK singer, JP Cooper. Two years is a long time to wait to see one of your favorite songs performed live, but SXSW 2016, the time is now! @JPCooperMusic
JUDY COLLINS AND ARI HEST
SXSW is all about unique experiences and seeing the storied songstress known for hits in the 60’s and 70’s pair with a contemporary singer-songwriter whose first full length album was released in 2001 is bound to go down as something special…and they are playing in a church! @TheJudyCollins @ahest
LUKAS GRAHAM
Graham’s song, “7 Years” is instantly compelling. No wonder this Danish troubadour is selling out venues for his upcoming tour. Make seeing this band at SXSW a priority because, like James Bay last year, this one is poised to explode very soon. @LukasGraham
Rooney
ROONEY
Because you know you smile every time you hear “Blueside” and it’s been over ten years since the California rock band (now just down to Robert Schwartzman) released its infection debut album and won the hearts of The OC fans everywhere. With an album coming out in May, expect to hear some new songs along with some old favorites. @rooneyband
NINET TAYEB
With a Wikipedia label like “most famous person in the Israeli entertainment business” you might think that’s a bit of an oversell, but Ninet Tayeb has one of those voices that demands attention. As her name makes its way into American nomenclature, go see her now. Prepare to rock! @ninettayeb
Sara Hartman
SARA HARTMAN
Sara Hartman was born in New York and moved to Germany to pursue a music career. This inspired the songwriter to pen her stirring single, “Monster Lead Me Home”. Although she has opened for the likes of Ellie Goulding and is soon to support X Ambassadors, you’ll be hard pressed to find much of her music available online. See her at SXSW to discover what else this promising young talent has to offer. @sarahartman
THE SOFT WHITE SIXTIES
When you mix classic R&B with pop, groove on its edges and throw in some good, old fashioned rock n roll, you are the Soft White Sixties. Originally from San Francisco, CA, the foursome recently relocated to Los Angeles where their presence has always been appreciated. The melodies are soulful, the grooves are fuzzy and contemporary and dancing tends to be mandatory. Oh, and their album, Get Right, was produced by Jim Greer (Foster the People) showcasing their pristine and distinct sound: Working Class Soul. @TheSoftWhite60s
Tor Miller
TOR MILLER
If you’re in the mood for a delectable new pop song, look no further than New York’s Tor Miller. His single, “Carter & Cash” is an ear worm bound to get you dancing. Beware! One listen, and this song will be suck in your head. @TorMillerMusic
THE VIRGINMARYS
A couple years ago, The Virginmarys came to SXSW and rocked their way into our hearts with their explosive performance and head banging tunes. 2016 sees the band back in The States, on tour opening for Shinedown and gearing up for the release of their second album, Divides. A quick stop in Texas gives us the perfect opportunity to catch up with the English lads and get a good sense of what the new album has to offer. @thevirginmarys
WILD WILD HORSES
This relatively young British Band recently released an EP accompanied by a gorgeous 4 part video series directed by Once actress Jennifer Morrison who stars alongside iZombie and Enlisted faves Rose Ivar and Geoff Stults. Each song has a unique flavor and captivating appeal. Wild Wild Horses may be a rock band but singer, Jack Edwards, has an R&B quality to his voice that grabs you from the get go. @wwHorses