You only have to take a quick glance at the SXSW Aussie BBQ line-ups to know our local representatives are going to do us proud over the next week.
The annual music conference is currently underway in Austin, and as anticipation hits overdrive, we’ve rounded up our picks from the bill.
MIDDLE KIDS
Representing Sydney
Credentials
Middle Kids buzz at BIGSOUND last year scored them a slot on Conan in February and has set them up to be one of the most talked about acts hitting SXSW. They’ve scored seven showcases over the event, including a slot on YouTube’s star-studded bill.
Buzz Factor
“Equally intimate and epic, Middle Kids' sound would be as much at home in a stadium as a mate's garage.” Read more.
ALEX LAHEY
Representing Melbourne
Credentials
Working on a follow-up album to 2016’s smashing B-Grade University, Lahey has had a massive year and it’s only March. Recently returning for a UK tour – supporting Tegan & Sara – Lahey scored a spot on triple j’s Hottest 100 earlier this year and signed an international deal in the lead up to SXSW. Playing a run of US headline dates prior to SXSW, Lahey recently scored praise from Best Coast guitarist Bobb Bruno, who grabbed some merch and requested a selfie. Big things to come.
Buzz Factor
“She's as deserving of the title 'The Next Big Thing' as anyone could be.” Read more.
ROLLING BLACKOUTS COASTAL FEVER
Representing Melbourne
Credentials
Hype for days. And Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever definitely live up to the buzz. The Melbourne self-proclaimed tough pop/soft punk outfit have set themselves up for a massive year with the release of The French Press EP. It’s scored them shoutouts from the likes of Stereogum, Pitchfork as they prep for their first ever US and UK dates.
Buzz Factor
“Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever are ready to take on the world.” Read more.
KOI CHILD
Representing Fremantle
Credentials
The WA nu-jazz outfit haven’t slowed down for a second since releasing their Kevin Parker-produced self-titled debut album last year. They scored an ARIA nomination and cleaned up at the WAM Awards in 2016. WA has a habit of producing international superstars and Koi Child are well on their way to claim that title.
Buzz Factor
“A kick-arse horn section, riveting bass lines, dancing keys and energetic, punchy drumming form a bedrock for Shannon Cruz Patterson to wax lyrical on.” Read more.
CAMERON AVERY
Representing Perth
Credentials
Having honed his craft with Tame Impala, Pond and The Growl, WA legend Cameron Avery has finally released his debut album Ripe Dreams, Pipe Dreams. His honey-dipped voice alone could conquer the world.
Buzz Factor
“It's an impressive debut from an as yet unplucked talent.”
TKAY MAIDZA
Representing Adelaide
Credentials
Tkay Maidza truly hit the global scene a year ago when she was nominated for a BET Award. The Adelaide-based hip hop emcee followed that up with multiple SAM Awards and is now rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the biz as she appears on US festivals Governors Ball, Boston Calling and more.
Buzz Factor
“By throwing down spitfire verses like in the opening Always Been and the dubby State Of Mind and embracing her inner pop diva on lead single Simulation and the soaring Follow Me, Maidza refuses to be pigeon-holed.” Read more.
THE COCONUT KIDS
Representing Adelaide
Credentials
With members from Belgium, Ireland and Australia, The Coconut Kids' quirky indie folk separates them from the rest as they sing in multiple languages. As well as being seasoned travellers, they’re the founders of Adelaide pop-up mini-festival The Coconut Club.
WOODES
Representing MELBOURNE
Credentials
A stunning live performer, Woodes was also a buzzing artist at BIGSOUND 2016, following the release of her captivating self-titled EP. Her timely trip to the US comes two months after inking a publishing deal with Universal.
Buzz Factor
Woodes' EP has been streamed over 1.5 million times online, debuted in the top 20 iTunes chart in six countries and hit #1 on the Singapore Alternative Albums chart.
THIGH MASTER
Representing Brisbane
Credentials
DIY indie rock at its finest. There’s a raw charm to triple j favourites Company and Canned Opening that translates perfectly to the stage.
Buzz Factor
“What shines through is surprisingly canny, intimately droll, and some of the most quintessentially Brisbane sounds on offer.” Read more.
PEKING DUK
Representing Canberra
Credentials
As the only reps from Australia’s capital, Peking Duk have their work cut out for them. But, as masters of collaboration, the electronic music duo know how to win over an international audience. Their latest cut, Stranger feat. Elliphant, continues to dominate airplay and rack up praises. Peking Duk are primed to be crowned the partystarters of SXSW 2017.
Buzz Factor
“Pyrotechnics exploded as the duo's onstage energy skyrocketed. The audience was stoked from the very beginning; hands thrown up in the air, completely synchronised with the beats.” Read more.
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