Photo: Daniel Alexander Harris / Chuff Media
SXSW is where the next great music act finds its voice. Over 2,000 indie musical artists will descend on Austin, Texas over March 11-17, 2019, seeking fame, fortune, and perhaps even a major record deal.
A SXSW showcase performance can make or break a career. This is where Sofi Tukker , Lucy Dacus , and countless other acts got their big break . Who will it be this year? We’re betting on these 8 Music Acts to Watch at SXSW 2019 .
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8 Music Acts to Watch at SXSW 2019
Lexie Liu
Asian artists are being billed as the "next big thing" in music thanks to breakout stars like Lexie Liu. The 19-year-old hip-pop provocateur is destined for viral internet stardom with cover girl looks, spitfire rap rhymes, and the backing of Asian music powerhouse 88 Rising.
Photo: Ziming Qin
Black Midi
Black Midi are this year's SXSW "it" band that has music industry insiders buzzing. The London four-piece make post-punk experimental music that sounds nostalgic but feels refreshingly new, and the singer's voice is like no other.
Photo: Dan Kendall
Liily
Liily make "suburban valley music from the future." Think catchy cock rock that you can bang your head to in a strip mall parking lot.
Photo: Present Artist Management
Puma Blue
Jacob Allen (aka Puma Blue) is a silky smooth crooner for the Millennial age. Think Michael Bublé , but with balls.
Photo: Olivia Hamilton
Haelos
Things have come “Full Circle” for this London quartet. After internet buzz and a breakout debut landed them onto major music festival lineups in 2016, they’re ready to break big again with a headlining SXSW appearance to kick-off a stateside tour.
Photo: Jeff Han
Wyclef Jean
The former Fugees frontman is currently on the comeback trail with a new project, Wyclef Goes Back to School , featuring college coeds he vibed with while giving music masterclass sessions across the U.S.
Vacations
This Aussie indie rock band incorporate ukulele, kalimba, and karimba into their cool and breezy jangle pop that reminds us of Mac DeMarco.
Photo: Charlie Hardy
Ferris & Sylvester
Music god Robert Plant gave his blessings to this London duo, which is good enough for us. Plus, we've got a sweet spot for male-female harmonies over Jack White 's blues licks and Americana-folk twangs.
Photo: Aaron Taylor