Film buff, music lover or tech head? Then you’ll probably have heard of South by Southwest (SXSW). This eclectic festival of creativity, based in Austin, Texas, is unlike any other in the world. Billed as the largest music festival of its kind, it features over 2,500 official performers and bands playing in more than 100 venues. And if that wasn’t already enough to get your creativity all fired up, there’s SXSW Film, showcasing amazing new directing talent and SXSW Interactive for the hottest new creative technologies.
Nokia Music to SXSW’s ears
Needless to say Nokia Music will be there too to celebrate its free music streaming service, unlimited access to playlists and global catalogue of 22 million+ tracks. How? Simple by teaming up with RocNation, one of the world’s most versatile entertainment companies and, top venue, Raptor House. The Roc Nation at Raptor House Concert Series –presented by Nokia Music promises to be one of the highlights of SXSW 2012 with sixteen bands and two DJ’s dazzling audience for five days of music filled action.
Solange, so good
Kicking off on March 10th is the indie world’s new favourite R&B starlet, Solange Knowles. With a unique bittersweet sound, singing in a voice that’s both understated and melancholic, her 80s-influenced soul is bound to be a fantastic start to the event. What’s more, Nokia Music is partnering with Verizon Wireless to live stream her performance at verizoninsider.com. Besides Solange, these are some of the cool acts we’ll be shoegazing, grooving and shaking our booties too.
The Lone Bellow
The Brooklyn roots-rock group has caused quite a stir with its self-titled debut. They sing beautiful, impeccably harmonized folk-pop songs, which are fully of exuberance and heartfelt lyrics.
The Blank Tapes
The Blank Tapes is the moniker of Los Angeles / San Francisco based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Matt Adams. With rave reviews from Rolling Stone, The New Yorker and the LA times, The Blank Tapes playing harmony-laced classic-rock–tinted tunes sure to impress.
The Mowgli’s
The Mowgli’s are a Southern Californian band with a Southern Californian soul. The seven-piece started in a garage in the San Fernando Valley where many of them grew up. Fortunately for them, they’ve managed to get out of the garage and onto the radio and become a fixture on late night TV as well as a staple at this summer’s biggest music festivals.
Haim
Hailing from the San Fernando Valley, HAIM consists of, “Three sisters, and a mister” that has been shaking things up in the city of Los Angeles for the past four years. Their fusion of west-coast soft rock with the vocal rhythms of R&B recently helped them win the BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll.
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister
He’s My Brother She’s My Sister make debauchery and estrangement so glamorous. The songs are as catchy as a radio pop jam, but throw off the trappings of plastic pop and wrap you in fur and folk.
Just five of the super sixteen read to rock Austin for Nokia Music. Happily, to hear them, and the rest of the line up, you don’t have to jet to Austin. Just head on over to Nokia Music’s Facebook page between 11th – 14th March for a live stream of the performances. Alternatively, follow @NokiaMusic for updates of what promises to be a music-tastic five days.