Guess what, faithful readers? SXSW 2019 is on the horizon and this year’s festival is poised to be bigger than ever. As I toil over this year’s Top 15 (see last year’s edition), I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the local music happening on the last weekend before the madness starts.
This time around, I recommend chill synth-pop, body-shaking Latin, and calm, quiet indie perfect for a spring evening. If you’re embarking upon the SXSW in 2019, enjoy and do everything you can to listen local!
Note: I’ll be taking a two-week hiatus from this series as I cover SXSW Music 2019. See you back here again on March 20. For festival coverage, follow @the_austinot on Instagram and @theaustinot on Twitter.
Friday, March 1
The Lagoons (Credit: Sean Diagle)
The Lagoons w/Summer Heart, Brothertiger, Buhu
@ Barracuda (611 E. 7th St.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
Around this time last year, as I was compiling my annual “top 15 Austin bands at SXSW” list, I discovered The Lagoons. Chilled out yacht rock with a modern sensibility, the group’s seminal hit “California” found itself on my heavy rotation for the balance of the year.
Now, one year later, The Lagoons returns to my weekly picks with a standout show at Barracuda. If you’ve never seen these purveyors of chilled out synth-pop perform live, then make it your mission to do so this Friday.
Also playing are Swedish dream pop artist Summer Heart, chill electronic act Brothertiger (NY) and ATX dream pop duo Buhu.
Sun June w/PR Newman, Deep State, Veranda, Nevil
Sun June’s moody, melancholy indie rock is as thoughtful as it is soothing (Credit: Bryan C. Parker)
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River Road) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event
There’s something about dreamy indie rock that scratches an itch deep in my heart. Maybe it’s Austin’s current shroud of forever clouds or the peaceful feeling of a warm hug, but Sun June’s somber melodies and delicate singing tick all my boxes.
“Discotheque’s” drowsy guitar vamps and drumming exemplify the above, while “Youth” kicks the tempo upward into a subtlety sweet indie jam. Sometimes it’s fun to feel a touch sleepy. And like a cozy pillow on a grey day, Sun June’s sound is pure cool and comfort.
Saturday, March 2
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Boca Abajo w/Atash, David Messier, Grass is Dead
@ One-2-One Bar (1509 S. Lamar Blvd.) – 11:45 p.m. – Tickets
With SXSW right around the corner, it’s time to get used to staying out late. Why not do so with a wonderful evening/early morning of sultry cumbia music? Since 2007, the sensational Boca Abajo band has combined Latin rhythms and rock-n-roll guitars to the delight of fans in Austin, and beyond.
The group’s new single, “Recaida,” is an impossible to ignore jolt of body-shaking energy. Forget the late start time; grab a significant other; and sashay into One-2-One to dance the morning away.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be going for live music in Austin this weekend?
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