Okayplayer's Guide To SXSW 2015
Hold on to yer butts, Music Industry...it's that time of year again. SXSW is once more descending upon Austin, Texas like one big, loud twister of exciting new music, people who write about exciting new music (and drink beer) and established pop stars trying to maintain (or regain) that new car smell of being an exciting new musician. Call it a Hit-storm. And if you're one of the fortunate souls making the trip through (and snagging an all-access badge) then you're likely overwhelmed by the sheer density of fantastic artists playing the festival, as it never seems possible that there are more cool things going on than there were last year--until there are.
But take heart--Okayplayer has done the dirty work for you. From fashion labels to record labels, blogs, magazines and radio stations ('member those?), we've compiled and collated what are without a doubt the greatest artist showcases across the boards of hip-hop, r&b, funk, house and barbecue (just kidding). So get out your itineraries and put your FOMO out to pasture with the rest of the Texas cattle. Here for you (in more or less chronological order) is the Complete OKP Guide to South by Southwest 2015.
Spotify House Showcase
Sunday-Friday, March 15th-20th, 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
901 E 6th St
Run the Jewels
Joey Bada$$
ODESZA
Wale
Twin Shadow
PRhyme
SZA
Leave it to the world's leading music streamer to bring one of the festival's leading showcases. Spotify returns this year with a top-notch lineup rich with hip-hop, groovy electronics, and proper MC performers. Attendees will get to take in sets from Run the Jewels, JoeyBada$$, Odesza, Wale, PRhyme, SZA and more. Plus, in between the insanity Spotify is promising sets from DJ Premier, MICK, Just Blaze and more. You might as well start sleeping out side of 901 E 6th St now.
Hype Hotel Showcase
Tuesday-Saturday, March 17-21, 8 p.m. daily
1100 E. 5th St
Willow Smith
Earl Sweatshirt
Lapalux
Goldlink
ODESZA
Hudson Mohawke
Rae Sremmurd
Twin Shadow
Ilovemakonnen
Raury
George Maple
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Hype Machine is bringing back the Hype Hotel, which we can't wait to check in to (hope there's a pool!). Willow Smith, Earl Sweatshirt, Rae Sremmurd, Goldlink, Raury and others will hold down the microphonic front, while producers like Lapalux and ODESZA should guarantee that the vibe rolls on each and every night. Also, do not sleep on George Maple--the Aussie R&B singer has been impressing us more and more in 2015.
Yup. Action Bronson got a food truck. And while it was kind of assumed that Bronsalino would be showing beard this year, what with a new album about to drop on your unprotected neck like Captain Lou Albano, it was not confirmed with dates and times until just now. Not just dates and times but also entrees: the Wonderful Food Truck will be serving up Mr. Wonderful Texas Style Poutine (smashed fingerling potatoes, smoked brisket, cheddar cheese curds topped with scallions--free if you show up at the right time) crafted by the man himself along with 5 best selling empanadas courtesy of mmmpanadas Austin. Bronson is also bringing guest MCs on the caliber of Curren$y, Heems, Grand Puba and Cannibal Ox, to his South By South Wonderful Showcase. Taking all that info together all we can really say is: Fuck, that's auspicious. Times, locations and RSVP info below:
ACTION BRONSON SHOWCASES / FOOD TRUCK:
Event: SXSWONDERFULSHOW
Date: Wednesday, March 18th
Location: Scoot Inn: 1308 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Set Time: ACTION BRONSON 9pm
CURREN$Y 8:30pm
HEEMS 8:00pm
MEYHEM LAUREN 7:30pm
GRAND PUBA 7:00pm
CANNIBAL OX 6:30pm
CHAVIS CHANDLER 6:00pm
Event: Mr. Wonderful Food Truck
Date: Thursday, March 19th
Location: 604 Driskill St
Time: 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Event: CraveOnline Showcase
Date: Saturday, March 21st
Location: The Vulcan Gas Company (418 E 6th St. Austin, TX)
Set Time: 4 pm
Fader Fort Showcase
Wednesday-Saturday, March 18-21
1101 E 5th St
Migos
Chance The Rapper & The Social Experiment
Dej Loaf
Shlohmo
Badbadnotgood & Ghostface Killah
Tink
Hudson Mohawke
Vince Staples
Our good friends at Fader are turning up with no apologies this year, bringing their legendary Fader Fort back for a remarkable 15th year. DJ legend Hudson Mohawke will mingle with Migos, Vince Staples, Badbadnotgood & Ghostface Killah, Shlohmo, Tink and a few other surprise guests across a four day sonic rodeo. Sadly, the event's RSVP window has closed, but we won't fault you for camping out early in the hopes of getting let in by a kindly bouncer (or badge-wearer).
IHEARTCOMIX Austin Party Weekend Showcase
Wednesday, March 18th - Saturday, March 21st
Empire Control Room & Garage
604 E. 7th St
The Main
603 Red River St
A-Trak
Dam-Funk
Freddie Gibbs
J. Rocc
Just Blaze
Migos
Mike Will Made It
Mndsgn
Peanut Butter Wolf
Ras G
REMI
Many more
If you're thinking "this looks insane" you're not crazy. IHEARTCOMIX is teaming up with just about every indie label on the planet known as Earth in order to bring a massive 4 day series of sets as a part of their Austin Party Weekend. From acts like Ras G, J. Rocc and A-Trak to artists-without-single-letters-in-their-names including Peanut Butter Wolf, Just BLaze, and Dam-Funk, their 96 hour session is sure to be one of the most epic sxsw situations of the year. Special note to check out Australia-via-Nigeria rapper and Okayafrica-featured artist REMI--Okayafrica have a knack for spotting those rising star. Be aware that some of these acts are also part of bills that IHEARTCOMIX is co-presenting, but if you're looking for an easy way to get a lot out of the festival, sticking close to this roster should definitely do it.
Boiler Room x Ray Bans Showcase
Wednesday, March 18th, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Venue TBA
Kaytranada
Madlib
Ghostface Killah
Stwo
Badbadnotgood
Rae Sremmurd
Shash'U
Leave it to Boiler Room to be all dark and secret-like. Despite the lack of a confirmed/revealed venue, the music collective has put together one of the finest lineups in all of Sxsw. Kaytranada, Stwo and Madlib will man the DJ decks, while Ghostface Killah and Badbadnotgood are sure to drop some of their Sour Soul material. Add in party-starters Rae Sremmurd and you're looking at what might be a perfect stew of hip-hop old and new, left-field and mainstream, all simmering to a boil.
KCRW Radio Night Showcase
Wednesday, March 18th, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Parish - 214 E 6th St
Hiatus Kaiyote
Odesza
Big Data
Wolf Alice
Delta Spirit
If you need just a small break from all the beats & rhymes of #SXSW15, visit the LA radio kings at KCRW and enjoy a slightly more folked-out evening. R&B superstars Hiatus Kaiyote will be on hand to keep your toes tapping, but sets from Delta Spirit and Wolf Alice will also balance out the night with a bit of tender, whispery songcraft, and we've all got a weakness for that sort of thing. Big Data and Odesza are sure get things moving as well, so give it a whirl if you're feeling a bit eclectic.
Ghostly International Showcase
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Swan Dive - 615 Red River St.
Beacon
Heathered Pearls
Lord Raja
Michna
Fort Romeau
Matrixxman
Widen the horizons of your head-nodding with the Ghostly International showcase, which packs perhaps the most ethereal and contemplative lineup of this here guide. Sets from post-rock darlings Beacon and Michna will give you something to daydream about all weekend long, and Heathered Pearls's brand of moody, gorgeous ambient music might be the sleeper set of the entire festival.
Okayfuture Showcase
Thursday, March 19th, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
92 Rainey Street
Salva
Brenmar
eSenTRIK
Dave Luxe
ENFERNO
UNiiQU3
Kittens
Our siblings at Okayfuture are throwing one hell of an electrified party before the weekend proper even begins. Sets from Salva, Brenmar, eSenTRIK and many more prolific producers will run through the Bungalow on Rainey street. The entire night is the product of a beautiful partnership between Okayfuture and Serato, and should have more beats, mixes, drops and bass than even the most experienced fest-goer can handle. RSVP asap and get there early because you're not going to want to miss this.
If you are coming through, sign-up to receive updates with run-of-show set times and special guest announcements. You will also be entered to win an exclusive prize pack from Serato!! (Anyone may enter regardless if you will be at SXSW or not). Sign up here.
Okayafrica and Digiwaxx present The Blast, a one-night official showcase at SXSW 2015. The event, which will go down at Austin’s Speakeasy Kabaret on March 19, will feature a standout ‘Out Of Africa Music Experience’ line-up featuring Nairobi electronic pop outfit Just A Band, Lagos/NYC rapper Ayoinmotion, DRC-born afro-soulstress Rafiya, Kenya-via-DMV’s King Kanja, and Nigeria’s Laolu Senbanjo. In addition, the night will boast performances by Jamaican dancehall star Gyptian, Rico Love, Charles Hamilton, Snootie Wild, Kevin Ross and more! Special thanks to Brenda M. of MyDaraja LLC. Check out all the info for The Blast in the flyer above and watch Just A Band’s video for “Huff + Puff” below to get acquainted with the night’s sounds. You can enter ‘The Blast’ showcase with a SXSW badge or a $15 entry fee.
>>>For More Info E-Mail: SXSW@DIGIWAXX.COM
Sounds From The Caribbean Showcase
Friday, March 20th 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
508 E 6th St
Machel Montano
Gyptian
Mr. Vegas
Laza Morgan
Nyla
Kabaka Pyramid
DJ Gravy
Deejay Theory
Experience riddim overload (and then some) at this year's sxsw Sounds From The Caribbean showcase, presented in part by our partners in rhythmic crime, LargeUp. Packed to the rafters with talent like Machel Montano, Gyptian, Mr. Vegas, Laza Morgan, Nyla and more, the event takes place on the outdoor patio of the Palm Door, while inside another wild event is happening (that we can't wait to tell you about...). Fans of danchall, reggae, soca and just about anything that emanates from the islands will not want to miss this one--you'll be able to forgive yourself for missing carnival yet again if you catch this Caribbean wave.
Sounds From Africa Showcase
Friday, March 20th
508 E 6th St
D'banj
Davido
Wizkid
Ice Prince
Sarkodie
R2bees
Samini
Serge Beynaud
Victoria Kimani
And on the same night, in the exact same place that LargeUp is getting down, a showcase of brilliant African talent, co-presented by our own co-conspirators Okayafrica, will be going down as well. The Sounds From Africa party will fill your soul with some of polyrhythmic glee. Emphasizing Nigerian stars like D'Banj, Davido, and Wizkid, along with Ghanian stars like Samini and Sarkodie, the party will roll on through most of the day, meaning that this African soireé will make a perfect base of operations for you SXSW Friday.
(There's also word that yet another Okayafrica party is in the works. Stay tuned for the delicious details, ye loyal south by south westerners...
Fool's Gold Showcase
Friday, March 20th, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Gypsy Lounge - 1504 E. 6th St
Rome Fortune
Athletixx
Fetty Wap
Fame School feat. Manolo Rose
Brenmar
Leaf
Bosco
Metro Boomin
(Plus many more)
Get some dance in your damn life at Fools Gold Records' six-hour showcase at the Gypsy Lounge. Hosted by the one and only A-Trak, the night will bring unsigned ATL MC Rome Fortune along with mix-maker legends Athletixx and NJ rapper Fetty Wap. A seamless blend of record-chopping producers and skilled, below-the-radar microphone talent, FG's party looks set to be a preview of what's to come for the rest of the planet throughout 2015. Label mainstays Nick Catchdubs and Brenmar will also be floating around the room.
Stones Throw Showcase
Friday, March 20th, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Empire Garage & Control Room
606 E 7th St
Empire Garage:
Stones throw DJs 8:00P
Mild High Club 9:00
Silk Rhodes 9:30
Nxworries Anderson Paak & Knxwledge 10:00
Homeboy Sandman 10:30
TUXEDO--Mayer Hawthorne & Jake One, live with band 11:00
Funkmosphere Party from midnight-2AM:
Dam-Funk
Peanut Butter Wolf
J.Rocc
Control Room:
MatthewDavid DJ Set 8:00P
Brogan Bentley 9:00
Trance Farmers 9:40
Benedek 10:20
MNDSGN 11:00
Samiyan 11:40
Ras G 12:20A
Another top-tier showcase at this year's southby is going to be brought to you by Stones Throw Records. Trucking in their roster of West Coast funk and hip-hop, the label needed two rooms to hold all the goodness, and will present sets from Tuxedo, Dam-Funk, J.Rocc, CEO Peanut Butter Wolf, Silk Rhodes and many.
But wait, that's just the lineup for one of the rooms! All night you'll be able to stroll over to the Control Room and check out some even freakier dance sounds from the likes of Benedek, MNDSGN, Ras G and others catching wreck. Should you need any convincing of how tasty it's all going to sound, the great souls at ST have compiled a sampler playlist of cuts from acts that will be coming through the party.
Mass Appeal Showcase
Friday March 20th, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. // 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
1308 E 4th St.
Nas (host)
Mannie Fresh
Salva
Goldlink
Rae Sremmurd
Mike Will Made It
Joey Bada$$
Kevin Gates
Migos
Prhyme
Mick Jenkins
Dave East
Father
Brenmar
Two-9
Many more
Mass Appeal is once again bringing back Nas to host (and hopefully kick a rhyme?) at their day & night showcases. Things kick off early with afternoon sets from Rae Sremmurd, Mike Will Made It, Mannie Fresh, Salva, Goldlink and more, and then you'll get only one hour of rest before the evening madness begins. Night time will feature Migos, Joey Bada$$, Kevin Gates, Prhyme and more. "Special guests" are labeled on the bill for both shows, and given MA's pull we have to imagine that they'll be performers you'll hate yourself for missing.
Rhymesayers Showcase
Friday, March 20th, 8 p.m.
912 Red River Street
Atmosphere
Dialated Peoples
Brother Ali
Grieves
More
If you prefer your showcases Midwestern-flavored with a dash of independence then check out Rhymesayers' Friday night showcase, which will bring almost all of the label's marquee artists down to Texas for one great big rap throwdown. Brother Ali and Atmosphere are the clear draws on the bill, but if you're going then get there early--Grieves and Dialated Peoples are not to be missed.
Okayplayer + Soulection Showcase
Friday, March 20th
92 Rainey Street
Goldlink
Esta
IAMNOBODI
Jay Prince
Abjo
Joe Kay
Andre Power B2B The Hooligan
Friday night is going to feel just right at Okayplayer's second showcase, which will feature a massive Soulection crew bringing delightful noise all through the night. MC Goldlink will be bookended by the syrupy bass tones of Esta, IAMNOBODI, Jay Prince, Abjo and more. What's more, the showcase will mark IAMNOBODI's first ever performance in the 50 United States of America, leading us to believe that he's going to bring enough heat to make the whole place feel like a Texas summer. Joe Kay, Soulection radio's host, will be on hand holding court, and many other high-ups from the collective will be coming true as well.
If you are coming through, sign-up to receive updates with run-of-show set times and special guest announcements. You will also be entered to win an exclusive prize pack from Serato!! (Anyone may enter regardless if you will be at SXSW or not). Sign up here.
Okayfuture x Serato BEAT HAUS party
Saturday, March 21st, 7 p.m.
Voodoo Rooom - 419 E 6th St
If Saturday night comes around and you're a bit burnt out on the whole "concert" concept, then sway on over to the Voodoo Room for what's set to be a good old fashioned dance party (except actually from the future and way, way better than good). Okayfuture will co-present that evening's BEAT HAUS get-down/showcase/31st century rave, featuring DJs Just Blaze, Iman Omari, Lakim, Dayta, Nadus, Dougie F and more. All about the dancing and less concerned with crowded live stages, the night is sure to be a bit of beautiful release after a long week of running around amongst guitars, flyers and microphones.
Okayplayer Showcase
Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
92 Rainey Street
Badbadnotgood (with special guests!)
Hiatus Kaiyote
Your Old Droog
THEESatisfaction
Greighwolfe
Redinho
Ibeyi
Orfeo & Computer Jay
Marc E Bassy
But of course we've saved the best for last. On Saturday there's really only one place to be--Okayplayer's own blowout showcase, which packs Hiatus Kaiyote, Your Old Droog, Greighwolfe and THEESatisfaction, , plus French-Cuban sisters Ibeyi, rising R&B man Marc E Bassy and London songriter Redinho. What's more, futurists Computer Jay & Orfeo will be bringing a bit of their A game, and the entire bill is topped off by jazz-punk prodigies Badbadnotgood, who will not only play a batch of their own material but be hosting some extremely special guests that we can't share with you under penalty of hip-hop incarceration. Suffice to say it's going to be the can't-miss night of the festival and a perfect way to cap off your Texas sojourn.
If you are coming through, sign-up to receive updates with run-of-show set times and special guest announcements. You will also be entered to win an exclusive prize pack from Serato!! (Anyone may enter regardless if you will be at SXSW or not). Sign up here.
