Austin’s SXSW is an annual bastion of live music, celebrity sightings, technology, free booze, free food and it takes endurance to make it through it all! The music portion of the festival kicks off this Tuesday and runs through to Sunday.
There are thousands of SXSW lists and recommendations online but if you want to know where the house is, we’ve assembled a mix of official, unofficial, headliner and local shows below (in chronological order):
8Tuskegee Label Showcase feat. Seth Troxler b2b Martinez Brothers
What a way to kick things off! Seth has been to Austin several times, each one memorable, but the Martinez Brothers have not yet rolled through. Ethics is the revival of one of the greatest house music venues in Austin’s history: Lanai Rooftop Lounge. New sound system, new lowered dancefloor. This is going to be nuts! Presale tickets are already gone but you may be able to snag one at the door. Maybe.
7Audiophile Deep / Denim Life
Thursday, March 17th –The Drafting Room
Dallas based label Audiophile Deep is the sublabel of Audiophile Live, focusing on deep house, tech house, techno and overall groove. They’ve teamed up with Mark Denim and his Denim Life parties for a pop up event on Rainey Street, one of the cool parts of town yet to be overtaken by a newer, cooler part of town. Lots of talented Texas producers and DJ’s on this bill including Medicinne, Deuce Parks, and Robert Roman. Get there early and check out 17 year old Markus D – Austin’s best kept secret…for now.
6Euphoria Showcase feat. Kenny Dope, The Juan Maclean, The Revenge
Kingdom has the baddest DJ booth in Texas and this year it is an official SXSW venue which means if you don’t have a wristband or a badge you might be stuck in the alleyway entry listening and mingling instead. Kenny and Juan are going to have a ball working the crowd in this spot, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them come back to town quickly after they get a taste.
5Ninja Tune Showcase feat Moodyman, Machinedrum, Ghostface Killah
Friday March 18th – 800 Congress Ave.
This might be the biggest miracle pulled off in years. It’s been rumored Moodymann was banned from the Lone Star State for past appearances. Who enforces that? Anyway, he’s official and closing the show out with a 90 minute DJ set. Ghostface Killa is the top billed act, so keep a lookout for Pharma Bro!
4Dirtyclean and Friends / Denied Music Showcase feat. Hector Moran
Friday March 18th – 1308 E 12th St.
Sometimes you have to take the house music out of the club and back into the house. The local DJ’s and producers in Austin REALLY love deep tech house and techno. This will be a prime spot to get you some. Over the last year Dirtyclean have been making their name with after-hours parties in town. Denied Music is local DJ/Producer Daniel Allen’s new label now on its 4th release. There is a lot of veteran talent on this bill including Pointbender, Coy West, Jeff Scroggin and Keine Moniker. Hector Moran originally from San Salvador and now based in Houston headlines.
3Bodytalk Showcase
Friday March 18th – Gourdough’s Public House Downtown
Before we talk about the music let’s talk about donuts. Gourdough’s started off as a food truck and now has two brick and mortar locations. Not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth, you can get a burger with donuts as the bun! Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about Bodytalk: Texas label run by Rey Aguilar and based out of Mcallen, a hop skip and a jump away from Mexico. Aguilar is bringing his fellow locals Jorgito, Eric Sanchez and Vic Baron with him on his road trip.
2Harmonious Discord 15 Year Anniversary feat. Pezzner
Saturday March 19th – The Dome
The Dome. Austin’s own personal Boiler Room. Those in the scene’s inner circle know it well as a private after hours spot. So this one you really have to know someone to get there. BUT the dome is predicated on its high quality live streaming so you check this out from the comfort of your couch. This is a 15 year anniversary party for the Harmonious Discord label and will feature multiple live sets and of course, Pezzner.
1Crowded Floor feat. Coriesu
Sunday March 20th – Gourdough’s Public House Downtown
If you’re still alive and you haven’t really done anything local yet this is your best and last chance. Crowded Floor is the blog and podcast project from local DJ and producer CHKLTE (choc-oh-latte). He’s one of the best young guns in Austin hands down and he’s tapped New York’s Coriesu as his closing act to end SXSW with a bang. San Antonio’s Enrique Cortezar, head of Unscene Records, makes an appearance along with RazV.
