SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 166:

Another quick Hip Hop set with two favorites at the top of the bill, one a Philly rapper with a love for Jazz and the other a promising young band out of Chicago. Joining the headliners are a trio of unique rappers that show the diversity of styles at SXSW. Highlights:

Louis Logic (6) – Louis Logic is a rapper, singer, and a pianist that writes smart brutally honest tracks. He’s had a unique career trajectory and a colorful release history but every album has been interesting and entertaining. He’s working on a new album for 2013 so he should have some new tunes for Austin.

N.E.P.H.E.W (6) – Fast flowing Chicago rapper N.E.P.H.E.W. has a engaging head nodding style. His beats are mostly deep trunk rattling bangers with a musical catchiness.

Phranchyze (6) – Austin rapper Phranchyze has a slow conversational flow and his beats have an electronic element to them that sets his style apart from other Southern rappers. His idealistic introspective bars are message heavy without being preachy. Standout track Exodus talks about organized religion, homophobia, and skittering beat that shows a willingness to incorporate whatever musical style fits the track.    

The Kid Daytona (6) – Bronx rapper The Kid Daytona has an easygoing buttery flow and raps over old school leaning laidback beats.

Lushlife (10) – Lushlife’s brand of spacey rap has one foot in raps past and one firmly planted in its experimental present. His organic production is driven by Jazz samples and dark piano lines.

Kids These Days (9) – Kids These Days are one of my favorite new discoveries this year, their impeccable production from Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy shines alongside vocalist Macie Stewart serene voice and rapper Vic Mensa’s polished delivery.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 165:

The excitement of heading down to Austin tomorrow afternoon has put sleep on the back burner, so what better time to share Lucas’ latest set of SXSW recommendations.  We’ll be focusing on on-the-ground coverage starting tomorrow night, but hopefully we’ll get these last few sets up in time.  If not, next week will see Operation Every Band waving the “Mission Accomplished” banner.  Highlights:

Paul Oakenfold (9) – Pop Killer is a songwriter-based record, highlighted by collaborations with some big names (a surprise for now), but with more of a focus on younger talent, including SXSW showcasers Wallpaper, Allen Stone and ZZ Ward (start your collaboration predictions now).

Plastician (7) – Pacing, meaningful UK dubstep will be the anchor of Plastician’s DJ set, warbling bass pulses delivered with glaring intensity.

RAC (7) – In fact, RAC don’t even limit themselves to electronic manipulations, rewriting the stories of original material from an emotional, hypnotic perspective.

Redinho (7) – Not that this is some down-tempo experimentation (though “Slap” gets pretty far out there), Redinho kicks into disco breaks with hard-hitting backbeats on a time, a funk-fueled mix from the future.

Plaster (6) – Plaster infuse their songs with extra helpings of jazz, a catch-em-if-you-can scatter-chase.  Echoes of Daft Punk can be heard throughout the Canadian electronic band’s decade-long catalog.

PrototypeRaptor (6) – Young gun PrototypeRaptor specialized in buzzy electro house, supremely modulated and building with deliberate crescendos.  PrototypeRaptor’s sophomore record Nostaligiarithm flips the script by starting with a peak and paring down through a midnight descent. 

Prince Paul (5) – Tangy, versatile producer Prince Paul has been a hip hop mainstay since the early 90s as a solo artist and part of Stetsasonic and Gravediggaz.  His latest is the skit-centric Negroes on Ice, a mix of beats and comedy that is a left-field listen full of relevancy.

Rebecca + Fiona (5) – Bubbly club tunes highlight Rebecca + Fiona’s catalog – the Swedish duo are currently touring the US in support of the anthemic “Taken Over”.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 164:

The marathon posting continues with this hip hop set headlined by one of hip hop’s most celebrated new stars and one of the genre’s biggest newcomers. Filling out the set are a mix of acts with strong production and lyricism, though not always both. Highlights:

Emilio Rojas (5) – Emilio Rojas is a rapper out of New York with a varied flow, sometimes attacking the beat in beast mode and others slowing his flow down to a crawl from R&B leaning tracks.    

iNDEED (5) – iNDEED are Ricky Fontaine and Walt Live, an Atlanta rap and production duo that build funky polished beats that sometimes overshadows their lyrical content. The production on their newest mixtape iNDEEDface makes it a solid listen front to back.

Harry Fraud and Friends (6) – Brooklyn producer Harry Fraud seems to be working with half the rappers at SXSW, his audio drop “La Musica De Harry Fraud” has appeared on infectious tracks from Action Bronson to Rick Ross and everyone in-between. It’s not clear who all makes up his …and friends, regardless his solid production should be a solid backdrop for whoever joins Harry on stage.

House Shoes (6) – Detroit DJ and Producer House Shoes has toured with an extensive list of top tier acts, for almost two decades he has been a major contributor to the signature drum heavy Detroit sound. His 2012 album Let It Go featured a who’s who list of artists including Oh No, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Danny Brown, and Chali 2na amongst many others.  

Jay Rock (6) – Rapper Jay Rock has a scratchy voiced flow and a hard punching delivery that calls back to classic 90s California rap. He’s also a member of the Black Hippy collective with Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and ScHoolboy Q.      

Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era (8) – Joey Bada$$ is young Brooklyn rapper and a leader of the Pro Era collective, his tracks have a old school vibe and focus on lyricism. 

Kendrick Lamar (10) – Kendrick Lamar’s spotlight blew up after the release of one of last year’s most critically praised albums in any genre, good kid, m.A.A.d city. The album featured a strong narrative, without veering into corny story album territory, over polished production.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 163:

Hello - now back to listening.  Highlights:

Green Day (10) - The genius of Green Day is how they were able to adapt and stay relevant for twenty-plus years, moving full circle to the trio of records they’ll be supporting at SXSW – the appropriately titled Uno!, Dos! and Tre!.

Japandroids (9) - As they say themselves, Japandroids “yell like hell to the Heavens”, an impassioned plea through the power of rock and roll.

Kat Dahlia (8) - “Gangsta” is a perfect 50/50 mix of pop and hip hop musically, melodically and lyrically.  Backbeat breaks hold down the rhythm, accompanied by classical-inspired piano lines and dance floor bass.   

HRVRD (7) - While the band has been around for a decade (formally known as Harvard), there’s a youthful resonance to From the Bird’s Cage, willingly experimenting in down-tempo electronics amid a dark rock sound.

Judson Claiborne (6) – While Judson Claiborne may come across an understated, folk singer-songwriter at times, it’s the post rock detours Claiborne takes throughout 2010’s Time and Temperature that makes his sound worth noting.  Horns, percussion and subtle electric guitar lines anchor the record, a mood continued on his recent single, “Neo-Pagan Lovesong”.

Johnnyswim (5) – Husband/wife duo Johnnyswim have a really pleasant minimal folk sound, very reminiscent of SXSW 2011 breakouts The Civil Wars.  Johnnyswim round out their sound with an orchestral, soft rock swell on 2012’s Home Vol. 1, but actually sound best on the stripped back “Annie”.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 162:

The next two days are sure to be a marathon of postings as we are merely two days from the first night of SXSW music and the bands are still being announced!  Lucas kicks off today’s coverage with a pair of Euro house majors taking the top spots.  Highlights:

Fedde le Grand (8) – About five years ago, le Grand hit mainstream pop pay dirt with “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit”, a track that foretold the trap movement of today with chopped rhythms and hip hop leanings.  Counterbalanced by the pulsing urgency of 2013’s “Raw”, Fedde le Grand has developed into a focused and well-fitted artist, an example of house music done right.

Eric Prydz (7) – In 2003, Eric Prydz became a global name with “Call on Me”, one of the biggest international dance tracks of the past decade.  Hitting such a perfect chord of an electro, techno anthem, Prydz has established himself as dance music royalty.

DallasK (6) – At 21 years old, young gun DallasK is an artist to watch for 2013 – ballroom club lights and big synthy builds envelop the Orlando-based producer’s global trance sound.

Djemba Djemba (6) – Low bass, dubstep nuances – these elements hold the fort for LA producer/remixer Djemba Djemba – a swanging, rolling, marching, charging multi-drum pounder.

Classixx (5) – Palm fronds and Southern California ease define the sound of Classixx, electronic music producers specializing is disco house melodies.

DJ Charlie (5) – Austin staple DJ Charlie is a crate digger pulling out the best in hop hop of the past mixed with sounds from the future.

DJ Earworm (5) – DJ Earworm is synonymous with the word mash-up, peaking every year with his “United States of Pop” mixed track (think 40+ million YouTube views range).  A true digital architect.

DJ Sliink (5) – Trapped.  DJ Sliink specialized in that woozy bass sound, exposing kicks and slaps that is right on the forefront of blending hip hop and EDM.

Flying Horse (5) – New York’s Flying Horse covers the gamut – from strong electro grind to filtered disco to new wave-infused house rhythms.

35 Denton - Electronic Artists:

With 35 Denton in full swing today, hip hop and EDM highlights the main stages and night shows for what should be an epic Saturday in North Texas.  Lucas set up a couple of recommendations for today from some exciting, local artists.  Highlights:

Juve (8) - No, Juve music is rich, and perhaps the offspring of nightmares and moonlit rainforest excursions.  Dwelling Sound, I say.  Juve’s soundcloud includes descriptive captions such as “Found Sound” and “Future Trap” and reasonable people ought to accept those characterizations.

AV The Great (8) - The messages in his music reflect a pensive mind.  The beautiful world, the unforgiving world.  This is the place AV calls home.  Through each verse, AV invites us in as he attempts to sort out the tensions, hopes and complexities of his local and global environment.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 161:

There’s a lot to like in the remaining hip hop acts to review before next week. Tonight’s set is headlined by a trio of impressive rappers, and two aren’t yet old enough to buy a beer down in Austin. Filling out this group are three acts that share a focus on solid lyricism and polished production. Highlights:

Curly Castro (6) – Curly Castro is a rapper out of Philadelphia that spits intelligent bars over production from some of indie raps best producers. On his newest mixtape Fidel Castro’s focus is on lyricism and cultural issues.    

Danny! (6) – Columbia South Carolina rapper Danny! Has been releasing popular mixtapes for years and recently found a partner in ?uestlove label Okayplayer Records to release his anticipated latest album Payback. Danny! is known for his soulful polished beats and bars that poke blog buzzing rappers in the chest.

The Doppelgangaz (6) – New York rap duo The Doppelgangaz trade relaxed flows over self produced melodic beats that feature jazzy production, the group is readying their newest album HARK! for a March 12^th release.

DyMe-A-DuZin (7) – Rapper DyMe-A-DuZin is a member of the Phony Ppl collective and he raps with a slick flow over polished musical beats on his newest mixtape A Portrait of Donavon, which is free to download over on his official site.

Deniro Farrar (8) – Charlotte North Carolina Rapper Deniro Farrar has a deep baritone voice that pairs perfectly with the chilled out electronic production he raps over. His smooth flow stands out on his storytelling tracks.    

Earl Sweatshirt (9) – Odd Future rapper Earl Sweatshirt is one of the most talked about rappers on music blogs at the moment, he’s prepping a few albums for release and his material to date features an impressive stream of consciousness flow that adds weight to the anticipation.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 160:

I’m running to 35 Denton in a few minutes, but first another grouping of bands featuring two collectives fronted by the same guy…only at SXSW.  Highlights:

Deer Tick (10) - With the addition of Deer Tick on the SXSW roster, frontman John McCauley completed a trifecta of bands he’s part of (Diamond Rugs and an “…And Friends” set round it out).  His main unit should be his loosest one if you’re picking from the bunch; Deer Tick tends to especially let it rip when they hit Austin’s streets year after year.

The Flaming Lips (10) - Led off by “Look…The Sun Is Rising”, The Lips have truly made a 180-turn from The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi, so it’ll be interesting to see how their over-the-top stage presence melds with muddling, psychedelic grooves.  This new shift, which still maintains what has become ‘The Flaming Lips sound’, visceral grooves amid seemingly distant, but deceivingly personal lyrics.

Diamond Rugs (7) - Bringing together songwriting and musical bases from such disparate sounding bands gives Diamond Rugs a loose, psychedelic pop feel, like friends jamming while the tape is rolling.

Ed Tullett (7) - Taking a few cues directly from Justin Vernon and co., Tullett switches between ambient, falsetto-driven melodies and an accessible, modern rock drawl, which is a nice balance given the strong connection to Bon Iver’s stylistic approach.

Donora (6) – The twee pop melodies of Donora have a way of building their songs into mini-anthems, addictively upbeat with a emotional reach towards the stars.  Donora will likely be featuring songs from their latest EP Play Nice, a pretty five-song collection that sees the band leaning closer to catchy pop/rock than ever.

Ducktails (6) – The side project of Real Estate’s Matthew Mondanile, Ducktails is mostly ambient, indie pop, synth-driven soundscapes that build off of relatively minimal grooves.  Ducktails’ latest single is “Letter of Intent”, a breezy, temporally psychedelic funk adventure that shows that Mondanile can pull off a wide-range of textures between his two bands.

Emily Bell (6) – An exciting Austin upstart, Emily forgoes introducing herself as some sort of sappy singer-songwriter on her debut track “Back to the Way I Was”, instead going for a burn-burning rave-up led by rootsy, Americana percussion and neo-soul horn lines.

George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic (6) – A real godfather of his own sound, Clinton and P-Funk are heading to SXSW to kick out the R&B soul jams that has influenced so many young musicians that’ll be gigging at the bars next door.  I’m betting P-Funk’s set won’t be some experimentations from a new record, rather look for a 80s throwback, serious party vibe.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 158:

I got a little bit of a late start thanks to a night spend at 35 Denton on Thursday, so back to listening.  About 100 bands to go…4 days left!  Highlights:

Ben Kweller (10) - Taking in Kweller’s set in person, it was evident that his songwriting is in a different league than a majority of bands gigging through SXSW.  Falling for 2012’s Go Fly a Kite sealed the deal, a brilliant meld of everything great about rock and pop music.

Café Tacvba (9) - Even as a non-Spanish speaking listener, Café Tacvba’s music comes across as emotion and visceral, even when laying down acoustic rave-ups (“La ingrata”, “Ojala que Ilueva café”) or the R&B groove of “Eres”.

The Daptone Soul Review (8) – Soul/R&B revival label Daptone Records is set to take over ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Thursday night and already have scheduled a jam session, most likely featuring stirring vocalists Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, instrumental jazz/funk outfit the Budos Band and the roots harmonies of the Como Mamas.

Brass Bed (6) – The dense indie rock sound of Brass Bed is well-managed throughout their track, incorporating psychedelic deviations and hooky choruses, wonderfully displayed on their strongest track, last year’s “Bullet For You”.

Brent Grulke Tribute (6) – Last summer, SXSW director Brent Grulke suddenly passed away after a heart attack and the heavy emotional void will be poured into a tribute set at the Austin Music Awards Wednesday night featuring Austin favorites The Wild Seeds, Susan Cowsill, Britt Daniel, Alejandro Escovedo, Robin Hitchcock and Grupo Fantasma.

Como Mamas (6) - Gospel is a genre that normally gets a quick listen through here at OEB, but the Como Mamas flipped the script today after discovering their 2013 record Get An Understanding.  With only the power of three gifted vocalists, the Como Mamas harmonize on traditional, spiritual blues for God completely a cappella, a sound that goes right for the heart and would be an incredible breather while making the rounds through SXSW next week.

Bill Carter and The Blame (5) – While nothing particularly stands out in Bill Carter’s music, his latest album unknown is an all around pleasant listen.  Mid-paced alt country track play the basis for Carter’s lyric-heavy tomes.

SXSW 2013 Spreadsheet 157:

Lucas is keeping the EDM artists coming after a huge wave of late SXSW artist additions (get on it laptop musicians, we got deadlines here), but the quality acts keep poring in.  Today’s mix features dark, experimental melodies, computer-happy beats and ambient synth-pop.

Cashmere Cat (8) – From a snowy glen in Norway come the sensual sounds of Cashmere Cat, an experimental EDM artist full of down-tempo breaks and Trap-azoidal, hip hop bass warbles.  Cashmere Cat is an incredibly patient artist, even using silence to his advantage, such a rarity in his field.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (8) – UK producer-DJ Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (thankfully shortened to TEED) excels in pulsing garage tones, whisper house rhythms to embrace the beeps and bloops of the dawning of the Internet age.

Wolf + Lamb (8) – The desolate loops that introduce Wolf + Lamb’s 2012 record Versus slowly open up through the five minutes – “Real Love” starts with a minimal bass and beat, then some haunting synth-strings and finally distorted, blissed out vocals to round out this inviting sound.

Brenmar (5) – Bridging NYC and Chicago, Brenmar has a few strong highlights over the past few years both with his production and mix work.  Sensual bass and graphic leanings highlight his most recent tracks.

C.Z. (5) – Boston’s C.Z. may be relatively straightforward, house beats, funk dub, breaks and that ever-present warble that crosses the Atlantic on a dark, dubstep bridge.

Truth (5) – As the clock ticks midnight, so does the sound of Truth, a New Zealand DJ whose dubz stretch beyond African percussive elements and deep wasps.

Watch The Duck (5) – Atlanta trap hop trio Watch the Duck did into darker rhythms and melodies, the ass-clap American grind-house sounds come with an extra live showing – Watch the Duck come out from behind the boards on stage as a bass/keys/vocal trio.