CHARLI XCX
Her talent of fusing melodies and beats was front and center, echoing the playful dance sounds of Spice Girls to the vocal pop deliveries of Madonna.
Charli XCX's debut album True Romance might as well be called her greatest hits album. It's filled with wall-to-wall hits, and almost every song has been remixed, mashed up and played in every club around the world making her one of the most sought after artists around.
Although her major label debut album True Romance last year, the mainstream's first introduction to her was through Icona Pop's breakthrough hit song "I Love It" which Charli XCX penned.
Recently, Charli revealed that she's already working on writing songs for her sophomore album which she plans on recording in France. She has already released Superlove the first song off that album which has fans salivating for more. Expect her to try out some new songs at this year's SXSW.
"SuperLove" by Charli XCX
CHLOE HOWL
On top of that, the recently BRIT Award nominee and 18 year-old is currently on tour supporting Ellie Goulding on her European Tour.
"Paper Heart" by Chloe Howl
BETTY WHO
Trust me, watching her live at a sold out Echo in Los Angeles, you couldn't take your eyes off her; her melodies echoing the pop-explosion sounds of the 80s with sparklets of R&B. Her songs, like herself was like watching a fireworks display and ooh-ing and ahhh-ing with each bursts of colorful melodies, watching the sparks shoot out every which way, marveling at trail of light fading softly away.
After SXSW, Betty Who will head out on a string of North American tour dates beginning March 22nd in Philadelphia and then making her way through Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and finishing off in New York.
"Heartbreak Dream" by Betty Who
RUSSIAN RED
During the last few years Russian Red (aka: Lourdes Hernandez) has become one of the most renowned artists in the Spanish music scene with beautifully constructed songs carried by her fragile yet powerful vocals. Lourdes HernƔndez, has an exceptional voice and an innate ability to communicate and captivate a variety of audiences.
"Casper" by Russian Red
LONDON GRAMMAR
The London trio, consisting of Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman and Dot Major, weave moody, trance-like melodies that comes off hauntingly beautiful. Add to that their deep and dark synth beats and Hannah's airy yet delicate vocals and you'll find yourself getting high yourself in their hypnotic and intoxicating world.
"Strong" by London Grammar
IVY LEVAN
Watching Ivy Levan is like being transported back into a 50s blues nightclub during the big band era. With flashes of attitude overflowing with sexiness, Ivy Levan has people comparing her to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Gwen Stefani.
Recently releasing her critically acclaimed EP Introducing the Dame, via Cherrytree Records, her music, dubbed as 'Swamp-Hop' is a mixuture of blues, pop and swing with a touch of soul and pop. Supported by a masked backing band, Levan's exciting and electrifying sets are enough to guarantee a non-dancer to kick up their heels and dance to songs like "Hang Forever" and "Money," both of which you can find on her new debut EP Introducing the Dame.
"Hand Forever" by Ivy Levan
WOLF ALICE
Of all the bands at this year's SXSW, London's Wolf Alice is the one I'm most curious about - AND most excited about. Led by frontwoman, Ellie Rowsell and consisting of Joel Amey, Joff Oddie and Theo Ellis, Wolf Alice reminds me of early 90s alternative, echoing the sugary sounds of Letters to Cleo, Belly with the moody, gungy melodies of Temple of the Dog. Hmmm...should I pack my flannel?
"Bros" by Wolf Alice
DUM DUM GIRLS
"Too True to be Good" by Dum Dum Girls
LIZZO
Topped with bad-girl attitude and catchy as hell lyrics, Lizzo looks to lead a new wave of indie hip-hop artists with, what's sure to be her breakthrough album, LIZZOBANGERS.
"Batches & Cookies" by Lizzo
WARPAINT
CHERRY GLAZERR
"White's Not My Color This Evening" by Cherry Glazerr
WARDELL
They are the soundtrack to listen to while swinging high on a swing with toes drifting just above the sand. There is an uplifting feeling to Sasha Spielberg's vocals like green grass and sunflowers on the horizon as the girl on the swing in the floral summer dress floats high, to and fro, enjoying the simple exhilarant body rush, then letting free, and landing bare feet back in the sand box.
"Opossum" by Wardell
DEAP VALLY
Deap Vally are Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards, the LA duo gaining critical acclaim for their non-apologetic and attitude-laced rock. Oh, and they also have a debut album Sistrionix that makes you believe in rock and roll again.
"Walk of Shame" by Deap Vally
LUCIUS
Currently promoting their debut album "Wildewoman," Lucius has been generating a lot of buzz since they released their EP getting shout-outs from music taste-makers like Time Magazine, New York Times, NPR and Rolling Stone while already playing at some of the most noteworthy music festivals like Bonnaroo, CMJ Music Fest and SXSW.
"Turn it Around" by Lucius
NONONO
NONONO are that shiny brand new toy that everyone in the music biz seems to want for Christmas. From CMJ to Perez Hilton, this Swedish trio is the talk of the town. Blame it on their breakthrough single "Pumpin Blood," which spread like wild fire across music blogs along with getting heavy airplay on mainstream and college radio.
"Hungry Eyes" by NONONO
ECHOSMITH
Echosmith are a natural performing on stage. Their confident stage presence just highlights their electric show fueled by youthful songs that are smart and fresh - a complete 180 degrees from the Britney Spears' and Miley Cyrus' of the world. This a band parents would love their kids to emulate.
"Cool Kids" by Echosmith
.