Deva Mahal

Deva Mahal

Photo: Xavier De Nauw

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Mallrat, Pronoun, Deva Mahal: 7 Best New Bands At SXSW 2018

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From innovative electronic pop sounds to soulful blues and one-of-a-kind voices, here are some upcoming artists we heard at SXSW who you don't want to miss
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Mar 18, 2018 - 1:23 pm

Time and time again we've heard that one of the amazing things about the annual SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas, is the wide-ranging lineup of artists that come to town covering the full gamut of genres. Festival attendees get to discover great new music, including hot new sounds from up-and-coming artists who seem poised to break through any minute.

Austin's 6th Street Comes Alive At SXSW

We had a chance to do a little exploring and we caught everything from innovative electronic pop to soulful bluesy stylings and so much more we think you'll want to hear. So with that in mind, here are seven rising artists who caught our ear at SXSW.

1. Deva Mahal

If her last name sounds familiar, you're not imagining things. Deva Mahal, the daughter of GRAMMY-winning blues legend Taj Mahal, is getting ready to release her debut full-length studio album, Run Deep, on March 23. Ahead of the drop, Mahal stopped by SXSW to play a set at the Miles Davis House on March 17 where she wowed the crowd with her soulful voice and poetic lyrics. As Parade wrote, "She powerfully connects with raw honesty, rich musicality and emotionally searing songs of love and loss that convey the true resiliency of the human spirit to triumph over adversity."

2. Pronoun

Pronoun — aka Alyse Vellturo — writes alt-pop tracks that capture the full range of human emotion with a smokey voice. She released her debut EP, There's No One New Around You, in 2016, which she created completely on her own in her apartment following a difficult breakup. She's now preparing her first full-length LP for 2018, which promises more of her relatable, engaging singing, songwriting and production, not to mention lyrics that speak straight to the heart of listeners. "I think what helps is the sincerity and transparency of the lyrics and how genuine they are," Pronoun told Atwood Magazine.

3. Mallrat

Australian native Grace Shaw — who performs under the moniker Mallrat — has self-described her music as "Hannah Montana of the rap game." Indeed, her ingenious pop-based sound incorporates elements of her rap idols, including Kanye West, in addition to an electronic pastiche that grab the listener's attention. She played two gigs during this year's SXSW, and fans can look forward to new music from the 20-year-old artist coming soon on her new EP, In The Sky.

4. Lola Marsh

With a sound described as dream pop, Tel Aviv duo Lola Marsh — comprising singer Yael Shoshana Cohen and guitarist/keyboardist Gil Landau — released their debut album, Remember Roses, in June 2017. The Observer describes their sound as "sweet indie pop in the vein of Edward Sharpe infused with a dash of Lana Del Rey." At SXSW this year, they wowed the crowd with three official showcases, bringing their tunes to a much wider audience. We can't wait to see what blossoms next.

5. Aisha Badru

What's in a voice? In the case of New York-based singer/songwriter Aisha Badru, everything. Her sound is, as OnesToWatch.com writes, "a voice that could seemingly move mountains if she whispered at them." With simple production values accompanying her folk-inspired tunes, her dreamlike voice cuts crystal clear across each track, pulling listeners directly into Badru's world and music. It'll leave you wanting more, just as it did for SXSW attendees during her showcase at 18th Over Austin. Get ready: Her debut full-length album is coming soon.

6. The Marías

Who couldn't use a little psychedelic soul in their life? Enter the Marías, fronted by Puerto Rican native Maria Conway and Los Angeles native Josh Conway. GrimyGoods.com has described their sound as '70s lounge with tracks that will "transport you to someplace where sensuality and ecstasy drip from the lips of those around you." They played three official shows this year during SXSW and fans new and returning can look forward to the release of their follow-up EP, Superclean Volume 2, in the near future.

7. Kweku Collins

It's hip-hop with a lyrical twist. Chicago rapper/producer Kweku Collins comes from a long line of innovative Chi-Town rappers who have a style all their own. "My music might not fit anywhere,” he told Pitchfork. "But if you listen close enough, you can see how it can fit everywhere." Collins' sound incorporates many of his wide-ranging inspirations, including his Latin/African percussionist father and the likes of Tame Impala, Migos, will.i.am, and D'Angelo. He was featured as a SXSW artist of the day prior to the festival, and you can catch his most recent EP, 2017's Grey, for more.

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Dorothy

Dorothy

Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

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Dorothy To Brandy Clark: What 11 Artists Have To Say About SXSW

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From the bands they heard to seeking out food and inspiration, find out what artists attending the Austin, Texas, music festival got out of the SXSW experience
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Mar 19, 2018 - 4:36 pm

Each year, SXSW brings thousands of artists to town — from artists on the rise to big names at the top of their game. We had a chance to sit down with a handful of these musicians and find out what their SXSW 2018 experience was like.

Austin's South Congress Boasts Vintage Charm

From the bands they enjoyed the most to why this festival is so special, sampling Austin's cuisine, consummating social connections, and more, check out what 11 artists dug about the annual music festival in Austin, Texas.

1. Dorothy

Frontwoman for the Los Angeles-based rock band Dorothy, Dorothy Martin, expressed her appreciation for the sheer volume of music SXSW offers those looking to discover something new.

"SXSW has been crazy and fun," Martin said. "There's so many people here and so much music. You can just go see three different bands if you want every night, or more. It's been a lot. Everyone's tired but it's totally worth it and really eye-opening."

2. Grupo Fantasma

One of the hottest funk bands on the scene, the GRAMMY-winning nine-piece Latin orchestra Grupo Fantasma found themselves onstage following a legendary band.

"Last night we played after Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Mohawk," Grupo Fantasma said. "It's rare that we're concerned about going on after a band but that was definitely impressive. … I'd never seen them and that was really incredible."

As Austin natives, Grupo Fantasma have seen SXSW change over the years, and though they have some reservations about the festival overrunning their town every year, ultimately the music makes it worth it.

"There's great new talent coming into town and Austin, of course, is being exposed to the world," they said. "Every time it comes around there's some apprehension. … But then you get down here and you see some great music and you get inspired, and you're like, 'Yeah, let's run around and see some bands.'"

3. Mallrat

Australian pop singer Mallrat intimated she and her friend were chasing after some specific acts during SXSW, including rapper Smokepurpp and pop singer/songwriter Billie Eilish. But her favorite part of her busy festival experience was taking part in her own show.

"The other day we played a show with a few other Australian acts, and our friend Stella Donnelly was on just after us and she's a really fantastic songwriter from Australia so it was cool to finally see one of her shows," Mallrat said. "Otherwise, it's been a bit busy. We haven't had much time to check things out."

4. The Mrs

Four-piece pop/rock collective the Mrs brought a special mission to SXSW this year: kindness. Unsurprising, their Kindnesspalooza Music Festival to support drummer Andra Liemandt's charity The Kindness Campaign was top of mind for the Austin natives.

"We've been really excited about Kindnesspalooza and talking to all the other artists that are going to come and play," they shared. "[We're] just trying to build it up and bring awareness to The Kindness Campaign and just have fun."

5. Amber Rubarth

Singer/songwriter Amber Rubarth happened to be in town to help support the 2017 film American Folk, in which she starred. While she's been in a filmmaking frame of mind, SXSW stands out to her because it really beings the arts together in a meaningful way.

"I went to the documentary shorts in theaters," Rubarth said. "We walked all the way across the river and just hearing bands in all the different places and then going and seeing these short theater documentaries and how music moves through all of those also. I love how it ties all the worlds together. I think with music festivals you see all the bands and everything but I actually really like that it has all the different worlds — it has the film, it has the multimedia, it has the music — and just how those all tie in and they overlap with each other."

6. Demo Taped

Demo Taped, a producer/rapper from Atlanta, was attending SXSW for the first time. Not only did he enjoy seeing acts such as Duckwrth and playing his own showcase during his time in Austin, he felt right at home in the city.

"It's my first year. It's been very positive," Demo Taped told us. "I've been walking the streets and smiling at people and getting the smile back. Just like Atlanta, I realize we're in the South — you get that Southern hospitality and that's really sweet."

7. Deva Mahal

Daughter of the inimitable bluesman Taj Mahal, blues/soul singer Deva Mahal traversed quite the SXSW journey. She had the chance to visit Willie Nelson's ranch and performed a headlining set at the Miles Davis House. But at the top of her to do list while in Austin was discovering something new.

"The most exciting thing for me is to go and be surprised, find somebody that I've never heard of or never seen before and have a really true and natural experience with what I'm hearing," Mahal shared. "I don't like to be told about it before or told how to feel about something so I feel the same way about artists. I'm excited to discover something I've never heard before, which I think is what [SXSW] is all about."

8. The Marìas

Psychedelic soul duo the Marìas certainly were at SXSW for one thing: the music.

"It's cool to wander around and walk into different venues because you never know what you're going to see," said drummer/vocalist Josh Conway. While Maria added, "And then just seeing all the different genres of music coming together and just mixing."

But they may have left Austin with a more permanent souvenir than just happy memories.

"We have another show, a Doc Marten's show. That'll be super fun," Maria said. "They have free tattoos so I think we're all going to try and get in on that."

9. Aisha Badru

New York singer/songwriter Aisha Badru brought her ethereal vocals to the SXSW stage in advance of the release of her debut full-length album, Pendulum, which drops April 27. As for her festival experience, she looked forward to supporting a friend.

"I have a friend that I met on Instagram," Badru said. "She has a band called LANNDS and she's playing tonight at The Sidewinder and I'm really looking forward to checking that show out."

10. Brandy Clark

Country singer/songwriter Brandy Clark is a seasoned pro on the festival scene. While she had just flown in to perform at the Recording Academy Texas Chapter Block Party, she hoped to find something new during SXSW. And barring that, she had a solid plan in place for Austin cuisine while in town.

"I hope I stumble onto somebody I've never heard that blows my mind," Clarks stated. "Other than that, I love Austin and I might stumble into some tacos later."

11. Vista Kicks

Indie rockers Vista Kicks — Derek Thomas, Sam Plecker, Trevor Sutton, and Nolan Le Vine — spend most of their time in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles in their own studio pumping out tracks. So their SXSW sojourn was all about seeking new inspiration, which they found in spades with bands such as Lukas Nelson, Hinds and Low Cut Connie.

"We've seen an inspiring amount of good bands here and it's been really refreshing and really cool," they said. "People have been getting up there, getting on their instruments and just going. … This is where we're going in music now. There's no tricks. It is looking really good for music right now. The bands we've been seeing have been fantastic and inspiring. That's something that's really unique and cool about SXSW too."

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Go inside SXSW 2018 with the Recording Academy
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Keith Urban, K-Pop, Women In Music: Go Behind The Scenes At SXSW 2018

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Check out our daily SXSW Recording Academy updates from on the ground in Austin, Texas
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Mar 19, 2018 - 4:38 pm

Monday, March 19

  • What's SXSW all about for the artists who perform at the festival? We're glad you asked because that's exactly the question we posed to 11 artists at this year's festival. From Dorothy to Brandy Clark and Grupo Fantasma, find out what they had to say.
     
  • Post-SXSW syndrome getting you down? From Keith Urban and T.I.'s standout sets to Rubén Blades' documentary and much more, we've rounded up seven of the festival's top moments.

Sunday, March 18

  • "I do it so women can know anything a man can do, we can do just as well, if not 10 times better," said GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody during SXSW. From standout showcases to thought-provoking panels, and spanning artists from Rapsody to Pussy Riot, we rounded up five ways how the Austin, Texas, festival put women in music front and center.
     
  • There was a ton of amazing music filling Austin this weekend at SXSW. From innovative electronic pop sounds to soulful blues and one-of-a-kind voices, we rouned up 7 on-the-rise artists we heard at SXSW who you should keep on your radar. 
     
  • When you need a little vintage charm, take a stroll through Austin, Texas' South Congress neighborhood, "old downtown." Nestled just south of Lady Bird Lake, the area boasts boutiques, eateries, galleries, and music venues that will take you back in time. We captured South Congress in action during SXSW 2018, giving you just a taste of the best Austin has to offer.

    Austin's South Congress Boasts Vintage Charm

Saturday, March 17

  • It's "a lot different" according to some natives. Get a taste of what makes Rainey Street a consistent top attraction in Austin, Texas, not only at SXSW but year-round.

    Austin's Deep Cultural History On Rainey Street

  • There was a fresh breeze of kindness at SXSW this year, and four-piece female band the Mrs was a big reason why. We had a front-row seat for the group's Kindnesspalooza Music Fest and learned how drummer Andra Liemandt and her bandmates are all about playing music, being kind and giving back to the world.
     
  • Millions of viewers tune into singing competition shows such as "The Voice, "America's Got Talent" and "American Idol." But what is life really like after the cameras turn off and the show moves on to the next season, especially if a contestant doesn't win? We got a little insight thanks to the panel Now What? Life After Reality TV Singing Shows, featuring former singing compeition contestants Blake Lewis, Cas Haley and Nakia. 

    About to kick off our What Now? SXSW Panel. #lifeaftertv #sxsw #sxsw2018

    A post shared by BLAKE LEWIS (@blakelewis) on

Friday, March 16

  • Talk about an amazing conversation! Go inside Keith Urban's SXSW keynote discussion during which the GRAMMY winner touched upon his musical upbringing, sobriety to his new album, Graffiti U.

     

  • At SXSW 2018, 6th Street once again shines as the "classic" epicenter of the city's incomparable live music offerings, coming alive with street performances, makeshift stages, packed venues, bustling bars, and music of all genres. Get a closer look at what makes 6th Street a destination for musicians and music fans alike.

Austin's 6th Street Comes Alive At SXSW

Thursday, March 15

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Rapsody

Rapsody

Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

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Rapsody To Pussy Riot: 5 Ways SXSW 2018 Celebrated Women In Music

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From standout showcases to thought-provoking panels, find out how the Austin, Texas, music festival celebrated women in music
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Mar 18, 2018 - 2:24 pm

We've been focusing a lot lately on women in music. This is due not only to the fact that March is Women's History Month, but also because female music professionals play a huge role in the industry and they often don't get the credit or recognition they deserve. However, at SXSW 2018 in Austin, Texas, have no doubt: Women played a front-and center-role in the action.

Austin's South Congress Boasts Vintage Charm

From all-women music showcases to panel programming highlighting women's experiences, to a diverse music lineup and more, take a look at five ways SXSW highlighted women in the music industry this year.

1. All-Female Rappers Showcase

At Austin's The Belmont on March 15, ICM hosted its seventh annual showcase and this year they brought out an all-female hip-hop lineup, including Willow Smith, Rapsody, Kamaiyah, Kodie Shane, and others. While each of the powerhouse women on the bill delivered, GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody capped her fiery set with the following mic drop statement:

"I do it for her, and for her, and for her, and for you, and the daughter you may someday have if you don’t have one already, and your wife, and your sister," Rapsody said during the showcase. "I do it so women can know anything a man can do, we can do just as well, if not 10 times better. So when they ask about Rapsody, don’t tell them I’m a female rapper. Don’t tell them I’m a female rapper, don’t tell them I’m a female emcee. When they ask you about Rapsody, you tell them I’m a motherf***ing beast."

2. Pussy Riot Came To Town

Pussy Riot, the feminist punk protest collective from Russia, lit up the town with their two SXSW showcases: the SXSW opening party at The Main on March 13 and at The Belmont on March 14. During their packed set at The Main, true to their art, Pussy Riot didn't hold back, hanging their "Pussy is the new dick" sign in front of the sponsor's sign. During their set they brought out former U.S. military member and outspoken critic of the prison system Chelsea Manning and concluded their energetic set with "Straight Outta Vagina," perhaps one of the most feminist tunes out there.

Janelle Monáe, MILCK, Amara La Negra: 9 Women Change Agents In Music

3. Women In Music Panels

Women face many barriers to entry and advancement in their careers. To facilitate conversations on these challenges and more, SXSW hosted several panels about being a women in the industry. This included Women in Music: Break the Ceiling + Bridge The Gap, which highlighted negotiating tactics to help women advance their careers. Moms In The Music Industry: Strategies for Success covered how to balance a career in music with parenting and how to address the unique compromises women often have to make. Also, the Women In Music Meet Up provided a special networking opportunity specifically for women in the industry.

4. Showcasing Female Artists

This year's expansive music festival lineup included a diverse array of artists, including plenty of focus on female musicians, whether it's the blues/soul of Deva Mahal, the pop sounds of newcomers Pronoun, Common Holly and Mallrat, stellar guitarist Kaki King, folk/Americana singer/songwriter Lucy Dacus, electronic R&B innovator DVWEZ, and so many more. With every genre represented, it's clear that women not only have a major presence in the music world, in many cases, they're steering the ship. In addition, SXSW's focus on emerging artists gives us a peek into the future of music, and it looks certain that the future looks bright for women.

5. Addressing The #MeToo Movement In Music

Finally, a panel titled Sexual Misconduct in the Music Industry provided an open forum for women to discuss their experiences of harassment and the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements while brainstorming ways to move forward. The panelists, including Vice's Andrea Domanick, Art Not Love Records' Peggy Hogan, Danger Village's Beth Martinez, and Uproxx's Caitlin White, frankly discussed high-profile sexual misconduct cases in music, the complicated causes for continued abuses, and the impact of social media and call out culture. While the discussion yielded no single solution, and the burden of solving sexual misconduct isn't solely women's to bear, panelist expressed hope that the #MeToo movement will provide a break in the status quo.

"What had long been enshrined as rock star behavior is now clearly sexual misconduct," Domanick said. "People don't want to reckon with that because everyone will have some story. It's about accepting that we can change and evolve."

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Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Photo: Matt Cowan/Getty Images

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Music Festivals 2018: 7 Ways To Enjoy Festival Season Without Drinking

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From having an escape route to engaging in on-site 12-step recovery programs, learn how to plan an unforgettable festival experience without the booze
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Apr 12, 2018 - 3:12 pm

Picture this. You've landed in the California desert and are stoked to pitch that tent. You've got the lineup pulled up on your phone and you're arguing with your travel companions about whether you'll catch Beyoncé's must-see headlining set or catch a one-of-a-kind performance from Japanese rockers X Japan, who play at the same time. And you still haven't worked out if you'll see Portugal. The Man or Kamasi Washington. Mid-argument, out comes the six-pack and now there's a tougher choice to make.

Adam Clayton's MusiCares speech: Life In Recovery

While they offer life-changing experiences and the chance to get up close and personal with music of all genres, music festivals also include lots of alcohol consumption and drug use. In fact, this darker music fest culture comes with some cold, hard facts that would sober anyone up. A 2016 Canadian study found that 13 percent of reported festival deaths between 1999 and 2014 were the result of alcohol or drug abuse.

The studies may be new, but music festivals and substance abuse have been nearly inseparable since their inception. However, what's starting to change today is a focus on sobriety and recovery for those who want to attend music festivals without imbibing in the chemical party atmosphere.

"I went to Woodstock in 1969 and all I did was get loaded with everybody else. That's never really changed," shares Dr. Howard Samuels, founder/CEO of The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles who has 33 years of sobriety under his belt. "The thing that has changed though is that there are more young people that are sober."

While festivals may be a highly charged space for maintaining sobriety, those in recovery can enjoy music festivals without drinking. So bust out your fanny packs, signature shades and water bottles, because you're headed to your favorite festival armed with these seven tips to maintain sobriety.

1. Make The Trip With Other Friends In Recovery

Rule number one: Don't go alone. Plan to attend a music festival with other community members who support sobriety.

"I would go with other sober people. And when I say sober, I mean other people that you're in recovery with," says Samuels, who also recommends waiting until at least six months of sobriety to take on a music festival. "Don't go alone or don't go with your old friends."

When surrounded by others who share the same mission, it's much easier to resist the temptation to drink. Not to mention, if a craving gets triggered, you can discuss the moment with someone who understands and supports your decision to remain sober. Alcohol isn't required to have a good time. Being surrounded by the right people, though, can make all the difference.

"My favorite part about festivals are the people I meet," says rapper Kosha Dillz, aka Rami Even-Esh, who has been sober for more than 13 years. "Go with someone you'll have a great time with."

2. Plan Lodging Wisely

During a festival, the stages may go dark at a reasonable hour, but the partying continues long into the wee hours of the morning. Instead of dealing with the pressures of other drunken attendees, plan to have a safe space to go at night or anytime a break is needed.

"Don't be cheap," advises Even-Esh. "If you have to get your own place and it means being able to sleep in a room versus all of the room partying until 7 a.m., it might be worth it to spend the money."

Also look into sober housing options at music festivals. As the recovery movement grows, so too do the sober safe spaces at events. Organizations such as Camp Traction offer sober areas at a handful of festivals each year, and check other festivals' websites because they may offer their own clean and sober camping options.

3. Devise An Escape Plan

If the atmosphere becomes too overwhelming or tempting, have an escape plan figured out ahead of time. This could mean driving separately so there's always a way out without being dependent on another group member, having a nice quiet place to come back to at any point during the day, or simply hailing an Uber or Lyft.

You may experience some FOMO (fear of missing out) in the moment when leaving friends behind, but you'll be glad you did.

"I make sure I don't take things personally and always have an exit plan if it gets weird," says Even-Esh. "It usually does, and in my experience I don't really miss anything when I leave."

4. Phone A Friend, Often

For Even-Esh, having a fully charged phone is of paramount importance. Samuels agrees.

"The most important thing is that you have easy access to other recovering people in order to express the feelings of being overwhelmed, of being triggered by seeing people use — by all of it," says Samuels. "You've got to be able to communicate your feelings and your thoughts."

Keep phones charged with some of these portable charger options, and don't be afraid to reach out to your support network as much as needed.

"Once I start feeling anxious, the phone is a great tool to have," says Even-Esh. "Be able to call other people that are sober or even your friends back home. It's always good to call someone not at the festival to bring you back to reality."

5. Find A Local Or On-Site Meeting

As awareness about substance abuse issues and recovery grow, so do the resources for those looking to have a great experience and maintain their sobriety. Enter on-site festival 12-step programs and other resources.

"At most festivals these days, there are 12 steps and all you have to do is ask one of the organizers or the event staff where there's a 12-step meeting," recommends Samuels. "Recovery has gotten to be so in the mainstream these days, which is really positive, that there can be a lot of safe places for recovering people at music festivals."

For example, MusiCares' Safe Harbor Room program will be available at many major festivals throughout the U.S. this year, including Coachella and Stagecoach, which provides 12-step meetings and an information booth for those attending festivals.

6. Take Care Of The Basics

In Alcoholics Anonymous parlance, HALT — hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness — mark four pillars of well-being that must be addressed to prevent vulnerabilities to relapse.

In a music festival setting, this means eating nutritious and regular meals and snacks and drinking water. Avoid isolation and loneliness by choosing the right people to have by your side, while using your phone support network to vent anger and frustrations that might arise, say pushy crowds or a rude fan. And finally, do get some sleep. No all-nighters here!

"Sometimes getting something to eat and taking a nap can really change your mentality," says Even-Esh.

7. Set Boundaries For Yourself

Finally, it's important to know your own limits because at the end of the day you're responsible for your health and sobriety.

By setting yourself up to take care of the basics, engaging support networks, acting on escape plans as needed, and picking the right people to travel with, you've got a great head start. From here, rocking out during a weekend of unforgettable music without drinking is definitely attainable. Just keep your goals top of mind.

"Depending on where you are, there can be an absurd amount of drugs available and always large amounts of drinking happening," Even-Esh says. "For everyone else that's OK, but for me that is a problem and I'm the only person who needs to know that."

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