photo by Off Record Blog
So many performers, so little time – Off Record Blog has selected their top artists from this year’s list of musicians set to appear at the SXSW festival.
In about a month, SXSW 2022 will be well underway after its cancellation in 2020 and its online experience in 2021. The music showcase lineup is stacked with more than 300+ performances from artists from around the world. To help you fans out, Off Record Blog compiled a list of artists you need to keep on your radar for the festival. Check out our top picks!
Vaya Futuro (Tijuana, Mexico)
This dreamy quintet from Tijuana is bringing their psychedelic sounds to Austin. The band was founded in 2008 and released their incredible debut album Ideas a Medias in 2013. Along with their other albums like Tips para Ir de Viaje and El Peso del Mundo, they have most recently released their EP MXVI in 2021. The band is all about creating a shoegaze-y presence in their music, as their sound carries a post-rock ambience with existential undertones. If their sounds make you feel like you are in a trance, just wait til you see them live. – Keylee Baque
SASAMI (Los Angeles, CA)
Sasami Ashworth, better known as SASAMI, takes the heavy metal genre to the next level. Sasami has an extensive background in music – she graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 2021 and used to perform with rock band Cherry Glazerr until her departure in 2018. Her second full length album is set for a late February release, and based on the two singles she’s released thus far, the album seems to focus on nu-metal sound qualities along with Sasami showcasing her vocal range. She will embark on a headlining tour this spring, with of course making a stop to perform at SXSW. Sasami is known for her emphatic performances, and you will definitely need to check out her sets.
Claud (New York City, NY)
Surprisingly, still flying under the radar is Claud, a singer-songwriter now based in New York City. Claud produces bedroom-pop songs with introspective lyrics and 90s sounding vibes. Claud released their debut album Super Monster in February 2021 which includes their most popular song “Soft Spot”. Super Monster is a collection of tracks about Claud navigating love, relationships, and self-identity as non-binary. Claud is set to start their North American tour this month followed by their UK tour which kicks off in May. Although Claud’s SXSW performance is TBA at the moment make sure to give them a follow for upcoming information. You don’t want to miss out! – Vanessa Blea
Nova Twins (London, UK-England)
Nova Twins are THE iconic rock duo from London, and consists of lead singer and guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South. Formed in 2014, Nova Twins are one of the hottest acts on the rise, as their music is an experimental blend of alternative, punk, and rap. They have been featured in tracks by Bring Me the Horizon, Koder and Tsar B – making them completely unstoppable. Later this year, the twins are set to release their upcoming album Supernova, and have released the exhilarating single “K.M.B.” We are so glad they will make their way down to Austin during spring break in the middle of their sold out UK/EU tour. – Keylee Baque
REYNA (Milwaukee, WI)
The one and only Reyna is making their return to SXSW 2022! This sister duo from Milwaukee, WI is bringing the dance party with them all the way to Texas. Reyna is currently working on their debut EP with a release date in early spring. In true Reyna fashion, the EP title and release date have yet to be announced. Soon, Reyna will start to build up anticipation on their new project with teasers, so stay tuned! Some of Reyna’s biggest singles include “Coachella,” “Heartbeat” and “Matinee” with their most recent single titled “Quarantine Baby.” If you are into indie-pop and love to dance, catch Reyna during SXSW at The Speakeasy on March 15th and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes! – Vanessa Blea
Yard Act (Leeds, UK-England)
One of the artists we are looking forward to this SXSW is Yard Act. The quartet from Leeds just released the incredible debut album The Overload, and it’s already such a classic britpop album. With songs like “Fixer Upper” and the title track “The Overload,” it’s clear that they are riding the wave of success, and they are only gonna become more triumphant. We’re excited to see what they have in store for their performances at SXSW, and we definitely cannot wait to finally hear “Dark Days” live. – Keylee Baque
Wet Leg (Isle of Wight UK-ENGLAND)
Wet Leg is currently taking the UK by storm as they make their way to play SXSW 2022. This pop-punk duo has sold out shows all across the UK after only releasing two songs! Their debut single “Chaise Longue” was released in June 2021 and they are set to release their debut album Wet Leg on April 8, 2022. Their dancing guitar sounds and steady bass lines produce rebellious anthems that enthrall listeners. They have been ranked #2 on the BBC Sounds of 2022 and have performed on Seth Meyers and Jools Holland. Wet Leg is set to kick off their North American Tour early March 2022 which includes their SXSW performance on March 17th at Cedar Street Courtyard. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness Wet Leg live at SXSW! – Vanessa Blea
Bad Bad Hats (Minneapolis MN)
Ah, Bad Bad Hats… one of our favorite bands from Minnesota! Many ORB readers are aware that we had an interview with the band in late 2021. They recently released their third album Walkman, which was consequently one of the best albums from a small artist in 2021! Besides their debut and sophomore album, they’ve released two immaculate EPs – It Hurts and Wide Right. Bad Bad Hats has made appearances at SXSW in the past (last time was in 2019), and we’re excited to see them make their return to Austin. – Keylee Baque
Johnny Aries (New York City, NY)
Johnny Aries, who you may know as the guitarist from The Drums, is making a much anticipated appearance at SXSW 2022. Originally from Margate, England but currently living in New York City, this singer/songwriter released his debut album Unbloomed back in 2014 with his Sophomore album set to be released early this spring. Johnny Aries is said to perform some songs from his upcoming album during his SXSW set and fans could not be more excited. Johnny’s music is heavily 80’s pop/rock influenced with heavy bass melodies and rhythmic 80s guitar and synth sounds. With sounds similar to The Smiths, Johnny’s music is full of nostalgic feels that you are sure to get lost in. Although Johnny Aries’ SXSW performance is TBA at this time, make sure to give him a follow for upcoming show information. – Vanessa Blea
KT Tunstall (Edinburgh, UK-Scotland)
KT Tunstall is one of the most underrated acts of the 2000s, but we remember the days when she took the world by storm with her debut album Eye to the Telescope. This album includes hits like the cheery “Suddenly I See” and the robust “Black Horse & a Cherry Tree,” two songs that got her on the map. She continued to evolve her sound with future albums like Kin in 2016, and has also written numerous tracks for film and television. We can’t wait to see the range she brings to SXSW! Rest assured that her performances will be a great way to reminisce about the olden days. – Keylee Baque
Honorable Mentions
Josh Fudge (Oklahoma City, OK)
Neil Frances (Los Angeles, CA)
Meltt (Vancouver, B.C.)
Los Bitchos (London, UK-England)
Strawberry Guy (Liverpool, UK-England)
Delta Spirit (San Diego, CA)
La Doña (San Francisco,CA)
Phebe Starr (Dorrigo, Australia)
Beachtape (London, UK-England)
Hotel Lux (London, UK-England)
Lunar Vacation (Atlanta, GA)
Surfbort (Los Angeles, CA)
CHAII (Auckland, New Zealand)
KAWALA (London UK-ENGLAND)
Off Record Blog is a digital music publication who focuses on all efforts in the industry.
