New day, new music, same ol’ South by Southwest – March 17th featured a wide variety of local and large artists at Austin’s best venues like Hotel Vegas and Half Step.
Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party
Urban Heat frontman, Jonathan Hortmann, hit the stage with silver painted fingernails like a true rockstar. The Austin repping band initiated their set with “That Gun in Your Hand,” then sprinkled in a cover of “Goodbye Horses.” Hortmann’s vocals embodied an atmospheric space odyssey that electrified the crowd so much that there was a line at their merch table after their set. Urban Heat is on tour around the east coast and is even visiting Canada. At the indoor stage MIHI NIHIL made their first SXSW appearance giving the audience a taste of their new song “So Please.” The California band closed off their set with “I Eat You.” – Emily Martinez
Photos by Emily Martinez for Off Record Blog
Paste Magazine Austin Showcase 2023
We hit High Noon for the second day at the Paste Magazine showcase. C.M. Talkington set the stage with special guest Renee Zellweger who is featured on “Two Steps” off their newest album Texas Radio. We were also able to catch Girl Scout, Far Caspian, Fruit Bats and Why Bonnie during the showcase. – Jacqueline Fierro
Photos by Jacqueline Fierro for Off Record Blog
Collide presents: Coca Cola Move Showcase
The Coke Move showcase was one of the most vibrant parties on Rainey street – bubbles were blowing all over the venue, different reps were handing out free goodies and drinks, what more can you ask for? As soon as Hannah Jadagu ended her set, Curtis Waters took the stage and encouraged all attendees to get up and jump, despite the really cold weather. Coco & Clair Clair took the stage soon after, and the venue was so packed that people were trying to sneak a peak from the fence next door. Although the duo finished their set in just 20 minutes, they stuck around and met their fans after the show before they headed to ACL Live. Latin/Canadian artist Isabella Lovestory was definitely a highlight – she brought her catchy spanish tunes to Lustre Pearl and everyone was dancing (or should I say… perreando) to her songs like “Alo” and “Latina.” – Keylee Paz
Photos by Keylee Paz for Off Record Blog
Ari’s Take x Labelcoin Showcase at Half Step
Ari’s Take x Labelcoin was the most poppin’ spot on Rainey that Friday night, especially since everyone was celebrating St. Patrick’s day. The music lineup was solid, and CEO of Ari’s Take (Ari Herstand) introduced all of the acts performing. The Rare Occasions performed their only set during SXSW, and played their songs like “Origami” and “Call Me When You Get There.” Next up was Annabel Lee, who recently released her debut album called Mother’s Hammer. Indigo de Souza, the most anticipated act of the entire festival, got on stage with her band and played multiple fan-favorite songs like “Sick in the Head” and “Not My Body.” – Keylee Paz
Photos by Keylee Paz for Off Record Blog
Alcopop Records Showcase
Soundbites from the movie Mean Girls introduced the Scottish band CherryM at the Sellers Underground stage. The powerful and fun band wasted no time getting friendly with the crowd and treating attendees to a track of their upcoming 2024 album. Loose Articles followed the stage rocking songs “Kick Like A Girl” and “Up the Disco.” The band kicked up the energy and Bassist/Vocalist, Natalie, closed the set by stirring up a mini-mosh and joining in on the action. Local Austin band Cheekface brought a colorful tone to the night and went big with a thirteen song setlist. Fan favorites included “We Need a Bigger Dumpster,” “Best Life” and “Pledge Drive” which the crowd sang and danced through. – Emily Martinez
Photos by Emily Martinez for Off Record Blog
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
I'm a southern bred writer and devoted bike-rider from Mission, Texas. I am known for crafting the finest assortment of playlists for every occasion. I received her Bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film at UT Austin, and I enjoy dabbling in a variety of hobbies and am always down to learn something new. I'm also an ISFJ (Defender Personality) according to 16 Personalities, do what you will with that information.
I am an Austin-based photographer and social media manager. My love for photography started in high school which lead me to study communications at Texas Tech University and The University of the Incarnate Word. Aside from my love for photography and live music, I enjoy spinning vinyl, kayaking, biking, and chilling with my cat, Petrie.
