[SXSW 2016] Culturally Diverse Lineup at the Remezcla Perreo Showcase
It's been a few days since SXSW wrapped up, and while many people are still recuperating or cleaning up the streets of Austin, I still can't get over Remezcla's body moving Perreo Showcase. What started as a monthly party series in NYC, Remezcla brought their scene to Austin this past Friday, kicking off a music filled weekend as an official SXSW Music showcase, bringing together "the next generation of global urban sounds" to the Swan Dive Patio.
The event featured a lineup full of bicultural, up-and-coming artists that each kept the crowd moving from start to finish. I walked in to the bass thumping sounds of Lil Debbie, and it didn't stop from there. At Swan Dive's outdoor patio, John Grvy was wooing the crowd with his electro-R&B groove, bringing warmth to a slightly chilly Texas night. From there, Corpus Christi based DJ/producer, El Dusty, kept the crowd dancing with his mash of Cumbia/Trap/Dub mixes, and introduced fellow Texan, and bilingual rapper MLKMN. Between going back and forth to the venue's indoor and outdoor stages, the slew of artists also included Puerto Rico’s Audri Nix who just dropped her debut EP, El Nuevo Orden Vol. 1. Another dope Boricua MC that hit the stage was Mike Towers, and the list went on to include Miami's Kat Dahlia, Dj Happy Colors, El Freaky, Colombia’s renowned global bass collective. And completing the night was NAAFI, the Mexican underground label/crew continually gaining international fans across the globe.
In case you missed it check out some photos below, and definitely check out the links above to add some new music to your daily shuffle.
[SXSW 2016] Tumblr to Host Feminism-Themed Night
Tumblr is returning to SXSW 2016 Music with an entirely new Feminism-themed event this year that's certainly catching a lot of buzz. In effort to highlight gender inequality in the US Wage Gap, their event, 79 Cents, will headline Jhené Aiko, Tacocat, Little Simz, and Empress Of, a full lineup of almost entirely female musicians, "feminist art installations", and even a guest appearance from former Texas state senator Wendy Davis. (Davis shot to national renown in 2013 when she staged an 11-hour filibuster to block a bill heavily restricting abortion in the state.) A SXSW event filled with nothing but strong female voices, for sure.
At the 2015 festival, Tumblr occupied four full days of performances and collaborative visuals at the Ironwood Hall, not only bringing together an array of great musicians but creating an overall art filled experience. When asked about such a change in focus in this year's event, Tumblr’s head of music, Nate Auerbach, stated "We’re celebrating the female voice in many contexts.", leaving much to anticipate.
The event is being held on March 16th, at 9pm, at the Historic Scoot Inn, and you can RSVP here.
[SXSW 2016] John Legend to Share Stage with Five Handpicked Musicians at AXE Collective
Days away from SXSW Music, AXE and SPIN announce their return with yet another exciting SXSW lineup that headlines Grammy & Oscar-winning musician John Legend. In addition, there will be live performances by Rae Sremmurd, electronic pop duo AlunaGeorge, LA-based singer Gallant, and former “Glee” vocalist Alex Newell. And if this isn't enough, in a nationwide search for the best and brightest talent, John Legend handpicked five musicians to join the AXE Collective to accompany him on one of music’s biggest stages with debut performances.
The AXE Collective is a yearlong music and film mentorship program that included sessions with John Legend himself. With support of SPIN and the opportunity to perform at SXSW, the AXE Collective giving a very opportune platform for each artist to share their voice and story with the world.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 17 at The Belmont Austin (305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701), from 12pm to 5pm, and I'm thrilled to cover it all.
[SXSW Photos] Music Festival 2014
Photography by Kristen Wrzesniewski
Now that most of us have recovered from the madness that is South by Southwest. We sent our good pal Kristen Wrzesniewski out with her Lumix GX7 and a music wristband to cover the music festival portion of the festivities. Check out some of her shots and below.
