SXSW 2015: Don’t Sleep On These Four Showcases

Austin Texas’ SXSW music conference and festival kicks off this morning — the beginning of a week of utter madness with the soundtrack of over 2,000 bands from across the globe invading the heart of Texas. SXSW is the one time of year where there’s music for everyone in one place. K-pop in one club and death metal in the next. Everyone has a home and the next band to change your life could be just down the street.

Having trouble cutting through the noise of which showcases to see the best music? Don’t worry — you have UTG for that. Follow the jump to see our suggestions for the four showcases all lovers of music should check out this week in Texas. Did we miss your must-see showcase? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Behind The Curtains Media Sonic Tonic Showcase

Behind The Curtains Media and SwitchBitch Records have teamed up to deliver a punk rock and cabaret spectacle worthy of the underground scene and beyond. Bands like Flannel Mouth will awe the crowd with their mixture of downbeat punk while the headliner Victorian Halls will undoubtedly light the stage on fire with their unique and unforgettable live performance. Check out the full lineup and RSVP here.

Check it: Amli Downtown from 1-8 p.m. on Thursday.


Des Moines: Hell Yes Showcase

The Des Moines, Iowa music scene stretches far beyond being the closest major city to the Buddy Holly plane crash or the home of Slipknot (and Slipknot-related stab wounds). No, Des Moines is cultivating a vibrant and diverse scene of artists: such as the blistering rock ‘n’ roll outfit Holy White Hounds, indie rock up-and-comers The Maytags, and poised piano master Max Jury. This showcase not only lets the Midwest’s best-kept-secret-music-scene shine, but it also gives SXSW attendees a colorful variety of tunes. Full lineup and RSVP can be found here.

Check it: Noon-6 p.m. Friday, The Des Moines Embassy (6th and Red River)


Big Picture Media Texas Takeover Showcase

This two-day affair brought to you by Big Picture Media is the go-to place to find your next favorite band. Every band (on both lineups) is poised to be the next biggest thing in the alternative music world and beyond. Bands like Plaid Brixx and Night Riots are already making waves in the scene with their unique twists on pop-punk and indie pop, respectively — and with headliners like Cancer Bats (day 1) and Dustin Kensrue of Thrice (day 2), this showcase shines brightest amongst the many alternative options. Dig into the full lineup here.

Check it: Tuesday 2:00-5:40 p.m. and Thursday 12:00-5:40 p.m. at the Blind Pig on 6th.


The MidCoast Takeover

Des Moines isn’t the only Midwest city represented well at this year’s SXSW. The MidCoast Takeover, brought to you by multiple Kansas City-based organizations, is a week-long party containing the loudest rock ‘n’ roll to the softest folk jams. Come early in the day to not miss indie rockers Genevieve and stay late for loud and rambunctious headliners like The Architects (US) and The Noise FM. All the details for the event are here.

Check it: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-12:00am at Shangri La on E. 6th.

Written by Matthew Leimkuehler (@callinghomematt)

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