It was our turn to round up some friends — DoStuff, Goose Island, TicketCity — and throw a party at Empire at SXSW. Here’s what went down:
If You Throw a Party, You Must Invite Flatbush Zombies
The Flatbush Zombies headlined our showcase and nearly tore down all of Austin in the process. If you want to have a good time, get rowdy, and be treated to one the heaviest collections of MCs currently in the game, then Flatbush Zombies are the group for you.
There is no stoppin’ the @FlatbushZombies 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 #sxsw pic.twitter.com/HQGhpxekmV
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016
Talib Kweli Does Not Need Your Beats
Talib Kweli is one of the most venerated hip-hop figures of the past 20 years. He’s still dropping records and knowledge, and it is officially #Kweliseason in Austin. And he’s unstoppable: When his DJ gear was giving him trouble, no problem, just start clapping and spitting verses.
About that @TalibKweli clinic 👌 pic.twitter.com/VhjiyaOYI3
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 18, 2016
Shannon and The Clams Will Make You Smile
Shannon and the Clams have the vintage, early rock sound down pat. Their songs are cascades of sweaty hooks and melodies, with shifts in tempo that are sprinkled with a touch of punk. It’s music that will make you smile, move and feel good all over.
This band sounds so good 👌@shanandtheclams at #sxsw!!! pic.twitter.com/uSiIc6O1QB
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016
Eli Paperboy Reed’s R&B Revival
Soul infused, hard grooving R&B is what Eli Paperboy Reed brings to the table. Taking a page from old school R&B, his live set is full of energy, topped with passionate singing and ace guitar playing.
We’re feeling this! @elipaperboyreed coming at you from #sxsw pic.twitter.com/azg6ZfBfpp
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016
Low Cut Connie Are a Raging Good Time
You think you know how to throw down? Low Cut Connie begs to differ. The Philadelphia outfit rolls around on the floor, jumps up on pianos, screams in your face, and will get you hollering. Then, when that’s done, they do it all over again. It’s moments like this that make SXSW so great — getting a front row view of a band losing their minds and making you shout for more. It’s not an overstatement to say, these guys rock.
YES YES YES @LowCutConnie right now at #sxsw pic.twitter.com/DxdIS35kWT
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016
Sharkmuffin Shreds
Tarra, Natalie and Kim make up Sharkmuffin and this is one trio that will slyly smile at you — right before they punch you in the gut with their perfected garage punk. They shred, they groove, and their songs will be buzzing in your ears long after they leave the stage.
.@Sharkmuffin are the best #sxsw pic.twitter.com/YmhFfyPjxn
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016
The Big Ups Smash It
If an 18 wheeler and a bulldozer were combined into a hybrid beast, you’d end up with the sledgehammer sounds The Big Ups deliver. The music is loud, heavy and industrial, delivered with manic, humorous glee by lead singer Joe Galarraga. But don’t just take my word for it, check out their new album Before a Million Universes.
.@wearebigups right now! 👊 pic.twitter.com/ehb1XH16si
— Rhapsody (@Rhapsody) March 17, 2016