The madness has officially begun…everyone and their dog are currently on a RSVP rampage for the chaos that is going to be SXSW 2010. However, before I go into hibernation to prepare for my 14hr flight across the Pacific next week, I’m going to highlight some of the dopest acts out from NZ that are showcasing at SXSW this year.

These are my top NZ picks to catch at SXSW this year.

First up, Gin Wigmore. Much the same as Hollie Smith, this woman’s voice is undeniably powerful, unique and soulful. Her unique husky voice was enough to grab the attention of Perez Hilton (and myself) back in 2008 and he featured her on his site several times, so don’t be at all surprised if she ends up playing Perez’s (now infamous) SXSW party. The 23 year olds debut album Holy Smoke which was released late last year, has literally owned the charts here in NZ since. This here is her second single off Holy Smoke titled “I Do” where she shows off her awesome ukelele playing skills. Also check for another one of my Gin favourites, These Roses off her 2008 EP.

David Dallas
Unless you’ve been living in a cave these past 12 months, then you’ve bound to have heard of the homie David Dallas. After becoming a household name in NZ as one half of the group Frontline (of which they released this here, my favourite NZ hiphop track, period), he dropped his rap alias Con Psy, and released his debut solo album Something Awesome in August 2009. Since making his US debut at SXSW 09, Dave’s garnered an even bigger overseas following on the blogosphere, showcased at CMJ in NYC last year and received a shout out from Kanye on his blog. If you missed him last year, here’s your chance to redeem yourself. Here’s his latest video for my current Summer anthem and 3rd most played track on my iTunes, I Get the Feelin.

Lawrence Arabia
The first thing I’d have to say about Lawrence Arabia is, I’m completely obsessed. This is definitely one of those cases where the artist is far more well known overseas than at home. After being signed to prominent indie label, Bella Union (also home to Beach House, Fleet Foxes and Wavves), he has toured with Feist in North America, is a former band member of another NZ indie darling, The Brunettes, and is currently on his own European tour. His first album release outside of New Zealand, Chant Darling was released early last year to much critical acclaim. Lawrence Arabia’s hooks and harmonies are so infectious, I find myself listening to single songs of his on repeat for hours at a time, so if you’re a fan of “lo-fi” indie pop like myself, then you are in for a treat, because Lawrence Arabia does not disappoint. Below is his super-catchy second single off Chant Darling and personal favourite, Apple Pie Bed. Also check for his equally worhty first single, The Beautiful Young Crew.

Young Sid
Young Sid has come a long way since I first saw him perform with Tyree (who was calling himself Eeryt at the time) at a small park festival when I was 16. In 2007, Sid dropped his debut album The Truth, which I personally believe, continues to be slept on, and in 2009 he went double platinum as one third of the group Smashproof with their super-hit, Brother featuring Gin Wigmore. However, this year sees Sid return with his second solo album What Doesn’t Kill Me which is laced with production from Emile (of Kid Cudi fame) and an up and coming Australian duo, Twice As Nice. The Twice As Nice produced track, Made is definitely my favourite NZ release of this year so far.

The Ruby Suns
Oh how I have been waiting to show these guys off. The Ruby Suns are probably one of my favourite groups to come out of NZ ever! Another case of being known everywhere else BUT NZ, they are signed to major US indie label Sub Pop and are about to embark on an extensive US tour with my favourite 2010 artist, Toro Y Moi (DC, you’re included March 24th). Their 2008 album Sea Lion remains top of my list as one of the most slept on indie albums of the decade, with my personal favourites Kenya Dig it? and Tane Mahuta both coming off that album. Considering their latest album Fight Softly was only released yesterday, SXSW is going to be their first shows playing material off the new album. If you’re a fan of Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, and the like, The Ruby Suns are a MUST SEE at SXSW.

Be sure to check out the NZ showcase at SXSW on Thursday 18th March 6pm at Brush Park Square…the free drinks by 42 Below (which I must add is THE best vodka in the world) will be flowing, RSVP here and check it out.

Full list and info on all NZ artists showcasing at SXSW 2010

U-N-I - Hollywood Hiatus

There is no doubting that the West Coast is going through what can only be called a rap revolution lately. The West Coast gangsta rap that we know of is pretty much dead–with Snoop Dog focusing on family life, and Suge Knight getting knocked out by everybody except your mom–and is being replaced by a new class of laid back 80s-influenced indivivudals. Think the Knux, Pacific Division, and Blu amoung others.

But for all the hype surrounding the new class, the rappers that I hear about the lest are U-N-I. The duo of ”Thurzday” (Yannick Koffi) and “Y-O” (Yonas Semere Michael) haven’t gotten as much chatter as their new class counterparts and that is a shame. The Compton duo combine the harsh realities of living in the ‘hood, with 8-bit Nintendo samples and throwback imagery. 

Despite dropping a mixtape with Mick Boogie, U-N-I still has a ways to go. No poppin’ champagene here–the duo both have day jobs. Hopefully that will change after SXSW.

UNI will be performing four showcases at SXSW, including the OkayPlayer Showcase on March 21st.

BLK JKS – Lakeside

When many people think of Africa, the stereotypical images abound: tribal music, mud huts, grass skirts and conflict dominate our images of the continent. However, Africa has been leading the modern music revolution for a hot minute now, from the Afrobeat stylings of Fela Kuti, to the Ethiopian jazz beats of Mulatu Astatke, to the more recent African hip-hop movement.

The South African rock band BLK JKS (pronounced Black Jacks), is again shaking up what African music is supposed sound like. Ever since their 5 song EP dropped 2 years ago, the collective has been getting worldwide acclaim from the Internet and music industry execs alike. The sound–a collection of psychedelic rock combined with African rhythms and heavy percussion–is a maturation of what acts like Mandrill and Bad Brains used to do back in the day. The sound is strictly African, however, with their rock guitars peppered by Zulu chants and various ramblings about the environment, teenage pregnancy, and South African politics.

The group has become a fascination in their native country, attracting as one local paper calls it, “new South African hipsters who are looking for a soundtrack to an identity…”, and they’ve gotten cosigns by Pharrell and Dead Prez. They are currently on the first leg of an extensive US Tour, which is scheduled to conclude with multiple dates in Austin for South By Southwest, including the NPR Music showcase on Thursday, March 19th. (much thanks to Lady Glock for the track)

 N.E.R.D. Complete SXSW Set (ZShare, Zip)

From what I hear, N.E.R.D. killed it at South By Southwest this year. But for all of us who weren’t able to make their Texas set, here is a decent (not great) quality rip of their entire set (via OKP).

N.E.R.D is currently on a promotional tour across the Midwest and South right now before they join Kanye for his Glow In The Dark Tour. So far, the concert reviews have been positive. Here are the remaining dates.

TourDates

March 22 – Richmond, VA, The National
March 24 – Louisville, KY, Coyotes
March 25 – Ashville, NC, The Orange Peel
March 25 – Knoxville, TN, The Vallarium
March 28 – Jacksonville, FL, Free Bird Cafe

Well, more like the first Hip-Hop nominee, cause I don’t think he’ll ever get elected, but this is a good look. (from Ian)

Speaking of the presidential race, please don’t fall for Hillary’s “experience” line that she’s using against Obama. Unless experience means leading Easter egg hunts.

Oh, and the girl from Hillary’s 3AM ad is voting for Obama.

Spitzer…..yeah, I would hit that too. But for $5500 an hour plus travel from New York? Hells no.

So no, I didn’t go to SXSW this year due to the new condo, family, and budget issues, even though I got invited to a number of parties. It’s all good. I’m hitting it hard next year so don’t fret. If you’re down in Austin right now, how is it? And a whole slew of DC acts made the trip down there, including Wale, Doujah Raze, and YahZarah. There was even a DC Does Texas party down there as well. Nice.

And sorry, I’m not gonna call the DC Area, the DMV. Am I trying to party or renew my drivers license? Don’t get me started on the term bamma.

And since my the site was in limbo, I actually lost a draft post that I was writing about The Wire. So in summary: Yes, it was the best show on TV. And yes, it was better than The Sopranos.

Do educated Black people like moving to Atlanta? Yes. It’s so bad that my sister was at a club in Atlanta and ran into my entire 8th grade class. And most everyone I know in ATL looks down on me for moving to DC. (props to Lady Glock for the email)

The Roots – Birthday Girl. Are you serious? Is this supposed to be the first single from Rising Down. This sounds like something that Gym Class Heroes would do.

Wale – Back Into Go-Go (feat Bun B and Pusha T) – Wow. This is probably the hottest Wale track that I’ve heard so far. Seriously, he shouldn’t release this ish for free. He’s going to be at 9:30 club this Saturday.

Update: Wale Record Deal Announcement Soon? It’s about time.

And finally: Dizzee Rascal interview at Status Aint’ Hood. Yes, I know that most of y’all can’t stand this dude, but he has a passion for his art that can’t be denied.