Balmorhea

Balmorhea is a group of six Austinites who make lovely, flowing music that starts small and builds into something beautiful. Unlike many contemporary artists, the members of Balmorhea aren’t just inspired by the music made in the last 50 years; they cite Ludwig Van Beethoven as one of their biggest inspirations, and it shows in the moving, somewhat orchestral music they make. Still, there is a wide range of sounds in their music. From tracks like “Clamor,” a fusion of classical and modern sounds, to “Bowspirit,” which plays more like folk music than anything, Balmorhea seems like an interesting experience to say the least. From a band that classifies itself as both classical and experimental, the show will be one surprise after another.

Menomena

Menomena is by no means a newcomer to the music scene. After all, the band has been working since 2000 and has put out four full-length albums and a handful of EPs and singles. While they’ve only recently gained more popular success, it’s been a long time coming. Songs like “Rotten Hell” and “Evil Bee” are perfect examples of the eclectic music Menomena produces; the members describe themselves as making crunk/funk/punk music. This is sure to be an energetic show, as members tend to be a little crazy, frequently swapping instruments and taking turns with the microphone. This is a band well worth going to the trouble to see—it’s certainly going to be an experience.

Cloud Nothings

Like other popular bands of the last year, Cloud Nothings has a beach-tinged quality to their music. Their biggest single, “Understand At All,” has a poppy, tinny quality that is enjoyable to listen to—and definitely to dance to. If you enjoy Surfer Blood or Wavves, you’ll love Cloud Nothings. For a band from Cleveland, Ohio, they certainly play a hybrid of upbeat, energetic and distorted songs reminiscent of a sunny day at the beach. Cloud Nothings are a fun, fast-paced band, and they’re likely to be a hit at the SXSW showcases.

Designer Drugs

When it comes to electronic music, listeners typically find themselves at one of two extremes—they love it or they hate it. However, Designer Drugs somehow manages to make club, electro and house music enjoyable for everyone. Within the past year, the band has been growing in popularity, and this SXSW showcase is sure to be full of energy and, of course, dancing. Even if you can’t stand the thought of dancing on your feet for an hour surrounded by your sweaty fellow SXSW attendees, give Designer Drugs a chance. When the show is over and your feet are aching, you’ll thank yourself.

FM Belfast

SXSW features quite a few international acts from Poland to London to Berlin. FM Belfast, hailing from Reykjavík, Iceland, is one the many imported acts being showcased this year. Their music, however, stands out like a diamond in the rough.

What started out as a song recorded as a birthday present for a friend blossomed into a wildly popular indie/electronic group performing at festivals all over the world, including the Iceland Airways music festival. If you can listen to the song “Underwear” without having your own personal dance party, you’re missing out on one of the most entertaining groups performing.