flux.

Over the span of 3 days I was fortunate enough to see about 2 dozen bands perform live at the annual South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. I chatted all things music & tech with co-workers and friends. I made new friends (the kind of friendships that only a music festival can foster) and had amazing experiences like taking a pedicab down 6th street at 3am on St. Patty’s Day, the next night being accidentally set on fire, then watching American Apparel-clad hipsters take a turn on various carnival rides while bands like Yacht and Sleigh Bells performed in the distance.

Below, a few of my favorite new finds from the week that is all things music and mayhem.

1. Active Child
According to the lineup at the Filter Showdown on Cedar Street, Minus the Bear was supposed to be playing during this set which created some confusion in the crowd. The general buzz was “wait, who are these guys? They’re GOOD!” If you’re in LA you’re in luck as they’re playing this Saturday at the Echo alongside Surfer Blood and Best Coast.
http://www.myspace.com/activechild

2. SkyBox
4am or not, these guys were a great band to see live. We stumbled across them (literal stumbling wouldn’t be far from the truth) at a loft party tucked around the corner from the craziness on 6th street. There’s a timeless sound to them that I love that features tinkering piano and guitar. You can catch them live coming to a city near you – they’re currently on tour with Tally Hall.

http://www.myspace.com/skybox
http://skyboxmusic.com/

3. Baron Von Luxxury
The Los Angeles-based producer worked in advertising before quitting his day job to pursue music full-time. I was lucky enough to catch a rare performance of his alongside a full band at the Banyan Branch Wine Party on Thursday afternoon. Highlights – the first single named “Terry Richardson” in ode to the famed fashion photographer. According to his website the debut album is coming soon. The tracks on his myspace page don’t do the band justice though – definitely keep this one tucked away for the proper release later this year.

http://www.baronvonluxxury.com/
http://www.myspace.com/luxxury

There were a bunch of bands I wanted to see like Chew Lips, Codeine Velvet Club, Surfer Blood, Neon Trees and Fenech Soler but they’ll have to wait until another time (Surfer Blood in LA this weekend at the Echo! The fun never stops).

What were some of your favorite sxsw discoveries? I’d love to hear! Post a comment below.

Right now I’m listening to more music than ever.

Thought I’d share a few singles of what I’ve got in rotation this month.

What are you listening to? I’d love to know!

xx – nicole

Dan Black – “Yours ” (The Hours)
This is an artist I’m really excited for in 2010. The album UN is available digitally right now on the iTunes store, and the album is expected to have an official release next month. He’ll be performing live at Cinespace in Hollywood on 2/23 and Spaceland on 2/24.

http://www.myspace.com/danblacksound

Delphic – “Doubt” (R&S)
Delphic’s debut album Acolyte is out real soon, and it’s already built up a large amount of buzz – they’ve been cited in numerous ‘Ones To Watch in 2010′ lists and have been hyped up a bit on the blogs. The record is lush, modern, energetic electronic music, and if you’re a fan of bands like Hot Chip, Friendly Fires and Empire of the Sun you may dig these guys.

http://www.myspace.com/delphic

ChewLips – “Play Together” (Kitsune)
“Play Together” is a taken from their debut named Unicorn available February 9th on import. I suspect you can find a few singles floating around out there, including issues from some of the recent Kitsune label compilations. You can learn more about the london-based trio at -

http://www.myspace.com/chewlips

We Fell To Earth – “Deaf” (Ais)
A producer group comprised of the duo Wendy Rae Fowler alongside Richard File. Richard is best known for his work with James Lavelle as part of the group Unkle. The two met in fall of 2005 at Rancho de la Luna Studios near Joshua Tree here in So-Cal, where Richard was recording with Josh Hommie from Queens of the Stone Age. The two hit it off and began recording together, with their debut self-titled album released independently last August.

http://www.wefelltoearth.com

Pete Lawrie – “Black and Blue (Troublemaker remix)” (Field Records/Island)This muti-talented, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter actually has roots as a hip-hop DJ and producer. If you head on over to his website there’s a free mixtape for download that pays homage to his roots. You can check out a few samples of his work prior to this years’ debut coming at us from Island Records.

http://petelawrie.com

TAPETHERADIO – “Stay Inside” (unsigned/indie)
The most recent signing to Rough Trade records, this is their second single and is quite appropriate for these wintery days. The song is aptly named “Stay Inside”…

http://www.myspace.com/tapetheradio

Mike Slott – “Gardening” (LuckyMe / All City)
He’s a producer who worked alongside Hudson Mohawke, Dabrye, and others…His first LP Lucky 9teen was released last month by LuckyMe recordings.

http://www.myspace.com/mikeslottbeats

The HotRats – “Big Sky” (Fat Possum)
England’s HotRats is actually the lead singer and drummer from Supergrass – Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey – alongside rockstar producer Nigel Godrich who’s best known for his work with bands like Radiohead, Beck, and Air. They recently played a few packed shows in LA that included the full band members from both Radiohead and Spoon in attendance. I’m really digging this album. It’s named Turn Ons, and is collection of cover songs -reworkings of classics by the likes of the Doors, the Kinks, the Cure, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, the English Beat, and David Bowie. The album came out Monday.

http://www.thehotrats.com/

The Webb Sisters – “Plastered Scene” (Mercury)

They’re sisters from Kent, UK born to a hairdresser father and a tennis coach mother. They signed to Mercury records and released their first LP in June 2006 named Daylight Crossing. They’ve recently collaborated with Angelo Petraglia from Kings of Leon, and were backup singers from Leonard Cohen’s tour in 2008, his first tour in 14 years. They recently played a few dates at the esteemed Hotel Cafe…

http://www.thewebbsisters.com/

David Bowie – “Heroes” (RCA)

Can’t say no to Bowie! Last week he released A Reality Tour Live 2 CD set – 33 songs recorded live from a Nov 2003 show in Dublin.

http://www.davidbowie.com/