PLAYLIST: Bands to Watch at SXSW 2011

March 05. 2011 | By Kiri

SXSW 2011 kicks off in less than two weeks. Whether you’ll be joining us down in Austin or enjoying the festivities vicariously through our coverage, check out these free mp3s from some of the bands we’re excited about checking out.

Campfire OK – Gorgeous and rousing chamber pop from Seattle
Download: “We Lay in Caves”

Class Actress – sexy, subtle synth-pop
Download: “Careful What You Say”

Empress Hotel – smooth, retro jangle-pop from New Orleans
Download: “Bells Ring”

Family of the Year – epic campfire sing-alongs from LA
Download: “Stupid Land”

Hunx & his Punx – Charismatic Seth “Hunx” Bogardt croons his way through ’50s rock and roll and ’60s girl group-style pop songs about heartbreak
Download: “Too Young To Be In Love”

Loch Lomond – these Portland folk-poppers will appeal to fans of the Decemberists. Their orchestral songs are lovely and timeless.
Download: “Blue Lead Fences”

Luke Rathborne – grizzled, melancholy pop with echoes of Bob Dylan
Download: “Dog Years”

Man/Miracle – shimmering, propulsive rock
Download: “Don’t Waste It”

The Moondoggies – engaging Americana rock with great vocal harmonies
Download: “What Took So Long”

Now, Now – anthemic, female-fronted guitar pop from Minneapolis
Download: “Giants”

The Seedy Seeds – orchestral/electronic indie pop that blends complex instrumentation with catchy melodies
Download: “Verb Noun”

Teletextile – dreamy, percussive pop from Brooklyn
Download: “What if I”

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