CJLO x SXSW 2016: Festival Spotlight

We at CJLO (that is Joana, the host of Je Suis TBA and Christina from Yonic Youth) jumped on a plane in mid-March, leaving the confused Montreal spring behind to check out the hot lineup for the 2016 edition of SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas.

Hooked up by our generous host with bikes, a beautiful place to crash and a slew of insider’s tips on what is worth checking out in the city, we were set to overdose on new music.

Now that the dust has settled, here are a few things that stood out to us during the desert fest:

Joana and Christina on a Ferris Wheel: First Day of SXSW

OFFICIAL SHOWS

DonMonique at the Empire Control Room for the Kitsuné-presented showcase.

Donmonique

DonMonique was exactly the performer you would hope her to be if, like me, you have only been following her career online. She played a short energy fuelled set, then basically just hung around with her all-girl entourage collectively exuding otherworldly quantities of beauty and cool.

Glitter Wizard

As much a feast for the eyes as they were for the ears, this group delivered a dreamy desert glam-metal performance that could win over even the coldest of hearts.

Danny L. Harle

Any friend of PC Music is a friend of mine. The sound-quality of this set was phenomenal and the weird camera-based projections ensured that all of the senses were seriously engaged, if not slightly confused.

Mueran Humanos

This duo performed at Hotel Vegas during the Levitation showcase. Super psych-y. Very entrancing. The whole “Mueros” album is worth listening to over and over again.

DJ Paypal

This insane set rallied enough excitement to inspire many (weirdly talented) people in attendance to vogue and bust out FULL SPLITS on the dance floor. Mesmerizing performance, fellow audience members. Excellent music, DJ Paypal.

UNOFFICIAL SHOWS

Pill

I never realized how much I was lacking saxophone in my life until listening to this band.

Wall

A quick, cool set by a band that was obviously in high demand. Wall is punk as heck—but your less punk office mates will probably also dig listening to them on repeat.

Boan

Even on a very bright southern day this band was dark as the night.

Boan performing at the Las Cruxes x Farewell Books daytime show.

BEST (NON-BAND) FINDS

Space: The Museum of Human Achievement

A space that self identifies as being more cult-like than club-like, I could tell that is was a shapable place that has seen many moons of varied creation and is likely to see many more. A little trek off the downtown path, this space is located in a cluster of other creative, industrial-style spaces.

Thor and Friends playing a show presented by the Austin Cultural Exchange and Self Sabotage Records in The Museum of Human Achievement.

Label: Obsolete Future

The Austin/Denver co-founders of Obsolete Future have curated a cluster of releases that are noisy, dance-y, careful and fun.

Store/Gallery/Cafe: Farewell Books 

This is a store that seems to hold a book for any lucid dreamer, deep thinker, lover, creative leader, happy friend, or cheerleader for the arts. This space is a as cozy as it is cool so make sure you plan enough time to hangout for a bit.

Transportation: Bikes

Throw on a helmet and some serious lights because chances are you are going to be crossing a highway during your night out. Get there in one piece.

Joana rollin’ around on a very cool BMX bike.

SPECIAL BONUS: SXSW 2016'S AUDIOVISUAL SWEETS AND DELIGHTS 

In case you haven't had enough of these tasty SXSW treats, check out the extensive coverage we did of the music, the sounds, the sights, and lots more on our respective shows, all ready to be devoured for your listening pleasure!

SXSW Coverage from Je Suis TBA

Click here on Part 1 and Part 2 to hear the excitement and amazing beats in store on these preview episodes. And click over here to listen to our special post-festival show for some wonderful new discoveries. 

SXSW Coverage from Yonic Youth 

Yonic Youth also has some awesome finds that you should check out. Click here for the pre-festival extravaganza, and here for the final round-up!

And to top it all off, check out our video documenting the euphoria and joy of being there right where the action is! We look forward to coming back to Austin again next year! Until then, enjoy the music, and the memories!

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Christina Bell hosts Yonic Youth, celebrating the artistic genius of women in music. Hear it every Friday from 3 - 4pm. Joana Cumo hosts Je Suis TBA, a Frenglish show that brings you fresh and iconic hip-hop, funk, house, and weird beats. Mondays from 6 - 7pm. All times in EST (UTC-5), only on CJLO.