South By Southwest (or SXSW if time is a factor) is undoubtedly one of the most influential music conferences in the world, and its very name is almost synonymous with independent musical success. With some of the world’s biggest movers and shakers making their way down to Austin, Texas for the multi-day event, it gives up-and-coming artists the chance to have their sound heard on the world stage.
With this year’s SXSW kicking off in just under a month, we’ve taken a look at five of the best Americana artists heading along this year, showing our appreciation for some of the finest artists in one of the most underrated genres in music today.
Tori Forsyth
Having released her first EP back in 2016, Tori Forsyth has quickly become one of the fastest-rising musicians in Australia. Signing to the Lost Highway Australia roster last year, this Hunter Valley-based songwriter is on track for an absolutely stunning 2018, with her debut album, Dawn Of The Dark, scheduled for release in May.
Joshua Hedley
Having been playing in bars since the age of eleven, there’s no denying that Joshua Hedley is undoubtedly one of the most seasoned professionals headed to SXSW this year. A resident of Nashville, Tennessee, otherwise known as the home of country music, Hedley has even caught the eye of musical luminaries such as Jack White, all before having even released his debut album.
Tyler Childers
Last year, Kentucky native Tyler Childers released his album Purgatory, which threw him directly into the limelight, receiving positive acclaim from critics around the world. With tunes that capture both a gritty reality of life’s hardships and the goodness found at the other end of the spectrum, Childers is undoubtedly one versatile musician with a story that demands to be heard.
Collapsing Stars
Having drawn comparisons to the likes of Ben Harper, The Lumineers, and Father John Misty, the Americana group Collapsing Stars are well on their way to achieving the success seen by those who they’ve drawn influence from. With their debut record, 2012, gaining praise from songwriters such as Dan Wilson, who has written for the Dixie Chicks, Weezer, and Adele, Collapsing Stars are filled with boundless musical talent and an undying eagerness to perform some of the best music in the genre today.
Juanita Stein
Back in the early ’00s, Juanita Stein was known as the frontwoman for short-lived Sydney group Waikiki. Following a relocation to London, the band regrouped as Howling Bells. Now going solo, Juanita Stein has drawn upon her musical past and crafted a debut record that is described as “an ode to the dark heart of America. Of times gone and times to come,” and undoubtedly stands out as one of the greatest accomplishments of her storied career.
South By Southwest (SXSW) 2018
Friday, March 9th – Sunday, March, 18th, 2018
Austin, Texas, USA
More Info: SXSW Website
