SXSWfm Blog

SXSWfm Local Artist: The Rocketboys

Created by Rory on June 18, 2013
Music SXSW FM

Brandon Kinder of The Rocketboys at SXSW 2010Brandon Kinder of The Rocketboys
at SXSW 2010
(Photo by Rita Quinn)

Written by Dempsey Jones

Austin-based indie rock band The Rocketboys released their third full-length album, Build Anyway, in June of 2012. After their first two full-length albums, and a complete band split, The Rocketboys continued with more heart and inspiration than before.

As a young high schooler in Abilene, Texas, I remember seeing The Rocketboys when they were Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys playing at local coffee shops in town. I loved them and all they represented for a small town like Abilene. As their talents strengthened and their dreams developed, The Rocketboys took themselves to Austin to pursue more opportunities.

New Music Monday on SXSWfm

Created by Rory on June 17, 2013
SXSW FM

Capital Cities at SXSW 2013Songs by SXSW 2013 Showcasing Artist Capital Cities
have been added to SXSWfm's rotation (Photo by Eric Rollins)

SXSWfm has added plenty of great new music from SXSW Showcasing Artists over the past few days, all from relatively young artists. Feathers, an electronic/pop band from right here in Austin, just released a new record, entitled If All Now Here, this past May.

We’ve also added a few tunes from London-based indie rockers Palma Violets to our rotation, including songs from the band’s first studio album, 180, which was released this past February.

Looking Back with SXSWfm: Little Richard (2004)

Created by Rory on June 14, 2013
Music SXSW FM

Little Richard at SXSW 2004Little Richard at SXSW 2004
(Photo by Sarah Kerver)

Written by Andy Flynn

One of the great things about SXSW is that everyone creates their own version, and it's always a heightened experience to meet new people, see great music, and learn from legends. Part of my job has been luring legends to come to Austin in March to speak and play at the conference. I count Little Richard's keynote and showcase as a great high point.

After months of advance work, when I finally met him and shook his hand, he asked how old I was, I said "44" and he said "SHUT UP!!!!" as only he could. He went on to tell the keynote crowd to sign their own checks, and the next night he played his classic songs with great energy and showmanship. We're all indebted to Little Richard for being the architect of rock and roll. It's a pleasure to share his music via SXSWfm.

SXSWfm Original Program Spotlight: EDJ

Created by Rory on June 13, 2013
Music SXSW FM

Dempsey Jones, host of EDJDemspey Jones, Host of EDJ

EDJ, hosted by Dempsey Jones, continues with its second show tomorrow on SXSWfm. Electronic Dance Music has been growing exponentially over the past several years and continues to encompass more and more sub-genres with each month. Thankfully, EDJ will have your garage and jungle, grime and drum 'n' bass, dubstep and trap, and everything in between along with what lies ahead. Tune in for artists such as Rusko, Caspa, A Tribe Called Red, TNGHT, Baauer, Skream, and Calvin Harris. Tomorrow's show will feature SBTRKT, Plastician, Doctor P, and more, so check out EDJ, tomorrow at midnight, 6am, noon, and 6pm CDT on SXSWfm!

SXSWfm Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Created by Rory on June 12, 2013
SXSW FM

Kendrick Lamar at SXSW 2013Kendrick Lamar at SXSW 2013
(Photo by Lauren Lindley)

Written by Stefanie Goodman

Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to SXSW, having performed at both the 2012 and 2013 Music Festivals. The American hip-hop recording artist has been on fire ever since his newest album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, dropped in 2012. You might recognize the 25-year old rapper from his lively concerts where he’s known to dance across the stage to hype up the crowd.

But it isn’t his dance moves that are making him famous, as the LA Times said after SXSW 2013, “Lamar wasn’t here to impress with a fancy light show or well-imagined stage maneuvers, but with eloquent, well-imaged lyrics about Compton, Los Angeles, and the world he inhabits.” In fact, he won BET’s Hip-Hop Award for Best Lyricist of the Year in 2012 and was nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist in 2013.

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