2024 SXSW Music Mixtape: Shoegaze

Austin's music scene has witnessed the rapid rise of the dreamy duo, Daydream Twins. Originally a two-piece couple, they gained attention with their debut release "Carpop" in 2021. Now, armed with an LP, the couple-led shoegaze collective, known for their captivating guitars and hazy vocals, aims to share their sonic journey in 2024, promoting their latest release, "Bombinate."


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Renowned visual artist Jancy Buffington takes the helm as the driving force behind the dark shoegaze music project MØAA. Following her gothic shoegaze debut, "Euphoric Recall," released in 2021, Buffington introduces her second full-length album, "Jaywalker." This nocturnal dream pop record showcases pulsing 909 drum machines, enthralling hushed vocals, and resplendent, reverb-laden guitars.


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Musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal, hailing from London, made a triumphant return in 2023 with her album, 'DREAMER.' This marked a five-year interval since the debut of Iqbal's 'Weighing Of The Heart.' Crafted over two years, 'DREAMER' stands as her rawest and most reflective work, showcasing the evolution of the London-born artist.


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Hailing from Chicago, the band Smut seamlessly combines the songwriting essence of Oasis with the ethereal vocal delivery reminiscent of the Cocteau Twins. Their music features the percussive grooves akin to Gorillaz, coupled with the sensuality reminiscent of Massive Attack. Led by a vibrant electric current of hope, their sound is characterized by jangling guitars and soaring synth lines. Since their inception, Smut has triumphed in national tours alongside acts like Bully, Swirlies, Nothing, and WAVVES. Their debut record, 'How The Light Felt,' received critical acclaim, solidifying their place in the music scene.


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Coming from Auckland, New Zealand, Swallow the Rat emerges as a post-punk force. The band boasts an alternating dual vocal assault and an angular rhythm section, driven by drummer/vocalist Hayden Fritchley and bassist/vocalist Stephen Horsley. Guitarist Brian Purington, the band's secret weapon, weaves a distinctive web of riffs and hooks with his effect-laden style. Their 2020 debut, 'Leaving Room,' served as a catalyst for numerous shows across Aotearoa and two successful tours in the USA. Swallow the Rat earned coveted support slots for acclaimed acts such as Arab Strap, June of 44, No Age, Sebadoh, and Gang of Four. After a recent stint in Australia, the band is set to return to the USA in 2024 with their latest album, 'South Locust.'


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Originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, They Are Gutting a Body of Water began as the solo endeavor of songwriter and guitarist Douglas Dulgarian. Since then, it has evolved into a complete lineup featuring bassist Emily Lofing, guitarist PJ Carroll, and drummer Ben Opatut. Diverging from shoegaze's conventional wall-of-sound warmth, the band has boldly embraced creative choices that set them apart in the genre.


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Zoon crafted their debut album, 'Bleached Wavves,' overcoming challenges with extremely limited and often malfunctioning gear. Despite frustrating delays, they managed to reverse engineer a masterpiece for their debut. The sophomore album, 'Bekka Ma’iingan' (Bay-ka Mo-Een-Gan), presents a wide spectrum of possibilities, featuring lush orchestration, diverse resources, and collaboration with friends. While 'Bleached Wavves' prompted the band to confront difficult questions and a painful history, 'Bekka Ma’iingan' continues the exploration of their Indigenous and life experiences. This time, with a softer and more sweeping approach, the album gently guides listeners towards acceptance while still grappling with unresolved themes. 


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