Roundtrip to Austin
South by Southwest festival / The massively popular South by Southwest festival (SXSW) has grown into one of the most highly anticipated annual music events in the nation. But it was launched with a simple idea: Give emerging musicians a stage, and give back to both the musicians and those who are seeking new sounds. In addition to being a mecca for music lovers, SXSW is like a five-day swap meet for industry people in search of the next big thing. Its Austin, Texas, location keeps the festival less greasy than in Los Angeles, and has helped cement Austin’s reputation as “the live music capitol of the world.”
This year, there are five artists from Hawaii scheduled to perform in Austin: Sabrina, Kona, Anuhea, Tavana and Pimpbot will all be playing a showcase on Friday, March 19, at Submerged.
Here’s the Weekly’s quick-and-dirty guide to local talent that’s sure to make waves in Austin.
Anuhea
Sounds like: Island rhythm pop. Anuhea is what you’d get if Lily Allen was influenced by Jack Johnson and wore slippers.
Onstage: Whole Foods Sunset Luau Austin, Thu 3/18, 4–9pm; SXSW Showcase at Submerged, Fri 3/19, 11pm; Roy’s Austin, Sat 3/20, 7:30pm.
Hear more: [www.anuheajams.com].
Kona
Sounds like: Singer/songwriter with a soulful vocal style.
Onstage: Whole Foods Sunset Luau Austin, Thu 3/18, 4–9pm; SXSW Showcase at Submerged, Fri 3/19, 10pm; Roy’s Austin, Sat 3/20, 5pm.
Kona on SXSW: “Well first off, getting invited to perform at SXSW is just crazy! I look forward to networking with a lot of bands, making as many contacts as I possibly can, hopefully hook up with an interested label, look for opportunities to play at other big festivals, do a bunch of interviews [and] performances around Austin, and last but not least have fun!”
Kona on what SXSW means to Hawaii musicians: “It’s very important because it shows that we have not only the most beautiful native music, but a wide variety of singer-songwriters from different genres as well. We can hang with the best of ’em!”
Hear more: www.[musicbykona.com]; Fri 3/26 at Big City Diner Kailua; 8:30pm Sat 3/27 at Honolulu Family Festival, 6pm.
Pimpbot
Sounds like: In their own words, “Rock, reggae, ska.”
Onstage: Whole Foods Sunset Luau Austin, Thu 3/18, 4–9pm; Roy’s Austin, Fri 3/19, 6:30pm; SXSW Showcase at Submerged, Sat 3/20 (night of Fri 3/19), 12:15am.
Pimpbot drummer Eric Lagrimas on the band’s repeat appearance at SXSW: “It’s an honor for us to receive a second invite to perform at SXSW. This time around, Pimpbot has a new horn section: a trumpet and tenor sax (our singer, Fernando [Pacheco], also plays trombone). Audiences described our show as ‘a party on stage.’ This is the vibe we want to bring to SXSW.”
On goals for SXSW: “To continue to do what we do, staying true to our sound and music, and putting on a good show! But at the same time: Network, network, network.”
On what SXSW means to Hawaii musicians: “You’ll see and hear things on a different level. It’s important for Hawaii bands to learn and see what it’s like performing alongside some of the world’s best and breaking talent. The energy level at SXSW alone will get you going! Music is everywhere. This year, it’s really good to see Hawaii artists, who didn’t get selected for an official SXSW showcase, hustling to make their way to SXSW, whether it’s to jump on a gig or to check things out.”
Hear more: [www.pimpbotmusic.com].
Sabrina
Sounds like: Folk steeped in a teapot of pop.
Onstage: Whole Foods Sunset Luau Austin, Thu 3/18, 4–9pm; Roy’s Austin, Fri 3/19, 5pm; SXSW Showcase at Submerged, Fri 3/19, 8pm.
Sabrina on what SXSW means to her: “I am most excited about my music reaching a new audience. My first goal is to try to develop a new fan base. Even if it’s one or two ears, it’s one or two more than before…the fact that SXSW includes all genres of musicians at all levels in their career, whether seasoned or just below the radar, is a wonderful thing. People are there with open minds and open ears, ready to hear music, no matter what style.”
On what SXSW means to Hawaii musicians: “It’s important for Hawaii bands to get exposure. Sometimes I feel like, because we are geographically so disconnected, bands in Hawaii feel more disconnected from the rest of the music scene in the mainland… I know we always say that our culture is so diverse here, but really it is and it completely influences our music. I think it’s such an exciting time for music in Hawaii. There seems to be a bit more buzz in the air with new singer-songwriters and bands playing. I’m just happy to be a part of it and can’t wait to represent such an awesome scene when I go to Austin.”
Her can’t-miss acts at SXSW: “Other than the Hawaii Showcase at Submerged, the xx–I can’t wait for this show–[and] The Arts & Crafts Show with Broken Social Scene, Gonzales, Robert Francis, Bowerbirds, Anais Mitchell, Spoon, Midlake, Real Estate, Thurston Moore, The Morning Benders, Lex Land.”
Hear more: [www.listentosabrina.com], Thu 3/25, Twestival at Oceans 808; Tue 3/30, Kaleidoscope at thirtyninehotel.
Tavana
Sounds like: Acoustic blues-based with island flair. Think Gabby Pahinui meets Bob Marley, but with the blues.
On stage: Roy’s Austin, Thu 3/18, 7:30pm; Whole Foods Sunset Luau Austin, Thu 3/18, 4–9pm; SXSW Showcase at Submerged, Fri 3/19, 9pm.
Hear more: [www.tavanamusic.com].
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