SXSWfm Blog

Mikal Cronin

Created by Rory on May 8, 2013
SXSW FM

2013 Showcasing Artist Mikal Cronin (San Francisco, CA)

According to Merge Records, Mikal Cronin’s new album “is all about new beginnings” and dealing with new challenges. MCII, Cronin’s second full-length and his first on Merge, was released this Tuesday, May 7. MCII mixes garage rock “with a perfectionist ear with quality control” according to NPR. With the exception of a handful of guest appearances, including Ty Segall, Cronin plays every instrument on the new record. Stay tuned to hear songs from Mikal Cronin’s MCII here on SXSWfm!

Featured Band: Savages

Created by Rory on May 6, 2013
SXSW FM

2013 Showcasing Band Savages (London, England)

A lot of people were talking about Savages after SXSW 2013. The Los Angeles Times said that Savages were a must-hear artist at SXSW, noting that “everything about Savages...felt current.” The Chicago Tribune and The Atlantic also featured Savages as a “must-hear” band from this year’s festival. The timing of these great reviews could not be better: Savages are releasing their debut album, Silence Yourself, this Tuesday, May 7. You can stream tracks from the new album right here on SXSWfm!

Featured Artist: Akron/Family

Created by Rory on May 3, 2013
SXSW FM

2013 Showcasing Band, Akron/Family (Brooklyn, NY)

According to Akron/Family’s official website, the band’s music is “adventurous, skewed bent” as well as “absolutely thrilling, stunning, and great fun, too.” Akron/Family appear to be continuing on that path with the release of their new full-length album, Sub Verses, this past Tuesday, April 30. A short initial review of Sub Verses done by KEXP indicates that the album is a “sprawling set of folk-tinged psych-rock” that incorporates elements of folk, doo wop, and more. Another review by The Skinny calls the album “a stimulating journey throughout.” The band is currently on tour in the US, which will include another stop in Austin on May 3, before they move on to Europe this summer.

SXSWfm Featured Artist: CHVRCHES

Created by Rory on May 2, 2013
SXSW FM

2013 Showcasing Band and Grulke Prize Winner, CHVRCHES (Glasgow, Scotland)

CHVRCHES have had an impressive 2013 so far. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, the band is #5 on BBC’s Sound of 2013 and received the inaugural Grulke Prize for Developing Non-US Act. CHVRCHES have also received exceptional reviews on their new EP, Recover. Contactmusic.com describes the band’s sound as “likeable electro-pop...devoid of many of the genres cliches,” and the Shields Gazette says the EP is “an enticing teaser” to CHVRCHES’ upcoming full-length album. While we wait for details to emerge on the new album, you can listen to CHVRCHES’ new EP, Recover, right here on SXSWfm!

Featured Artist: Pickwick

Created by Rory on May 1, 2013
SXSW FM

2013 Showcasing Band, Pickwick (Seattle, WA)

Pickwick had a very busy SXSW 2013. The Seattle-based sextet released a new record, Can’t Talk Medicine, on March 12, the eve of SXSW Music. The band also performed three SXSW Showcases that week, including one on the Radio Day Stage. WFUV, a Radio Day Stage broadcast partner, are picking this young band “to be a future hit.” The band will be touring throughout North America this spring and summer.

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