It's that time of year again, where thousands of music fans, musicians, and music industry folks flock down to Austin, Texas for a jam packelizd week of endless live music. Going over the countless events and showcases that just keep rolling in, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed about who to see and what to do at the annationnual SXSW music festival. While we can't really help with the problem of wanting to be in 5 places at once, we can help you focus in on some of the key bands to see this week. Check out our list of our top ten must-see acts at SXSW 2018 below, and make sure you give our SXSW Spotify playlist a listen for even more recommendations.

Shame

London's buzzy post-punk rockers Shame have already been making a name for themselves all over The States, going on a headlining tour surrounding their debut album, Songs of Praise, which came out in January. Everybody and anybody who has seen them live seems to only have positive things to say about their raw and rambunctious energy onstage, and there will be no shortage of opportunities to catch one of their rowdy performances at this year's SXSW. Make sure you catch them this year before they move on to bigger and bigger venues. See their SXSW schedule here.

For Fans Of: Idles, Ought, The Vaccines

Start With: "Lampoon," "Dust on Trial," "Concrete"

Nation of Language

Fronted by Ian Devaney, this Brooklyn based trio manages to borrow components from past generations of musical geniuses, without delivering boring reiterations. Nation of Language recently toured with The Wombats, instantly winning over the crowd with their addictive synth melodies that sound like they belong on a soundtrack for a John Hughes film. While the band have yet to put out an album, they've gained traction and attention nationally with a handful of single releases. See their SXSW schedule here.

For Fans Of: The Psychedelic Furs, Night Riots, John Maus

Start With: "I've Thought About Chicago," "On Division St," "What Does the Normal Man Feel?"

Post Animal

If you're an avid ANCHR reader, this definitely isn't the first you've heard about Post Animal....and it definitely won't the last time you'll hear their name if you're going to SXSW this year. The Chicago based outfit had an insane year in 2017, touring across the entire country, and 2018 is set to be even bigger for them, rightfully so. Their shows never lack in energy and over the years they've expanded their live arrangements while keeping a tight sound. Following their rigorous touring schedule surrounding SXSW, Post Animal will release their official debut album via Polyvinyl Records on April 20th. Their summer touring schedule includes cities across the country and appearances at major festivals like Shaky Knees and Bonnaroo, so don't miss out on the abundance of chances to see Post Animal at SXSW before they blow up even more. Check out their full schedule here.

For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, King Gizzard, POND

Start With: "When I Get Home," "Special Moment," "Ralphie"

Ron Gallo

Nashville's Ron Gallo might be another familiar name to ANCHR readers, as we've frequently covered him here. Gallo has already had a great year, playing festivals like Governor's Ball and Lollapalooza in support of his debut solo album Heavy Meta, but he's managed to keep cranking out new music despite a grueling tour schedule. His live show not only highlights the chemistry between him and his band, but he always encourages kindness among his audiences, working to keep his shows a safe space, while also making his audience laugh with his quirky between-song anecdotes. If you're looking to hear some great music and have a laugh, make sure you go see Ron Gallo this year. Check out his schedule here.

For Fans Of: White Reaper, Diane Coffee, Naked Giants

Start With: "Put The Kids To Bed," "Really Nice Guys," "All the Punks are Domesticated"

Caroline Rose

NYC's Caroline Rose just put out her debut album Loner at the end of February, and with insanely catchy choruses, clever lyrical quips, and thoughtful themes, it's been nothing but well received. I have yet to see one of Caroline Rose's show, but based on the light-hearted tone of her album, her live show will undoubtedly be a blast. Lucky for us, there's no shortage of opportunities to see her down in Austin this week. See her plentiful schedule here.

For Fans Of: Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Angel Olsen, Courtney Barnett

Start With: "Bikini," "More of the Same," "Money"

BAUM

Currently based in LA, the NYC native Sabrina Teitelbaum has been garnering all sorts of praise over her material released as BAUM. Although her releases are limited to only three official singles, BAUM threads powerful and empowering themes through catchy pop melodies. Her debut EP will be released on 3/16 during SXSW, so make sure you catch one of her shows to hear the new tracks live. See BAUM's schedule here.

For Fans Of: Grace Mitchell, Ryn Weaver, VÉRITE

Start With: "This Body," "Hot Water"

The Nude Party

If any of the bands on this list fall into the don't-judge-a-band-by-their-name category, it's this band. The Nude Party spices up their rock'n'roll tunes with a hint of twang and psychedelia. During their shows, the band members feed off one another's energy so well, and their audiences quickly reciprocate the infectious energy. See where you can catch on of their rowdy shows here.

For Fans Of: Black Lips, Meatbodies, Frankie & The Witch Fingers

Start With: "Time To Go," "Life's a Joke," "Poor Boy Walking Blues"

Acid Dad

NYC rockers Acid Dad just put out their debut self-titled album on Friday, and they'll be celebrating all week in Austin, in the midst of an on-going national tour. The four piece have a distinct sound that blends psych and punk rock perfectly, and it translates incredibly well in a live setting. Check them out at SXSW at one of their plethora of live shows; information here.

For Fans Of: Honduras, No Parents, NE-HI

Start With: "Don't Get Taken," "Come Outside," "Fool's Gold"

HINDS

Another name that should be familiar if you're a regular ANCHR reader, HINDS crafts irresistibly lively and light-hearted lo-fi rock tunes with melodies that'll get lodged in your head for days. Their live show is really where it's at...the quartet from Madrid exude so much chemistry and project endless positivity and energy whenever they take the stage, making their show one you cannot miss if you're going to SXSW. Luckily, HINDS have a new album on the way, so they will be hitting the Austin pavement hard this week. See their packed schedule here.

For Fans Of: Twin Peaks, The Big Moon, Cherry Glazerr

Start With: "Bamboo," "Garden," and "New For You"

Liza Anne

Liza Anne's incredibly candid and raw songwriting style makes her music effortlessly relatable. The Nashville singer-songwriter's third album, Fine But Dying, showcases her vulnerability in the most beautiful way, and the eleven tracks remain cohesive while also exploring different sonic pallets. Her live shows take that authenticity and amplifies it in a stunningly captivating way, so don't miss your chance to see her in Austin.

For Fans Of: Japanese Breakfast, Tennis, Alvvays

Start With: "Small Talks," "Socks," "Paranoia"

There you have it! Again, don't forget to check out our Spotify list for even more recommendations. Also remember that these artists are all playing official showcases, but there's tons of unofficial showcases by both official and unofficial artists throughout the week. Keep your eyes on our social media for more unofficial suggestions, and make sure you check out Treehouse Records' showcase on 3/16 as well as all of the events put on by Howdy Gals here.

ANCHR Magazine

SXSW 2018 Spotlight