Every year literally thousands of music industry people, fans and bands descend on Austin, TX for South By Southwest. And although it’s recently been criticized for reaching a saturation point, it’s still worth one’s while. This edition will see an historical first as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are SXSW Keynote speakers. It’s doubtful the leader of the free world and his wife will have time to check out some of the showcases, but if they did they’d be wise to see these 8 impressive newcomers. 

Dilly Dally (Toronto, Ontario)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 17 @ Hype Hotel—10pm 

Toronto quartet Dilly Dally might look like an overnight success, but vocalist/guitarist Katie Monks and guitarist Liz Ball have certainly paid their dues in recent years laying a solid foundation. Rounded out by drummer Ben Reinhartz and bassist Jimmy Tony, Dilly Dally shone at a CMJ appearance last year behind the stellar album Sore. Monks’ vocals bring Courtney Love circa Hole’s heyday to mind while tunes like the punkish “Ballin Chain” and the bombastic “Next Gold” are keepers. Heck, they’ve also covered Drake’s “Know Yourself.”

Diet Cig (New Paltz, NY)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 18 @ The Sidewinder Outside—12am

There’s a purity, power and playfulness about Brooklyn two-piece Diet Cig in the vein of Weezer that has many turning heads. The duo of singer/guitarist Alex Luciano and drummer Noah Bowman released an EP with a much-anticipated full-length album planned for later in 2016. Diet Cig shines whether it’s during the girl-group feel on the breezy “Scene Sick” or the infectious, meaty “Dinner Date.” Diet Cig’s set might be a bit on the short side but should be incredibly sweet!

HAELOS (London, England)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 16 @ The Sidewinder—3:30pm

Listening to British trio HAELOS, one gets the sense they’ve tapped into a finely crafted style that isn’t quite The xx, Portishead or Dutch duo Rangleklods, but some fine blending of all three. Songs from their debut EP Earth Not Above—including the title track—made instant inroads for Dom Goldsmith, Lotti Bernardout and Arthur Delaney. And the trio’s perfectly crafted, atmospheric nuggets from their forthcoming debut Full Circle, notably “Oracle,” will surely dazzle during 11 (yes 11!) SXSW shows.

The Chainsmokers (New York, NY)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 18 @ Bar 96—12am

EDM/house/dance tandem The Chainsmokers are hoping to strike gold with their latest single “Don’t Let Me Down.” The groove-fuelled, dancehall song has eclipsed over six million visits on YouTube thanks to teenage vocalist Daya’s impressive pipes. After “#Selfie” and “Kanye” made DJ Andrew Taggart and DJ Alex Pall internationally known, the uber-hit single “Roses” (featuring Rozes) was a strong contender for the song of the summer 2015.

Section Boyz (London, England)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 16 @ The Main II—11pm
 

Rap sextet Section Boyz is blazing a trail similar to what Young Fathers did in 2014. The group earned the Best Newcomer award at the influential MOBO Awards last year. Their latest mixtape effort Don’t Panic has seen videos for songs “Do The Road” and “Lock Arf” getting YouTube hits in the six figures. A recent profile by Vice said Section Boyz balance wordplay that balances a tightrope “between laugh-out-loud hilarious and deeply ominous.” The group will be quite busy in Austin with a handful of showcases slated.

Talisco (Paris, France)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 17 @ Tellers–10pm 

French folk-rock band Talisco is aurally large despite being a trio. Think of some cross between cinematic obsessed Coldplay and City and Colour and you’ll quickly grasp grandiose tracks such as “The Keys” and “Mustang Blood.” Talisco had a massive hit overseas with “Your Wish” and wish to expand their grasp on this side of the pond. The SXSW appearance is part of a current North American.

Clean Cut Kid (Liverpool, England)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 15 @ Latitude 30—12am

If there’s a sweeter pop gem that is more infectious than Clean Cut Kid’s “Pick Me Up,” I’d be shocked. But it’s indicative of the Liverpool four led by hubby/wife Mike and Evelyn Halls. Tight, hummable choruses and punchy arrangements that Vampire Weekend, Sloan and Teenage Fanclub might be envious of are what Clean Cut Kid offers. “Soulful pop ballads, washed in Mersey water,” is how Mike Halls described the band on SXSW’s site. If it’s the water, then it should be bottled and kept!

Acid Dad (Brooklyn, NY)

Suggested SXSW Set: March 16 @ Icenhauer’s—12am

Its debut EP Let’s Plan A Robbery isn’t even a month old and already Acid Dad is garnering high praise. A lean, garage-y rock sound makes tracks like “Digger (Gotta Get That Money)” and the gritty “Grim” blissful ear candy. This year will see Acid Dad touring with White Reaper and on your radar (if they’re not already).