Click to enlargeBurbank, CA — Warner Bros. Records artists were everywhere during last week’s annual South By Southwest Music Festival, whether it was Austin’s very own Gary Clark Jr. captivated audiences though his incendiary guitar playing during a midnight show at Ghost Room, The Belle Brigade delivering their sweet sibling harmonies at the KCRW Showcase at The Phoenix, or Theophilus London unleashing his Afropop electrojams at the WBR Showcase at Habana Backyard. The critics weighed in with some kind words. Read what they had to say:
THE BELLE BRIGADE
(self-titled debut album due from Reprise Records on April 19th)
www.thebellebrigade.com
It says something about the stickiness of The Belle Brigade's songs that they can not only endure but prevail during the onslaught of noise at South by Southwest this weekend. … They're naturals, basically, with songs that are supernaturally tight and catchy; though not loud, the band's performance at the Chop Shop show generated a half-dozen internal jukebox hits."
— The Los Angeles Times
“The Belle Brigade’s live show was energetic, uplifting and exceptionally earnest; you can’t help but fall in love with them a little bit. Their entire set was a treat, but one highlight was when Barbara went back behind the kit to play drums. Take a listen to “Sweet Louise” off their upcoming album” — Aurgasm
"Barbara has a deep, soulful, and expertly controlled voice, while Ethan brings a little bit of rasp. Their harmonies are undeniable, and they've got no real shortage of hooks, either." — The L Magazine
GARY CLARK JR.
(In the studio working on debut album for Warner Bros. Records)
www.garyclarkjr.com
“Austin resident Gary Clark Jr., who may be the city’s next big music star flashed his blend of blues, soul and rock, mixing fluid, muscular guitar with rootsy bark or a falsetto croon” – The Wall Street Journal
“Austin’s own Gary Clark Jr. opened Rolling Stone’s second showcase with a potent electric-blues set at La Zona Rosa. The charismatic 27-year-old guitarist, whose instrumental skills earned him a spot at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads festival last year, tore through hot licks and eloquent solos with a three-piece backing band to help fill out his sound. He was a strong vocalist, too, breaking out a yearning Smokey Robinson-style falsetto for a love ballad called “Please Come Home.” — Rollingstone.com
“Warner Bros. has a virtuosic new act in Gary Clark Jr. This is blues-based rock with an eye toward a groove, and Clark effortlessly wields his guitar into and out of solos. — The Los Angeles Times
“Gary Clark, Jr. is a soul man. He's a blues man. He's a rock and roll man. Gary Clark Jr. is the real deal. — IFC News
THEOPHILUS LONDON (Lovers Holiday EP out now)
http://theophiluslondon.net
“When New York rapper Theophilus London is a big star, a hundred or so fans will brag about seeing him play the Mohawk during SXSW.” — San Antonio Express News
“Theophilus London has got a Prince-like feel.” – NPR Morning Edition
“London is a true original. With a Prince-inspired live show and a progressive style that incorporates everything from indie rock to electro, he always remains soulful and eclectic" — AOL Spinner
"Theophilus London, young rapper and singer from New York, gave the kind of performance that, in a year's time, people will swear they saw, even if they were still standing in line outside." — My San Antonio
NEON HITCH
http://www.NeonHitch.net
"British singer-songwriter Neon Hitch has a knack for crafting free-spirited dance-pop and a bohemian background to match even the most devout deadhead."
— AOL Spinner
London firecracker Neon Hitch kicked off Idolator’s Pray For Pop showcase at the annual South By Southwest music festival in Austin, TX by whisking onto the stage and belting out an array of her addictive electro-pop jams. It was an incredible glimpse at what the sexy singer-songwriter has to offer ahead of the release of her debut album.” — Idolator
OUTASIGHT
http://iamoutasight.com
“In 2009, he landed a recording deal with Warner Bros. on their Asylum Recordings imprint, and although he's yet to release his full-length debut, From Here to Eternity, his 2010 Further EP and Catch Me If You Can remix with Asher Roth have kept fans hungry for more.” — AOL Spinner
XIMENA
www.ximenamusic.com
“Mexican singer/songwriter and Grammy winner Ximena Sariñana has captivated audiences across the continent with her unique voice timbre and musical personality.” — Billboard
SURFER BLOOD
www.surferblood.com
“Florida rockers Surfer Blood also previewed a handful of unreleased songs at their 2 p.m. set, showing off trickier riffs and catchy melodies, along with older songs like ‘Swim.’” — Rollingstone.com
“Hailing from South Florida, this band proved why they were the headliner act and played a seemingly effortless, fun set that featured their signature pop sounds.” — St. Louis Today
CURREN$Y
www.myspace.com/flyspitta
“The rapper is a charismatic, exacting stage presence; it's impossible not to be won over watching Curren$y do his thing." — The Pitch
“Curren$y cemented his status as one of SXSW 2011's stars with another charismatic and colorful set of blown-out, lush stoner rap.” — Time Out Chicago
“New Orleans rapper has Cali slacker appear, as well as interesting flow and rhymes” — Dallas Observer
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 7:08PM 
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