Hyped #8

This section of the blog is called Hyped because its supposed to be a reflection of music that is getting just that. Its not the newest of the new but instead hopefully a slightly more refined display of new music, whats up and coming and more importantly whats going to be sticking around. With that in mind, a SXSW special is a perfect chance to pick out some possible winners.

This is yet another tip from my mate 7. New Jersey band Real Estate make psychy pop music and do a great job of it. They have an LP out at the moment on Woodist and with 11 shows in 5 days at SXSW I really hope they get as much exposure as they deserve. The band are in the UK in May, as part of a mammoth tour, so get yourself down to see them.

Real Estate


Best Coast have been getting a pounding (in a good way) on the blog circuit of late and quite rightly so. The predictions for this years SXSW all seem to be either Garage, Surf or Gaze based and I guess Best Coast tick at least a couple of those boxes. Its lazy rhythmic guitar, whiney vocals and off-beat drum patterns, sounds shit I know, but its actually rather excellent. This is one band that I have to see this year if they get over to London and hopefully one band that will put together a great record.

Best Coast


One man band Banjo or Freakout is someone that I have been following for ages now. I first DJd on the same bill as him late last year, which was real eye opener to his live set-up. He plays guitar, keyboards and a plethora of gizmos producing a vast array of sounds, from stripped down pop beauties like "Upside Down" to tracks like "Left It Alone" that both float over you and leave their mark at the same time. Word is, he has just recorded an LP, so more news to follow on that.

Banjo Or Freakout