The #SpotifyHouse is in full swing come Wednesday at SXSW 2014. This year it is at a new, unnamed venue located on the east side of Austin – a welcome break from the hype of downtown’s main strip. Hitting capacity almost as soon as it opens, Spotify House still delivers plenty of open space outside with two stages out back and one inside the entrance corridor.
The blustery weather outside could not scare people away from the 2+ hour line wait to get in. Promising an eclectic, yet favorable lineup, this space is undoubtedly the place to be on any given day of the festival. Wednesday’s lineup brings new big players Dum Dum Girls and Betty Who to the spotlight.
Dum Dum Girls are certainly making their rounds at SXSW this year. Kicking off their set with “Bedroom Eyes,” the group instantly warms up the chilly outdoor main stage patio. Highlighting tunes from their new album, Too True, brings even more heat to the otherwise chilly day. Of course, they are clad in their signature all-black Witches of Eastwick garb. That does not deter the packed house one bit. The sunshiny, beach-friendly feel of their music brings a warm element to the afternoon’s festivities and it invites the entire audience outside. The Girls are currently circling the country, especially Austin, promoting Too True, released in January. These ladies are true veterans to the stage and their credibility has brought them a sweet surprise. The performance culminates with a guest appearance of Debbie Harry (Blondie, of course) who comes on stage to perform “Dreaming” with them. A grand finale, indeed, this moment elevates the crowd’s morale from joyous to purely ecstatic.
Next up inside is Betty Who. This emerging artist bodes a pop twist on indie music that is magnetic, if not guiltily-pleasuring. Even though she is playing on the smaller indoor stage, the outdoor crowd flocks to the room. Her voice is soulful and her dance moves aerobic. She absolutely brings a fun new element to the stage with sassy eye rolls and quirky body rolls. Betty has a Katy Perry flare but with way more style and an indie tinge, which gives her a bit more clout for the unassuming crowd. Her voice is the perfect blend of soul and smoothness to sail through each song. Her bubbly personality and smiley face invite everyone to engage in her music. It is safe to say that her music is mainstream, radio-worthy and may be blowing up across the charts the minute her new EP drops (which you can expect in just short of a month)
With so many promising acts, it is exciting to anticipate the next few days of music at Spotify House. Keep up with Spotify House information by following @Spotify on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram!
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