mxdwn Best of SXSW 2017

SXSW really turned out all the stops this year. From somber solo singer-songwriters to rock gods and jam bands, this year’s festival lineup provided such a well-rounded selection of talented artists. We look back on the madness with happy hearts because this year’s caliber of artists has set the bar even higher. It is going to take a whole year to be ready to experience it again, but if this year’s effort is any indication for the future, we look forward to what SXSW holds for 2018. Take a look at who we ranked #1 for each year we have covered SXSW:

Best New Artist:

2009: Akron/Family
2010: The Sleepy Sun
2011: Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All
2012: Santigold
2013: Haim
2014: Crosses
2015: Tink
2016: Hinds

Best Established Artist:

2009: Jane’s Addiction
2010: Demolished Thoughts
2011: Kanye West
2012: The Roots
2013: Billy Bragg and Amanda Palmer
2014: Sleigh Bells
2015: The Dillinger Escape Plan
2016: CHVRCHES

Here are our best takeaways from 2017’s official and unofficial showcases. Enjoy!

Best New Artists

1. Jamila Woods

2. Maggie Rogers

3. Sneaks



4. FRENSHIP



5. Matt Maeson


 

Best Established Artists

1. At the Drive In

2. The Internet

3. The Roots



4. Minus the Bear



5. Banks

Rachel Zimmerman: Rachel Zimmerman (Long Beach, CA) joined the mxdwn team in 2011 as a Live Concert Reviewer. It was the perfect intersection of two of her greatest passions- music and writing. Her love for anything artistic manifested early in life as she designed clothing, created ceramic sculptures, and curated personal playlists for her peers in elementary and high school. As an avid fan of live music, she always found a way to see her favorite musical artists play, whether it was by babysitting enough to pay for tickets to shows or by winning tickets on the radio. Several years, concerts and festivals later, she worked her way up to her current position as Concert Review Editor for music.mxdwn.com. She especially enjoys sharing her love for music with her young nephew who has an affinity for rock and roll and jazz. Rachel continues to review concerts, interview artists and annually attend SXSW in Austin, TX on behalf of mxdwn.
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