For a change of pace in 2014, we decided to take a little time and to ponder on who our favorite acts at SXSW were. Generally, we run this piece no later than two days after the festival. This time, we wanted to truly ponder on how the acts we saw at this year’s festival measured up. For those keeping score, in 2013 we picked Haim as Best New Artist. In 2012 it was Santigold. In 2011 it was Odd Future. The Sleepy Sun took top honors in 2010. And going all the way back to 2009 Akron/Family were the knockdown favorite. Without further delay, here are the Top 5 Best New Artists and Top 5 Best Established Artists of SXSW 2014.

Best New Artist
1. Crosses

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat

2. Tove Lo

3. Charli XCX

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat

4. London Grammar

5. Iggy Azalea

Best Established Artist
1. Sleigh Bells

2. St. Vincent

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat

3. Aloe Blacc

4. Against Me!

5. Phantogram