Milwaukee has had its fair share of representation through the years at SXSW, despite the nearly 1,200-mile drive. Last year more than a dozen local bands made the trek, due in large part to an unofficial showcase held by local blog Muzzle Of Bees. And though the numbers are down this year with the MOB party taking a distinctly non-local turn, the Brew City will still have its voice heard. Here’s a brief listing of Milwaukee’s finest that will be gracing the showcase from March 15-20.
Maritime at March Into Softness presented by the A.V. Club, Mohawk
Friday, March 18, 3:15 p.m.
No surprise here. The Maritime boys have been cultivating industry contacts since their days as seminal alternative pop outfit The Promise Ring. And with a new album set to drop in the coming weeks, the band seems poised to keep utilizing its clout to further the cause. Kudos to the A.V. Club for sticking to its Wisconsin roots and including one of Milwaukee’s best representatives in the mix. If you’re looking to make the trip yourself, this will be an amazing show with some truly unique and talented groups… and the K-Swiss Ping Pong Lounge. It’s the tubes.
Yellow Ostrich at Muzzle of Bees Backyard BBQ, 3217 ½ Hampton Rd.
Friday, March 18, 1 p.m.
He’s an expatriate, but Yellow Ostrich brainchild Alex Schaaf started making his intense brand of primal guitar-driven electronica in Wisconsin. Not that the move to Brooklyn hasn’t been paying off for the eccentric solo artist, with him adding SXSW to his earlier appearance at last year’s CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW’s big-label corporate equivalent. Although it is disappointing that MOB is only featuring one band with Wisconsin ties this year (last year’s event included Juniper Tar, Kings Go Forth, Invade Rome and Conrad Plymouth, among others), it’s tough to argue with the impressive lineup the blog has managed to put together.
All Tiny Creatures
Wednesday, March 16 at Hometapes Showcase, Skinny’s
Thursday, March 17 at SXWI, Rainey Manor
Saturday, March 19 at Friend Island
It makes sense that one of the hottest and most hard-working bands in Milwaukee would be playing not one show at SXSW, but three. All Tiny Creatures have been everywhere this past year. And with the upcoming release of its new album Harbors, this ambient electronic rock outfit seems poised to have a 2011 that makes 2010 look like, well, a less successful year than 2011.
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Jaill at Sub Pop + Hardly Art, Red 7 Night Club
Friday, March 18, 7 p.m.
It’s a prime and well-earned spot for Milwaukee’s breakout band of 2010. Jaill has been keeping up a torrid pace of late, including relentless touring and an offer from Sub Pop, one of the most influential indie labels around. It has been a long time since the city has had a band with the unique mix of motivation, credibility and commercial accessibility. With all of these attributes in tow, it will be interesting to watch the trajectory that Jaill takes as the band continues to grow and mature.
Jaill – The Stroller from Sub Pop Records on Vimeo.
