SXSW 2017 Indonesia
Top to Bottom: Kimokal, The Trees & The Wild, lightcraft
KimoKal, The Trees & The Wild and lightcraft Are Set to Perform at SXSW 2017!

SXSW (South By South West) Festival will happen once again in 2017 during March 10th to 19th in Austin, Texas and they have announced the Showcasing Artists which include three acts from Indonesia. They are electronic duo KimoKal, folk/post-rock band The Trees & The Wild as well as indie rock unit, lightcraft. Showcasing Artists are selected by registration which means these bands have sent their demo to the committee, which are then selected and curated prior to the announcement. The list of Showcasing Artists features emerging sounds from musicians all around the world. They were given stages to showcase their sound to the new listeners and it is highly possible to introduce their music to a whole new market during SXSW. Besides music festival, SXSW is also known to be a platform for filmmakers, communities,  entrepreneurs, comedian and other creative workers to display, market, and exchange their works during the 10-day-course. That is why SXSW is considered to open the gate for breakthrough artists and listed as one of the biggest festival in United States.

The three Indonesian acts that have been selected in the shortlist are new sounds that represent Indonesia’s current scene. KimoKal have successfully gained attention after releasing their brilliant debut album “O” in early 2016. Individually, Kalula, a part of KimoKal also has collaborated with DJ Dipha Barus in a highly addictive and popular electronic song “No One Can Stop Us” last year. While The Trees & The Wild have revamped their whole image to present a new sounding album “Zaman, Zaman” that was released in 2016. It earned generally great reviews among critics and also presents a fusion between folk and post rock that sounds new to our ears. TTATW also display a new live format in which the band sit in a particular square formation while performing, thus highlighting their set even more. Last but not least, lightcraft can be said to be a veteran among these bands since they already have numerous experiences in foreign gigs. SXSW 2017 adds to their long list of achievement, after they participated in Indie Week Canada last year and recently have been confirmed  to join DongTaiDu Music Fest 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They released a new EP titled “Another Life” last year as well.

SXSW 2017
Shaggydog on SXSW 2016
Cre: Malaria House

In previous editions of SXSW, Indonesia was represented by Shaggydog in 2016, The S.I.G.I.T in 2009, and White Shoes & The Couples Company in 2008. The announcement of three acts from Indonesia on the same year of SXSW indicates a good sign for our local music. It shows that Indonesia’s musicians are capable of delivering good quality music and performances. We should be proud of that and the fact that the three of them are coming from independent roots is a further proof that the movement is alive and well. Make us proud you guys and break a leg! For a complete list of SXSW 2017 Showcasing Artist, head here.