Brian The Monkeys didn't cut it live here, however. About half the crowd walked out after the first few songs.
joe vote for us band that should be british, MODERN SKIRTS
Deborah, Bath I'm really loving British music at the moment. British music is more poweful than American music and all British bands at SXSW will do really well.
colin the legend from liverpool british band scene is so strong at the min, theyv got no chance, end of like
Micheal Jackson....No not that one! The Charlatans!!! By Far the Best band at the festival and radio 1 never mentions them!!!
Ears to the tracks My Chem is doing a secret show...I think that hold the Artic Monkeys at bay...But who cares...I love both American and UK bands...US has better metal, and UK has more complexity to it's songwritting..It's all good...
Holly Sharon, just because the bands may be well known over here, chances are they play tiny gigs in the US. SXSW is, at its core, for new acts, but sadly for the last few years it has been getting more popular. It used to be that you could get into most showcases without a badge or wristband if you were willing to wait in line. Now it's almost impossible for the more talked about bands. Last year, I stood in line for 3 hours to go to the Militia Group showcase and couldn't make it in. (I am from Austin but now living in Wales). SXSW is a good way for foreign bands to earn recognition in the US, seeing as how everyone who is anyone in the music industry will be in Austin that week.
Sharon K What's this about "Biggest UK Names at SXSW" ?
I thought it was SXSW was mostly about new/breaking bands - but no new bands are included in the voting.
As for UK bands, I vote for Brakes, the Brighton based band who have just toured with The Editors and whose first album "Give Blood" got No 1 in Rough Trade's top 100 albums of 2005. Brakes include the Tom and Alex White of Electric Soft Parade, who are also playing at SXSW and are ones to watch IMO.
Liz Does it REALLY matter? A good band is a good band, regardless of what country they're from. There are plenty of good bands coming to the South from all over the world, not just the U.S. and U.K. Hopefully the production teams will get out and explore!
J Nickel Creek, Nickel Creek, Nickel Creek. They're not exactly breathrough - they've done 3 albums and various individual solo albums - but this band are phenomenal. They will massage everyone's ears like no other band can.
James, Preston The UK have the Arctic Monkeys! the battle is over already!
Battle of the bands - Britain Vs U.S.A
The US might have the quantity but do the UK have the quality? Which country has the strongest hand at this year's festival?
Read people's comments below.