Second Band/SXSW

I got an e-mail concerning an outstanding band from, you guessed it, Sweden this morning! I sure am glad I did. The band is The Second Band. They've released an EP and have some demos to shop around with, plus an upcoming EP in 2006. The track I got is from that EP. The song, "Wild is the Wind," is all piano and handclaps. The singer's voice sort of reminds me of James Mercer of the shins. Anyway, the song is really great, so I checked out more they had on their website and everythng there seems to be amazing too. Please check them out, and I'm sure you will unless you're burnt-out on Swedes. Which is bad because I'm sure there are loads more that deserve your attention!

Wild is the Wind
What's Up Tiger Lily?
Coffee Kills (and French Summer)

Check out quite a few mp3s at their website.

Also, if you didn't know, SXSW is comin' at you from Austin, TX March 15-19. Invited guests (they may not all show up at the fest) include, Annie, Arctic Monkeys, Belle and Sebastian, Boy Least Likely To, Neko Case, Cat Power, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Cribs, The Duke Spirit, Editors, Jose Gonzalez, The Go! Team,the list goes on and on and on. Check out the full list of invitees here.

Also! Not to be missed are the music panels and speakers. Neil Young is the keynote speaker this year, and other speakers include Sam Moore, the Pretenders, and Billy Bragg. Some of the panels would be great for independent bands to attend, with topics like touring, distribution, and there is even going to be one about music blogging. It is all not to be missed!