Seraphina Lotkhamnga on March 15th, 2013

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[After crashing hard the night before and leaving some major blogging for morning time, it took a while for my body to focus on anything else besides its aches. But the BBLA staff knew there was bound to be some more gems with swoon-worthy talent only midway into South by Southwest.]

@Seraphina_L on Thursday at SXSW:

Speaking of swoon-worthy, plenty of fans (especially the males in the audience) at Empire Auto on Thursday night were simply giddy for another SXSW performance by London’s Mercury Prize-nominated singer Lianne la Havas (also known as Lianne Barnes). And I was right there with them as she opened with the acoustic “No Room For Doubt” alone in the spotlight. The track on her debut “Is Your Love Big Enough” features Willy Mason. but la Havas effortlessly enraptured the crowd on her own with tender vocals that elegantly danced around delicate guitar strumming. Most of the soul chanteuse’s autobiographical set revolved around her ex-boyfriends (including the hilariously frank “Age”), but not once did la Havas come off as cliché. Alternating between solo sets and songs with a full backing band, there was a sweet innocence to her crooning, which had just as much range as it had color. Just when you think her voice would reach a break, it retreats to a rich tone so lovely it could warm the coldest of nights. Lianne la Havas will kick off her U.S. tour immediately after SXSW, and you can bet those who caught any of her SXSW sets (including this writer) will be snatching up tickets.

Also notable. . .

Although we just recently covered CHVRCHES back home, another chance to check out the Glasgow electro, synth-pop trio was just too good to turn down. Everyone else must have had the same idea because Hype Hotel had never been so packed at only 4 p.m. Although Lauren Mayberry and company took the stage 20 minutes late, opening with “Lies” seemed to be enough of a consolation for fans. With a massive light show and booming synth rumbling underneath Mayberry’s bright and adolescent-like vocals, the venue could have easily been mistaken for an evening show. The sea of cameras that popped up above the massive crowd was a light show in itself. Put your lighters up? More like put your iPhones up.

After the crazy moshing during the Thermals’ set at Bar 96, Surfer Blood served as a perfect successor. It wasn’t a sweaty set like the former, but there were cat whiskers … and if you were to ask me why frontman JP Pitts had drawn them on his face, I still wouldn’t be able to tell you. No matter; the surf alt-rock band – who recently made a move from Florida to California – pleased the crowd with old favorites such as “Float” and “Swim,” but they also took the opportunity to play “Weirdest Shapes.” The single off of the forthcoming sophomore effort “Pythons” showcased a heavier rock sound for Surfer Blood as the guitars were crunchier than anything released on “Astro Coast.” But I’m positive the crowd was wildest during their last song, “Drinking Problem.”

Later in the night, Skaters, the fuzzy garage-punk trio from NYC, did a pretty great job warming up the crowd at the Mohawk outdoor stage for Cold War Kids and Local Natives. But I’m still wondering how in the world I missed the boat with these guys when they releasd their “Schemers” EP. Perhaps it’s because Burger Records tends to provide my garage-punk fix in SoCal. Perhaps I simply haven’t paying attention to the equivalent scene on the East Coast. But I’m aware now. With catchy pop-oriented jams like “I Wanna Dance (But I Don’t Know How),” Skaters were causing a ruckus in support of their forthcoming debut slated for a release later this year on Warner Bros. Their set simply made me wish I could cause a ruckus and get paid for it. If I learn how to use a skateboard, can I become a professional punk rocker after that?

To fan-girl is to. . . 

To mix it up, I headed down to Austin City Limits’ Moody Theatre to get some soul and gospel while I could –  because Lord knows I ain’t goin’ to church on Sunday. And as I hurried in to catch the legendary Como Mamas kick off the Daptone Soul Revue, who should I run in to but Sharon Jones? Getting down with a fan and pumping up the crowd for harmonizing pros Ester Mae Smith, Angela Taylor and Della Daniels, Jones was clapping, shouting, stomping and making her fellow Daptone singers even more enthusiastic with their performance. Did I fan-girl a bit when Sharon accidentally whipped her hair in my face a few times during her zealous loyalty? Yes. Did I squeal like a little girl inside when I was busy snapping this pic on my phone only for her to turn to me and say “You gotta sing a little louder now?” Yes. Did I thoroughly enjoy this inspiring a cappella performance from Como Mamas? Yes. Was I eager to leave the soul revue early for another act because of my insanely tight schedule? Enter sad trombone here.

Stop staring at me Nicolas Cage. . .

No, I don’t want to make an app. Please let me eat my dinner (at the Austin Convention Center) in peace, sir.

Austin, I love you inside and out. . .

From the upstairs bar at the Mohawk and looking down at L.A.’s very own Cold War Kids on the outdoor stage, with a view of Red River St.