South By Southwest is the most anticipated music and entertainment festivals, conference and conventions in the United States. It is where many bands always want to play and where some of the greatest bands first made their names. For 2014, the line-up of bands includes many that have guitarists that are girls. What better way for Guitar Girl Magazine to celebrate than with a list of some of the best guitar girl performers at SXSW!
Melissa Etheridge- Not only will she be performing, Melissa will also be conducting a Mentoring Session as well as a discussion on the Shifting Brand-scape.
Tori Kelly- When she was 14, Tori Kelly started writing songs in the bedroom of her Southern California home. Within years she began sharing those songs online, and quickly won over Internet audiences with her sweetly soaring vocals, graceful guitar-playing, and knack for blending breezy melodies with boldly heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Tori just recently played on the Taylor Guitars stage at NAMM!
Angel Olsen – This girl understands how to play a mix of power blues and folk rock to any crowd pleasingly.
Sleepy Kitty – This is not the song from ‘Big Bang Theory,’ this duo brings about noise pop with a grunge edge to its sound.
Lydia Loveless- Adds a great foot stomping sound to alternative country.
Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas- A mix of blues and rock that will have you up and moving all night long. Potty Mouth- The punk in punk rock from a girl’s point of view.
Cori Elliott of The Vim Dicta- Brings soulful rock ‘n’ roll that all will enjoy.
Ali Holder- A talented artist who is mainly Americana and folk but can add in soul to her music as well.
Allysen Callery- Folk music at some of its finest.
Baby in Vain- This rock trio will not disappoint the ear of any rocker.
Zella Day- Coffee house music done correctly.
von Gray – Atlanta-based indie-alt-folk group – one of our favorite group of sisters that we’ve been fortunate to meet and interview several times.
Singer-songwriter Amy Cook whose most recent album, Summer Skin, includes guest appearances from Robert Plant and Patty Griffin. Recently toured with Alejandro Escovedo and “manages to balance rock and roll intensity, brilliant melodies and back porch ease” – Dave Marsh/Rock & Roll Confidential
September Girls- Named for a Big Star song as covered by the Bangles, September Girls comprise Paula on bass and vocals, Sarah on drums, Caoimhe on rhythm guitar and vocals, Lauren on keys and vocals and Jessie on lead guitar and vocals.
Wanda Jackson- How can we not mention the Queen of Rock?
Lucinda Williams- She’s been bringing us rock, country, folk and blues for decades.
This just a small sampling of the hundreds who will be playing at SXSW. Some you may have heard of, and some you may not have. In the end, it doesn’t really matter. These ladies know how to play guitar and have vocals to be heard, this is what music is all about. If you’re in the area, enjoy SXSW! If not, stay tuned for more up-to-date info!
Visit SXSW’s site for schedules and other information HERE.
Photo credit: SXSW.com