SXSW Unleashed: Flo Milli and Music’s Rising Stars Take Over!!
Austin's live music scene embraces the likes of Flo Milli, Monaleo, Buddy Red, Bia Ferreira and more
Step into the sonic realm of “First Listen,” where every beat is a discovery and every harmony a revelation. Curated by the eclectic Jzon Azari, this monthly music digest on Substack is your passport to the auditory wonders of the world.
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Don’t just hear, but truly listen. Embark on “First Listen” and prepare for an auditory feast that promises to be the zenith of your musical voyage. Believe us, it’s an invitation to an echelon of melody you’ll cherish.
“First Listen” made its grand entrance at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas, under the auspices of YouTube Music. This initiative illuminated the festival with a handpicked ensemble of artists who are stirring the music world with their bold sounds and dynamic stage presence. Immersing in the live music experience of Austin, a city renowned for its musical heartbeat, was an electrifying adventure. The vibe, the ambiance, and the raw display of talent coalesced into a musical escapade that will echo through time.
The artists who captivated the audience with their live performances during SXSW include:
‘Never Lose Me’ - Flo Milli
Flo Milli, the Alabama rap sensation, has taken the music world by storm with her hit single ‘Never Leave Me.’ Her performance of ‘Never Leave Me’ at SXSW was not just a show closer but a strategic move that coincided with the announcement of her new album “Fine Ho, Stay,” now available for her eager fans.
Despite being early in her career, Flo Milli’s stage presence is commanding and on par with industry veterans. She knows how to captivate her audience, wielding her unique wordplay and dynamic delivery to create unforgettable live music moments. Her ability to control the narrative and engage with her audience is evident in her performances, which are both energetic and intimate.
With the release of “Fine Ho, Stay,” Flo Milli continues to showcase her growth as an artist. The album features a mix of R&B and pop influences while maintaining her signature hard-hitting bars, with contributions from artists like SZA, Cardi B, Monaleo, Anycia, and Gunna3. It’s clear that Flo Milli is a talent to watch, as she consistently delivers music that resonates with listeners and leaves a lasting impression. Her strategic approach to her career, from her social media teases to her live performances, ensures that she remains in control of her narrative, making her one of the most exciting new artists in the industry.
‘Joy’ (feat. Olamide) - Pheelz
Pheelz’s performance at SXSW was nothing short of electrifying. His understanding of what makes music resonate with people was evident, as he delivered a set that perfectly encapsulated his “it pheelz good” mantra. Opening for Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase, Pheelz demonstrated the unique connection his tunes create, captivating the audience with his vibrant and outspoken stage presence. The synergy of his music, coupled with the high-profile collaboration with Usher, translated into a dynamic performance that kept the audience hooked from start to finish. It’s a testament to his talent that he could maintain such engagement, a feat that eludes many new artists. Pheelz’s set at SXSW was a clear indicator of his rising trajectory in the music industry.
‘Favorite Girl’ - Chxrry22
As the sun set over SXSW, a new star ascended to the mainstage, casting a spell of melodic bliss over the audience. Chxrry22, the artist known as everyone’s “Favorite Girl,” opened for Billboard’s The Stage with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.
With a voice that weaves through the air like a serene lullaby, Chxrry22 captivated a crowd of eager music aficionados. Her live set—a harmonious journey through her hits—was the perfect prelude to the night’s headliner, PartyNextDoor. Yet, it was Chxrry22 who stole the show. Her stage presence—an ethereal blend of confidence and grace—left the audience yearning for just one more song.
In a city renowned for its musical heartbeat, Chxrry22’s performance at SXSW was a reminder of the raw power of live music. Her angelic voice, heard in real time, is an experience that transcends the ordinary, transforming any night into an unforgettable memory.
If Chxrry22 is performing in a city near you, consider it an invitation to witness a musical phenomenon. Her ascent to the mainstage is a testament to her talent, and her vocals—a siren call to music lovers—promise a night of pure, unadulterated joy. Don’t miss the chance to be part of her journey; it’s one that echoes long after the final note fades.
‘Need Somebody’ - Tony Evans Jr.
In the tapestry of today’s social fabric, a new thread emerges, vibrant and resonant—Tony Evans Jr., a troubadour of the digital age. Amidst the buzz and hum of The Shade Room’s decennial fête, a celebration of a decade’s worth of whispered secrets and shared revelations, it was Evans who took center stage. With the six strings of his guitar, he wove a melody that captured the essence of Austin’s SXSW, his voice a beacon for the cowboy soul within us all. Each pluck, each chord, was a testament to the musical journey that social media itself had championed, a journey that now found its spotlight under the Lone Star sky.
‘Rock With You’ - Taylor Tatum
In the vibrant heart of SXSW, amidst the hum of eager conversations and tacos, there emerged a presence that commanded the room without uttering a word. Taylor Tatum, with her eclectic style that melded vintage charm with contemporary edge, was a visual symphony in The Green Room. It wasn’t just her fashion that spoke volumes; it was the promise of something extraordinary.
As the afternoon unfolded, an impromptu session beckoned her to the spotlight. With the first note, Taylor shed her observer’s cloak and embraced the persona of a diva from the neon-lit era of the 80s, yet she was undeniably a herald of modern rhythm. Her voice, a cascade of melodic power, wove through the room, igniting a collective energy that was palpable.
The dance record spun, a pulsating beat that resonated with the soul of the crowd. It was more than a performance; it was an electric revelation of artistry. The chorus, a catchy anthem of the night, became an infectious mantra that we, the mesmerized audience, found ourselves chanting by heart after merely a second listen.
Taylor Tatum wasn’t just a performer that afternoon; she was the embodiment of infectious charisma and raw talent, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed her transformation. Her impact was undeniable, a testament to the power of music that transcends time, blending the best of eras into a mesmerizing showcase of emergent brilliance.
‘Hold Me’ - Jordyn Simone
Under the glow of the SXSW spotlight, Jordyn Simone turned night into day with her electrifying presence. As the clock ticked past midnight, the crowd was captivated by her rock-infused rendition of Rihanna’s “BBHMM,” a bold statement of her versatile artistry. Her original songs resonated with the raw energy of the late hour, each note a promise of the bright future ahead. Jordyn’s performance was not just a display of talent, but a declaration of her journey to stardom—a path she’s not just walking but blazing with every performance.
A melody of other enchanting sounds filled our senses at the initial encounter.
‘Bend It Ova’ - Lola Brooke
‘Lost Without U’ - Ambre
‘Believe’ (feat. Johan Lenox) - Luck
‘Lemon Pepper Wet’ - Tempest
‘You Know’ - Buddy Red
‘SOHO (Find Me)’ - Uhmeer
‘Don Who Leo’ - Monaleo
‘Clouds’ - Jon Vinyl
‘Badd’ - BFF
‘La Tormenta’ - Luna Luna
‘Benção da Prosperidade’ - Bia Ferreira
First Watch presented by YouTube Music
‘Slide’ (feat. J. Warner) - Dende
Enjoy the entire playlist on YouTube Music.