SXSW’s 10 Must See Electronic/Dance Acts

SXSW is fast-approaching. Kicking off the music portion on March 17, the festival will feature a wide variety of established names and up and coming artists to perform over numerous showcases surrounding the event. While the festival serves up all genres to those who attend, we're bringing you our top 10 electronic/dance acts performing at this year's SXSW.

1. A-Trak

As the head and founder of the famous Fool’s Gold brand there’s no question that A-Trak (real name Alain Macklovitch) would begin this list of top EDM contenders performing at SXSW this year. Known for his hip-hop, booty shaking flair as a solo performer, and as a part of the duo that made "Barbara Streisand" an immediate classic, Duck Sauce, there’s no doubt that his will be a packed, sweaty and anxiously awaited set for all types of music fans alike.

2. Odesza

A year ago, not many people knew who ODESZA were, but following the release of their 2014 album In Return, the duo became an immediate hit. With their deep bass, dreaminess, and addictive drums, the American duo have found themselves at the heart of the electronic community, headlining festivals and trailblazing a change of pace in an ever-growing industry.

3. Hoodboi b2b Promnite

B2B sets are coveted in the industry, but that’s not entirely why this showcase has made its way onto our list. As separate identities, Hoodboi and Promnite (both affiliated with the collective Athletixx) are at the precipice of their careers, ready to showcase their true potential. Taking influences from hip-hop and R&B, the B2B showcase will drip with sweat and pulse with penetrating beats.

4. Zeds Dead

As dubstep came and went from mainstream EDM hype, Zeds Dead have maintained an esteemed fan-base and continuous popularity in the industry. The beloved Canadian duo are currently signed on Diplo’s label Mad Decent, and have no plans of retreat. Their performances are always dynamic, mixing beats from all elements with their grimy roots; engaging their crowd through hands shaped in Z’s and a familiar throbbing bass.

5. RAC

Today, RAC is known as the solo indie-electronic project of Andre Allen Anjos. In the projects early moments though, it was recognized as the Remix Artist Collective. It all started as an ambitious goal to change the way things were remixed, veering from danceability in exchange for experimentation with different and interesting arrangements. RAC quickly found fame in the industry with his innovative take on electronic music, and has been featured in ads for numerous big-name corporations, including Apple, Facebook, Google, Citibank, GoDaddy, Hulu, Uber and Delta.

6. Elliphant

Mixing the sounds of the Caribbean with Swedish pop sensibility and titillating beats, Elliphant has redefined the meaning of swagger. The Swedish singer and rapper released her first EP early 2013, and has continued to develop her unique sound in electronic music. Having worked with artists like Diplo and Skrillex, her live showcase at SXSW will have flair unlike anyone else on this list.

7. TOKiMONSTA

LA native TOKiMONSTA has taken over the EDM scene in unparalleled ways with her instrumental hip-hop, R&B, and indie beats perfectly composed together through electronic baselines. Her breakthrough began in 2010 after the release of her first album, Midnight Menu, and has continued to grow with her recent releases backed by Ultra Records. She is also notably the first female DJ to be signed on Flying Lotus’ label, BRAINFEEDER, which is on the forefront of the LA music scene.

8. Ryan Hemsworth

Currently traveling the world on his 'Sucker for Punishment Tour,' Ryan Hemsworth has been on the rise with his classic take on hip-hop/electronica. His showcase will be themed “Secret Songs,” and after taking a listen to the Soundcloud, will be an obvious chance for the Canadian native to show off what else he can do, giving his fans and the industry as a whole a fresh perspective on the dance genre.

9. Clean Bandit

U.K. DJs of all shapes and sizes are without a doubt taking over the EDM scene with artists such as Disclosure, Feed Me and everyone in between. After their release of “Rather Be” in January 2014, Clean Bandit has quickly found themselves in the phenomena’s centerfold. Even after a year, the track has lost no momentum and won a GRAMMY for the group as “Best Dance Recording” in 2015. It’ll be no wonder when their showcase fills to the brim.

10. GTA

With their hyped-up, Latin and Trap influenced sound; the party is not far from forming when GTA takes the stage. Most of their notable work comes from their fiery remixes and collaborated tracks. With artists such as Diplo and Martin Solveig working with the duo, there’s no doubt in the magic they have when getting a crowd grinding.