Live at The Quill Room: SXSW Edition

Last month, The Quill Room hosted a showcase of up-and-coming artists from around the world during the SXSW music festival. Over three days, global artists performed 40-minute sets in the intimate music lounge at Austin Proper Hotel.

The event started on Wednesday, March 13 with a local Austin singer songwriter. In Mage & The Daydreams debut performance, the three-piece band lit up the room with soulful sounds and smooth guitar riffs. The lead singer finished the evening by transforming to DJ Magey Mage. Her vinyl DJ set was the perfect end cap to the first night of festivities.

On night two, The Quill Room welcomed Asha Jefferies all the way from Australia. Her indie-folk-pop style felt familiar, a little bit of a mix between Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers. With strong vocals and poetic lyrics, she pulled us in with her storytelling songs. We had a first-hand look into her new album, Ego Ride, released a little less than a month later. 

After a short break, Bermuda Search Party took the stage. Formerly known as The Q-Tip Bandits, this five-piece band from Boston, MA was unapologetically energetic. Their music can only be described as uplifting. Flavors of rock, funk, and R&B came together to create a vibrant sound paired with catchy lyrics and impressive vocals. It took one song for the whole room to break out in smiles and sways. 

The final night of the SXSW festivities involved four talented bands throughout the evening. The Quill Room was buzzing as people gathered to see new music and enjoy signature cocktails. Up first was OSKA, all the way from Austria. Her indie-pop style curated a dreamy environment with expressive lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitar cords. 

Emi Grace was up next. The 21-year-old from Summerland, CA has a fresh take on sound with jaw dropping guitar solos and an innovative blend of rock and electronic music. She grabbed the attention of the room immediately. You could feel the chemistry of the band and the audience couldn’t help but bob their heads to the beat.

Certainly So visited from Nashville, TN with feel-good music boasting perfect harmonies and memorable lyrics. The song “Alabama Blues” was a crowd favorite with the chorus “But I’m driving back to Austin with the Alabama Blues.” From blues to folk to indie-rock, this band blended genres seamlessly and had the crowd in the palm of their hands.

Ending the three-night showcase, was breathe. visiting from Australia. They invited us into their world of late night soul music. The duo’s beautiful collaboration between sound and visuals, all self-directed clips, captivated the audience. Sounds of exposed drums, prominent bass, and smooth vocals with emotional lyrics curates a perfect blend of soul and electronica music. The perfect ending to a week of exciting up-and-coming artists.

Live at The Quill Room curated such an incredible environment, that a smaller version of this experience is now offered every Wednesday and Thursday night, pending private events. Visit the hidden music lounge by walking up the steps of Austin Proper to the second floor. Enter a lively room with good vibes, great drinks, and even better company.