Want free music? We’ve rounded up the best songs from artists who played SXSW, so you can download all in one place, guilt free. Hear jams from Nneka, High on Fire, Delorean and more.
1. Free Energy “Hope Child”
Everyone wants to party, and that’s what Free Energy is about. The Philly band isn’t breaking any new rock ground, but their retro vibe never sounds bad. “Hope Child” is from their new album, Stuck on Nothing, via DFA.
Download track via Pitchfork
2. Avi Buffalo “What’s in it For?”
This is one of the catchiest songs we’ve heard in recent months, so much so that the melody got stuck in our head the first time we heard it. C’mon, how often does that happen nowadays? Plus they sing about bacon.
Download track via Buzz Bands
3. Nneka featuring Jay Electronica “Walking” (J.Period remix)
This is a playful remix featuring some promising talent–Nneka is a standout Nigerian-German singer who released her U.S. debut earlier this year, and Jay Electronica is hip-hop’s current darling.
Download track via J.Period
4. Lissie “Everywhere I Go”
Compared to Neko Case and Feist, Lissie and her piercing voice played nearly 10 shows at SXSW this year. “Everywhere I Go” pleads for an answer when the options have seemingly been exhausted.
Download track via RCRD LBL
5. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club “Conscious Killer”
In a sea of lo-fi, washed out, silly genre names and throwaway bands, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s straightforward rock just sounds good. From their sixth–sixth!–album, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo, out earlier this month.
Download track via He’s a Whore
6. Delorean “Stay Close”
This is one of those groups everyone was buzzing about pre-SXSW who actually delivered the goods live. “Stay Close” is the first single from their upcoming album, Subiza, out this summer.
Download track via MBV
7. The Morning Benders “Excuses”
Another band who made must-see SXSW lists. They’re simple and sweet, even when the subject matter isn’t the easiest to digest: “We’ll still be best friends when all turns to dust.” From Big Echo, released earlier this month.
Download track via The Morning Benders
8. High on Fire “Frost Hammer”
What’s a music festival without a little metal? Someone’s gotta do the dirty work, and reportedly High on Fire delivered at SXSW. From their new album, Snakes of the Divine.
Download track via Brooklyn Vegan
9. Psalm One “Better than My Last”
Chicago rapper Psalm One is pushing to top herself on her forthcoming album, Women at Work. “I’m better than anything you have a taste for,” brags the first lady of Rhymesayers.
Download track via Psalm One
10. Tape Deck Mountain “Ghost Colony”
Busy, brooding cut from their debut full-length, Ghost, released last fall. No one’s exactly sure what it’s about, but there are a few nice peak moments toward the end.
Download track via Lefse Records
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