As many of you may know, Tuesday night kicked off South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and concert’s music events in Austin. Even though we were unable to attend this year, we still love hearing about all the exciting new artists that come out of the festival. Last night, the LA Times reported that heads turned at one of the SXSW concerts, and HABITUAL was so excited to hear that one of our favorite new bands that grabbed everyone’s attention. From Athens, Alabama, the band Alabama Shakes followed the talented Fiona Apple’s performance for an amazing performance that surely impressed a crowd of 2,000.

We love the blues-y, old, soulful feel in each song, and we especially love the band’s story. Before the band formed, the lead singer, Brittany Howard, used to deliver mail, while the drummer used to check for radiation leaks.  We cannot wait for their album debut in April 10 – until then we will put our favorite songs, “Hold On” and “Boys and Girls,” on repeat in our offices.

We are eagerly counting down the days to South by Southwest 2011.  It’s less than a month away!  In anticipation, here is a great little video from Grace Potter, who performed at the festival last year:

It’s so refreshing to hear music with no studio adjustments, no editing, and no Auto-Tune.  Just some guitars, pill bottles, ice buckets, and raw talent!  At SXSW, it’s not unheard of to hear bands play music in random hotel rooms, in parking lots, or even in the trees.  The music festival runs from March 15 to March 20, but SXSW is actually a full week of events, including a tech conference and a Film Festival. We are hoping they add a fashion trade show so we can have an excuse to go every year.