FLOODfest SXSW 2016, Wednesday

After yesterday’s Austin, Texas, warm up, we were ready to go all out for our first day of FLOODfest at SXSW 2016. Things kicked off with free breakfast tacos and some of the best music that the Netherlands can offer. The Dutch Impact mini-showcase featured Amber Arcades, PAUW, and Eerie Wanda welcoming SXSW-goers to Cedar Street Courtyard with their guitar-driven brand of indie-rock. The intense heatwave from yesterday had moved on and people were ready and willing to dance the afternoon away.

Once the Dutch Impact showcase ended, LA’s own Deap Vally took the stage for Julie’s first performance back after having a baby. The duo ran through a short and sweet set of their blues-infused rock while wearing matching neon outfits. The synchronized looks continued when English alt-rock quartet Everything Everything all wore red and orange jackets when playing to the packed courtyard crowd. It was almost as if the United Kingdom had its own mini-showcase today because English trio HÆLOS and Londoners Pumarosa followed their fellow countrymen with their signature brooding synth and pop sounds. The Heavy closed the day out with mega-hits like “How You Like Me Now?” and a ton of audience participation.

Sunset signaled the start of FLOODfest’s first night which was once again ignited by a fiery set by Dutch duo ZZZ. Sevdaliza busted out her R&B grooves for the after-dark crowd, while the synth-drenched melodies of Transviolet washed over all of Cedar Street Courtyard. By the time Peaches took the stage, playing now-classic hits like “Fuck the Pain Away” and new gems from 2015’s Rub, the near-capacity audience was more than happy to move with the music. All there was left to do was dance to MSTRKRFT‘s intense set and wander on home.

Special thanks to DTS, Serato Pyro (which you can download here), Ernie Ball, Haufe, and Sailor Jerry.

Below, check out photos from morning, afternoon, and night at FLOODfest, courtesy of Rozette Rago.

SXSW 2016 coverage: Wednesday ⋅ Thursday ⋅ Friday ⋅ Saturday ⋅ The Portraits

FLOODfest Day One

FLOODfest Night One