SPIN and artist support platform Tipify joined forces last month during SXSW week to champion fourteen emerging artists. The twelve hour music showcase, held March 13th at The Courtyard ATX, was the culmination of “Road To Austin,” a new discovery program designed to spotlight rising independent talent.
From the soulful tones of Smooth Nature to the Britpop inspired ‘90s roar of DAIISTAR, the “Road To Austin” showcase lineup was as exhilarating as it was sonically diverse. Highlights were plentiful, including a high-energy, smoke-machine augmented set by NYC electronic rockers Turbo Goth, and a captivating performance by Brooklyn’s own Belle Blue, who donned a bloody hospital gown.
The night’s big surprise came when Atlanta-based blues stalwart Buddy Red was joined by his band mid-set after they showed up late. And the raw energy of Flight By Night closed out the evening in epic fashion, with a huge crowd and the impromptu accompaniment of a fan on bongos.
Acts submitted music through a dedicated SPIN x Tipify platform page, with the chosen twelve tapped to play the showcase. The multi-week initiative was driven by editorial curation, with both teams using a merit-based, selection process. Sidestepping hype cycles and popularity contests, the program mirrored SPIN’s long-standing tastemaker role while highlighting Tipify’s model of direct fan support as a path toward sustainable artist careers.
“We’re trying to pave our own way,” says Luke Hoffman, guitarist for Philly rockers American Vanity. “That’s where Tipify comes in. You get your real supporters. People that are the fans.”
“We built Tipify because we believe the people who love music most should be able to play a meaningful role in supporting the artists behind the music,” says founder Dan Carucci, MD, PhD. “Tipify exists to give fans a seat at the table and artists the support they deserve.”
In addition to the aforementioned, Tipify x Spin’s “Road To Austin” also gave the spotlight to Connecticut indie rockers Kids That Fly, Texas blues standout Lindsay Beaver, Americana artist Jim Evans, dreamy local alt rockers Moving Panoramas, visionary performer Quentin, Nashville-based indie folk singer Stella Prince and bedroom pop duo Sum Sun.
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.
