At this year’s Austin-based SXSW festival, Qobuz will host a day show with four outstanding artists: Allegra Krieger, Cosmo Pyke, Sinkane and Maria Chiara Argirò. The show is hosted at the KMFA Event Space from 12-5 PM CST on March 15.
Allegra Krieger’s songs mix brilliant lyrics and slightly off-kilter instrumentation. The Brooklyn folk songwriter can make magic of the mundane—and vice versa—in a way that never feels boring or loaded with forced meaning. It’s a bruised, attentive and often joyous look at everyday living.
UK singer-songwriter Cosmo Pyke writes songs that wander through genres carefully. You’ll find several recognizable patterns in any release but each one dissolves into the others to create evocative atmospheres. The choices show off Pyke’s abilities—whether he’s rapping a verse or singing over building reggae and soul riffs—with simple, elegant flair.
Sinkane’s soulful, funky songs are written with fun in mind. Led by Sudanese-American Ahmed Gallab, a rhythmic polymath whose ever-changing styles create background rumbles conducive to the dancing and laughter surrounding their live shows, Sinkane’s songs often deal with serious subject matter in the most delightful way possible. It’s living proof that no matter the obstacle, we can face it with joy.
Originally from Italy but now based in London, Maria Chiara Argirò's early work built ambient soundscapes with swirling electropop dalliances whereas her new material brings the pop to the foreground. In either case, Argiró's mastery is limitless—often her voice blends with the background noise to create a lasting, melancholic contentment. These are still pop songs, but ones with a personality beyond the production.
If you aren’t a badge holder, these live sessions will be recorded directly to 24-bit Hi-Res audio for exclusive release on Qobuz.