By Jon Blistein
The K’s and Cassia lead the lineup for Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music U.K.” showcase, taking place at the inaugural South by Southwest London festival next month.
The two-day event is scheduled for June 4 and 5 at Hoxton Hall in the Shoreditch neighborhood of London. The K’s — the Merseyside indie rock group set to release their second album, Pretty on the Internet, on June 27 — will headline opening night. And Cassia, the Afro-Caribbean-inspired indie pop trio who just dropped their new record Everyone, Outside, will top the bill on night two.
Night one will also feature performances from: Sister duo Baby Said; dream rockers Shambolics; and the Leeds-based alternative outfit the Kites. Two groups from Nottingham will also take the stage, the self-described “post-something” outfit Cucamaras, and the punk trio Girlband!
As for night two, Cassia will be joined by “chaotic pop papi” Bentley Robles; singer-songwriter Charlotte OC; shoegazers Salvana; London trio Stay in Nothing; and Wigan-based indie four-piece the Lilacs.
As a press release notes, the Future of Music U.K. showcase aims to replicate the mission of its U.S.-based counterpart, which has become a staple of SXSW in Austin over the past few years: “To champion what’s new and what’s next in music.”
All SXSW London Platinum Pass or Music Festival wristband holders will have access to the showcase. Additional details on how to attend are available on the festival’s website.
Along with the “Future of Music U.K.” showcase, SXSW London will feature several different music series across various genres, including “The House of R&B,” “Caribbean Music House,” and the “Future of Classical Music Series.” There will also be a handful of showcases spotlighting queer artists, including “Queer Alt Music” and “Wraith,” while venues like Village Underground and XOYO will highlight electronic from around the world.
(Note: In 2021, Rolling Stone’s parent company, P-MRC, acquired a 50 percent stake in the SXSW festival.)
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