Cory Graves
Maren Morris Was Quite The Hero This Week.
Each week, we take a survey of the local music scene and try to determine which acts in town are really putting in work and seeing it pay off. Which bands have the most intriguing shows coming up? Which bands are getting the most press around town? Which bands have accomplished the most notable feats of late? Based off these criteria, our music writers submit a list to be weighted and compiled into a master list revealed each week in this here space. We like to think it's fairly revealing. Check out our previous Buzz Rankings here.
A year ago, the world watched Leon Bridges get famous in real time during a performance at the Spotify House at SXSW. Now, following a performance at that same locale this year, Maren Morris has too earned herself a fair amount of buzz. And that buzz should only continue to pick up steam in the coming weeks as she preps for the summer release of her debut album, Hero, and heads out on the road with Keith Urban.
All of that is to say that, like her fellow Columbia labelmate Mr. Bridges, we expect Morris to top our weekly, local music power rankings several more times this year. Still, this being her first-ever Buzz No. 1, it'll probably be a while until she matches Leon's ridiculous 21 such feats. Also, in a somewhat interesting note, this week marks the fourth straight week that a female has topped this list.
Also of note: Morris was far from the only country artist on the list this week. Just behind her were the Old 97's, who are currently in the studio working on album No. 11. In the meantime, a charity tribute album of 97's tunes earned its release this week. And just a few slots below them was Pat Green, who sold out his Rustic venue for a big St. Pat's concert.
Other big shows this week include: a trio of Astronautalis gigs; Spillover Fest, which features Sealion, Power Trip, Future Punx and True Widow; Zhora, The Roomsounds and others celebrating Three Links' third anniversary; Mind Spiders celebrating the release of its fourth album at Double Wide last weekend; and Decadent Dub Team playing a reunion gig this weekend.
Television was also a big player. For one, ol' Leon showed up on The Today Show. Meanwhile, Dalton Rapattoni continues his impressive run on the final season of American Idol tonight.
Elsewhere: Erykah Badu played some high profile SXSW gigs; Kelly Clarkson sang with FLOTUS; Marathons & Unicorns made its debut; Taylor Effin Cleveland faked his death; and Son of Stan released a kickass new video.
(Also receiving votes: The World Famous Tony Williams, Jack Kerowax, Post Malone, Wizards of Gore, AV The Great, Parquet Courts, Allie Farris, Relick, Andy Meadows, The Rocket Summer, Joe Gorgeous, Kirk Thurmond & The Millennials, Street Arabs, Cozy Hawks, G.U.N., 88 Killa, Pageantry, Somebody's Darling, Pearl Earl, Ishi, Granger Smith, From Parts Unknown, Edie Brickell, Spinderella, Kim Nall & the Fringe, Fat Boogie, Little Image, Pale Dian, Bummer Vacation, Quaker City Night Hawks, Classic Cult, BeMyFiasco, Color TV, Dezi 5, DJ Whiz T and Dome Dwellers.)
