The Recording Academy's Texas Chapter brought the party to SXSW again this year, drawing hundreds of music industry professionals to its annual block party. Held under a twinkle-lit tree canopy at the Four Seasons Austin, the March 15 event was filled with great conversations and a diverse array of musical acts.
The Four Seasons was turned into a gorgeous Recording Academy soiree from their floral-covered signature gramophone statue to the buffet of delicious bites. Guests lined up to show off their amazing fits on the blue carpet, where they each got a moment to feel like a superstar.
Alongside all the mingling and networking, the Mechanical Licensing Collective — a nonprofit that aims to make sure songwriters, composers, lyricists and publishers receive their royalties — educated attendees on the strides they’re making in the industry. Their presence demonstrated how the Texas Chapter, and the Recording Academy at large, are invested in advocacy efforts for a variety of music industry professionals.
Bands took to the stage throughout the night, beginning with Houst-Orleanian artist Sugar Joiko, who opened up the night with a soulful set. Dakota Cohen — a student at Berklee College of Music, was the winner of the national GRAMMY U Texas Chapter Block Party Performer Contest — followed with her signature pop-funk sounds. She brought all five members of her band to represent all of GRAMMY U, and together the band wowed the audience with their electric performance.
GRAMMY-nominated singer Lupita Infante also performed, and her powerful vocals spiced up the night. She is well-known for bringing her modern twists to traditional Mexican music, and never fails to bring the house down with an unforgettable set. Eight-piece group the Superfonicos wrapped up the night with their danceable Colombian funk/caribe soul set.
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