NEON GOLD SXSW 2012.

It's that time of year again, and after packed out showcases at SXSW 2010 and 2011, we're back with another barnburner for you with our 2012 official showcase. Wrapping up our inaugural Neon Gold Tour at SXSW will be St. Lucia, Savoir Adore and our showcase headliners The Knocks, joined by fellow Neon Gold alums Polarsets and ANR, and the next big things of tomorrow in Brooklyn's Fort Lean and Los Angeles' HAIM. The whole thing's going down at Karma Lounge, just steps from the 6th Street and the epicenter of SXSW at 105 East 5th Street between Congress and Brazos. As per usual, it's 21+ with free entry to those with official SX badges on a first come, first serve basis, so come out early as space is limited and this is going to be a night to remember. Set times and MP3's below - see you in Texas, friends.

07:00pm: ANR // STREAM: "It's Around You"


08:00pm: HAIM // STREAM: "Better Off"


09:00pm: Fort Lean // STREAM: "Sunsick"


10:00pm: Savoir Adore // DOWNLOAD: "Dreamers"


11:00pm: St. Lucia // STREAM: "Before The Dive"


12:00am: The Knocks // STREAM: "R.O.Y.L."


01:00am: Polarsets // DOWNLOAD: "Leave Argentina"

TIRED OF FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT.

And just like that SXSW is upon us again, but before we go ahead and tell you about everything we've got going on down there, we'd like to introduce you to our pick for breakout stardom in Austin this year. Calling it now, in two weeks time, the name on everyone's lips will be that of HAIM. Born and raised in the City of Angels, the sisters Haim sound like the precocious daughters of Stevie Nicks, reared on the '90s sass of Destiny's Child, with the modern bite of Friends. We've had their debut EP Forever on infinite loop since its modest release last month, and the west coast trio are quickly establishing themselves as one of the most promising new bands in the country.

There's not a misstep or weak moment in sight on Forever, but it's the immaculate title track that's truly heatseeking pop at its finest, an understated anthem for a generation. The gloriously percussive intro paves the way for Danielle Haim's tightly knit melodies to stretch out under unshakable palms, as those blissful girl group harmonies (harmonies for days y'all) and a blistering bassline converge to give you a fleeting taste of immortality. When the claps announce themselves in the last gasp final refrain and spring-loaded synths cut through the mix like diamonds, it's clear we've got a band with boundless potential on our hands. A&R's who caught the sisters' lone CMJ play last fall gushed that they were the best live act of the week (and any that missed it lied to their bosses and said the same), so don't get caught sleeping next week. We'll be bringing you two opportunities to see them down in Texas (and in NYC later this spring), so stay tuned and watch this space.

MP3: "Forever" - HAIM

GOLD033: ST. LUCIA

St. Lucia is one of those names that effortlessly rolls off our tongue when playing favorites, and we're over the moon to have him on the Neon Gold team full time as our first ever albums signing. How could we not be, when he's responsible for songs that so joyously melt in your mouth and taste like an intercontinental blend of tropical electro and nostalgic pop. Long story short, St. Lucia plays the soundtrack to our dreams, and we're pretty fucking ecstatic to unveil his debut album later this year. For now though, we're here to talk about the debut EP, both a primer for what's to come and a continued study in perfecting the 21st century pop anthem. It's a life-affirming affair that made us realize just how much he really struck a chord deep in our heart of hearts. Relax, your permanent vacation officially starts now.

You already know the picture-perfect "We Got It Wrong", a seductive thief in the night that steals your breath away from your singing-along lips on the opening track. This segues into a one-two knockout of "This Old House Is Gone" and "All Eyes On You",the two trascendent summer staples that sparked this whole not-so-secret affair. Then it's "Before The Dive" coming out of nowhere as yet another single-worthy smash to remember, bursting at the seams with infectious piano chords, overachieving hooks and handholding harmonies. "Paper Heart" brings us to the twilight of the EP as it unfolds into an ethereal catharsis, before the blissful 80's pop of curtain call ballad "Closer Than This" marks the EP's conclusion, an ellipsis before the exclamation point of St. L's debut album later this year.

The digital version of the EP drops March 6th on iTunes and all other digital retailers worth their salt, with the physical 10" vinyl release to follow on March 27th. Mark your calendars, friends, and head over to the Neon Gold Shop to preorder your vinyl NOW. In the meantime, stream the entire EP below and get involved with the debut music video for epic crowdpleaser, "We Got It Wrong".

DOWNLOAD: "We Got It Wrong" - St. Lucia