The Young and Restless

Photo by Shelley Hiam

Little Lo

Tuesday, March 13, 9pm, Trinity Hall

"I just told my mom that we're official showcasing artists at South by Southwest for the first time," says Stephanie Groudle, violinist of Little Lo. "She was so proud, and reminisced about dropping me off to volunteer at the Festival just a few years ago. I was so stoked to be a part of the Festival, and now I'm playing officially.

"It never dawned on me that I'd get to do this!"

The excitement within Little Lo almost rivals the excitement of its audiences. These young locals have been sweeping Austin with their lush indie rock. Featuring dual male-female vocals, a folk tinge, and complex instrumentation, Little Lo's hitting on all cylinders.

"We've gone on tours of the East and West Coast, and it's really nice to get out and play music for other people," says singer/guitarist Ryan McGill. "It's inspirational for songwriting to realize that people who live more than 50 miles away from you will hear your songs."

Bigger fan bases aside, the local sixpiece knows there's no place like home.

"It's amazing just to be part of the Austin scene right now," enthuses saxophonist Ian Rogers. "Seeing other bands in Austin pushes me to be better. Moving here has made me become the musician that I never thought I could be."

Indeed, while none of the members of Little Lo are native Austinites, they all feel very passionate about the city. "We're extremely grateful to have Austin as a home, and there's no other city I'd rather play music in," says McGill.

Post-SXSW plans include recording a 7-inch single, but for now, the band is focused on making the most of the Fest.

"I want to see all the people and music, and meet everyone," says Rogers. "South by Southwest is so exciting –the hustle and bustle of the music industry, art, and everything meets in this tiny area. It's so fun to go and just immerse yourself in all of it!"

Rogers pauses and grins before continuing.

"I'm excited to pretend I'm famous for a week."