Texas primaries mostly sorted themselves out on Tuesday, but a week later, a whole other crop of hopefuls flood the Lone Star landscape. Tuesday night SXSW showcases traditionally lean on local talent, and gals (Akina Adderly, Amy Cook, Dana Falconberry, Ume) to guys (Nakia, Quiet Company, Zorch), that holds true here. Pick through our handicapping, however, and an international vein pops out beyond showcases for Chile, Korea, and the Netherlands. (Okay, throw Oklahoma in there, as well). UK buzz acts (Syd Arthur), Aussie breakouts (the Preatures), and Istanbul rockers (Gripin) try to elbow out some room alongside more traditional stateside acts like L.A. diva Madi Diaz. Only by getting out the rock will your voice be heard.

This article appears in March 7 • 2014.

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San Francisco native Raoul Hernandez crossed the border into Texas on July 2, 1992, and began writing about music for the Chronicle that fall, debuting with an album review of Keith Richards’ Main Offender. By virtue of local show previews – first “Recommendeds,” now calendar picks – his writing’s appeared in almost every issue since 1993.