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.)

8763_2

8763_3

8763_4

8763_5

8763_6

8763_7

8763_8

8763_9

8763_10

8763_11

8763_12

8763_13

8763_14

8763_15

8763_16

8763_17

8763_18

8763_19

8763_20

8763_21

8763_22

8763_23

8763_24

8763_25

8763_26

8763_27

8763_28

8763_29

8763_30

8763_31

8763_32

8763_33

8763_34

8763_35

8763_36

8763_37

8763_38

8763_39

8763_40

8763_41

8763_42

8763_43

8763_44

8763_45

8763_46

8763_47

8763_48

8763_49

8763_50

No more articles