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AUSTIN, TX- I’ve seen High Waisted many times, and they never disappoint. The NYC surf rock band always brings the energy with their technicolor outfits, glittery guitar riffs, and sassy vocals. The Smartpunk Records showcase had just started, and there were only a few people near the indoor stage when the band walked on. Being the first band to go on is daunting at any showcase, but a 4 PM set time makes it even more challenging. As an artist myself, I know how hard it is to create energy when the audience is still trickling in—but High Waisted are experts in enthusiasm. The band famously used to host NYC boat parties called High Waisted at Sea, where partygoers danced until sunrise to their psychedelic dance rock.
The lead singer and founding member, Jessica Dye, is also known as a popular NYC DJ. On a typical Saturday night, you can find the rocker spinning sets at wild space cowboy soirées in Brooklyn or commanding the turntables for sweaty crowds on the Lower East Side. While High Waisted is a big heel turn from your typical dance music, their reputation as The Ultimate Party Band is ever-present in their stage show. The inside of the Empire Control Room was just waking up as I watched merch tables being adorned with band T-shirts and displays of vinyl records. This place needed a serious mood boost—and High Waisted was ready to give it to them.
The band walked onto the stage adorned in a rainbow ensemble. Dye wore the most magical red tutu dress that swung and bounced as she performed. Her mermaid-style rainbow hair tossed back and forth, captivating the eye. The rest of the band was covered in color and glitter, injecting a much-needed dose of fun into the sleepy venue. Their music evokes similar throwback bands like Shannon and the Clams, whom they’ve opened for many times. Their recordings hit all the right notes of glam, surf, and psychedelic rock—but you haven’t really experienced High Waisted until you’ve seen them live. Beyond the costumes, the band executes choreographed dance moves while keeping the crowd in the moment with them. Dye’s voice cuts through the rock ’n’ roll reverie with precision. Lead guitarist Dan Rico kept the cool going with his kitschy sunglasses and sleek riffs, while bassist Chloe Golding and drummer Connor Jones held down the groove with attitude.
Joy and celebration oozed through every moment of the performance. The group was a flurry of twinkly guitars, culminating with Dye standing over Rico in a power stance as he shredded while lying down on stage. High Waisted shows usually end in confetti floating through the air, but this time the confetti was merely sonic. Even in a dreary dive, the band would stop at nothing to get us to dance. They proved that no matter what kind of room you put them in, High Waisted is the party. We were all covered in glitter by the end—just as it should be.
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LIVE CLIPS
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ACTS WE CAUGHT AT SXSW!
High Waisted Light Up SXSW with Glitter, Grit, and Surf Rock Energy
