Oklahoma artists feel the benefits of playing SXSW Buffalo Lounge

“It was all love, man,” Jabee said about the response to his showcase. “Not just from the people from Oklahoma who were there, but also people off the street and people who know who I am from outside of Oklahoma City. For somebody like me, to be able to come to a festival like this with all kind of rappers and all kind of bands, it’s just a blessing.”

Like Brave, there are real stakes involved for Jabee. On March 23, he will release “Stephanie,” a single with prominent alternative rapper El-P. On the eve of releasing “Stephanie,” Jabee said the level of exposure he gets at the Buffalo Lounge and two other showcases he will play this week cannot be bought.

“I’ve been networking, passing out information and spreading the word,” Jabee said. “Just being with more people, playing for more people.”

Brave, who has been writing and recording since she was 13, said she was pleased with how the Buffalo Lounge crowd responded and has high hopes that it will lead to more people hearing her songs.

“I have no idea where it’s going to take me,” she said. “But all I want is to enjoy music and have other people enjoy what I do onstage. I really just want to be able to play more shows.”
– George Lang