Mark Mallman

The promise of free beer can lead even the most discerning of SXSWers to showcases unplanned. Though the (free) beer didn't pan out, the happy accident of discovering Mark Mallman sure did. Whether riding his keyboard like an untamed pony and lassoing a fan with his mic chord or exuding the sheer passion and energy that belied what was actually on stage (it was just him and former Willy Wisely Trio drummer Peter Anderson), Mallman delivered the wild'n'crazy goods. Sounding at times like what would happen if Elton John penned a lost track for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, "Mr. Serious” (as he calls himself, tongue obviously in cheek) has all the workings of next year's SXSW buzz band.