Who Could Be the Breakout Acts at SXSW 2015?

Skepta might have the most to gain of any artist at SXSW. The vast majority of the other hyped artists at SXSW have at least performed in various major American cities, sometimes multiple times, and although Skepta has performed in NY a few times, those shows have been filled with the fans and grime heads more than the all new audience that will be in Austin. There's a buzz building around Skepta thanks to "That's Not Me," "It Ain't Safe," Shutdown," and those Drake and Kanye co-signs, but to most American music fans, he is still an unknown quantity.

Skepta might want grime to be accepted as just just another style or rap, but the raw energy and power of his MCing is going to blow some minds.The live setting is where grime flourishes, and any rave Skepta touches at SXSW? Shutdown.

Before I saw her live, I already liked Tove Styrke. She carries on Sweden's tradition of excellent pop music, and she's got a fresh energy that comes across in everything she makes. But when she came to perform in New York City, I fell in love. Her energy is magnified, and Tove carries herself in a way that makes it impossible not to smile throughout the show. She's fun, a little weird (in a good way—think MØ, Grimes, Björk), and totally captivating. If you're not already won over, catch Tove Styrke live at SXSW.

When we had Chaz French perform at our second No Ceilings show in New York City, we didn't know what to expect. None of us had ever seen the DC native before, and we didn't know if his live show could match the energy of his music. Simply put, he blew us all away. The energy was insane, and those who came unfamiliar left as fans.

Leon Bridges is a Texas native, so it's fitting that SXSW will be the first time so many new fans will get a chance to see him live. Just a couple of songs got him a record deal with Columbia and a lot of attention (including that of Jessie Ware), but his career is still in the very early stages. SXSW could be a big step. Among a crowd of trendy newcomers, Leon will stand out with his classic sound and retro style.

Los Angeles rapper Boogie is finally getting some of the attention he deserves, but still nowhere near the amount he should be getting based on his Thirst 48 mixtape. There are plenty of other more hyped rappers with big-name co-signs and buzzing hit singles, which is why SXSW is a chance for Boogie to surprise people. Dude can rap his ass off, and we have a feeling he's going to catch some unsuspecting Austin visitors off guard.

First there was the blog buzz, then the signing, then the official singles, some live shows and suddenly here we are. Tobias Jesso Jr. has performed on the Tonight Show, worked with Ariel Rechtshaid, Danielle Haim, and Patrick Carney, and will head to SXSW having just released his debut album Goon. His music is timeless, personal, and intimate, the kind of stuff that should work perfectly in the live setting. If he plays his cards right, Tobias could leave Austin having won over a whole new set of fans.

French Cuban twin sisters Naomi and Lisa-Kainde Diaz have moved quickly since signing to XL Recordings in summer of 2014, releasing their self-titled debut album in February. Just watch any of the many live videos of Ibeyi that are online and it will become clear that they are formidable performers, bringing their beautiful, magical songs—which have lyrics in both English and Yoruba—to life. You don't go to an Ibeyi show to turn up, you go to be mesmerized, and fall in love with these two talented artists.

Vic Mensa isn't a new artist, and those who have been following his ascent or seen him live will already know that any extra attention he's getting after featuring on "Wolves" and performing on SNL with Kanye is well deserved. Whereas his shows would normally be packed with his own fans, screaming back every word to his songs, there will now be a whole new group of people who want to check out Kanye's latest collaborator. With his live experience and energy, he's likely to blow them away, and low-key benefit a whole bunch from SXSW.

Plus, Kanye's going to be in Austin, and if he comes out to perform "Wolves" with Vic? Game over.

Sometimes, it's all about timing. For Tei Shi, the timing is right. She's already got the critical acclaim, the web attention, and the respect of fellow artists, but her rise has been slow and steady. There was no viral marketing plan or random chart-topping hit. Tei Shi has built the foundation for a long-term career, and now that it's set, SXSW 2015 is the right setting to further establish herself as not just an artist, but a performer.

Mick Jenkins had one of the best albums of last year with his brilliant The Water[s] mixtape, but he's been fairly quiet since then. There have been new songs here and there, but it feels like Jenkins could be building up to something big. Representing Chicago, but coming with his own unique style that goes from hypnotic and personal to angry and political, Jenkins can take things to the next level with a few more big songs and some more killer live performances.

Plus, he's playing at our SXSW Hype Hotel show, so you already know it's going to lit.

For rising artists at SXSW, being from another country can be an advantage. London's Jack Garratt has plenty of experience touring in Europe, so when SXSW visitors catch him live for the first time, they're seeing a performance that's been practiced and fine-tuned more than a lot of American artists. For the U.S. artists, fans have probably already seen them live—and if they haven't, it's because SXSW is one of their first shows. And first shows can always be a little shaky. Based on what we've seen and heard, Jack Garratt's live show will undoubtedly impress. Don't miss him.