Crayon Pop @ 2015 SXSW KPop Night Out K-POP NIGHT OUT DELIGHTS AND SURPRISES AT SXSW 2015
Now in its third year, the Korean pop showcase has solidified its place as one of Austin's best events

For many American pop fans, entry into K-pop came last year when Lady Gaga invited girl group Crayon Pop to open her Artpop Tour after the diva made a very surprise appearance at SXSW 2014's K-Pop Night Out showcase. But for the superfans, Gaga was late to the party.

This became evident at last night's K-Pop Night Out showcase. Now in its third year, the event has grown exponentially in both excitement and notoriety. The gig was scheduled to start at 7:30PM, and by 4 there were dozens of kids (many in costume) lining the outside walls of Elysium club, looping down the following block.

EE @ 2015 SXSW KPop Night Out
The dedication and fandom was anything but misguided. When DJ/robot/possibly-not-human Hitchhiker took the stage to perform "11" as part of his debut live performance, the crowd exploded into something akin to a Skrillex gig, except inside a video game: Flashes, lasers, smoke machines, screens with Web 2.0 graphics that would make every net artist jealous.

Next were Gaga's beloved Crayon Pop, all decked out in matching latex/almost Power Ranger-esque costumes. Their look has evolved since their smash, "Bar Bar Bar," with the ladies heading in for a more mature direction...meaning they're superheroes now. Their choreography was phenomenal, as well. If these girls know anything, it's how to entertain.

Epik High closed out the night, bringing Korean hip hop to the stage around 1AM. They're one of the biggest acts of their genre, and that became apparent the minute they uttered their first words. They were tight, un-intimidating, and it was a true delight to watch those new and unfamiliar with Korea's popular music almost gasp in the afterglow. It was a change of pace from the usual secret-guest buzz-band cynicism that plagues many SXSW attendees, and an exciting one at that.

FUSE FINDS - OUR 10 FAVORITE MUSICAL DISCOVERIES AT SXSW 2015 : #2 HITCHHIKER


This list wouldn't be a discovery list without some K-pop. Hitchhiker was a delirious delight. When the DJ/robot/possibly-non-human took the stage at K-Pop's Night Out, doing so in true EDM fashion. It was a never ending stampede of flashes, lasers and smoke machines, a truly modern club performance (with killer tunes to boot).

18 BEST MOMENTS OF SXSW 2015 : #3 EPIK HIGH


Headliners Epik High closed out the third annual K-Pop Night Out showcase on Thursday evening, bringing Korean hip hop to Austin around 1AM. They're one of the biggest acts of their genre, and that became apparent the minute they uttered their first words. It was a true thrill to watch newbies to Korean popular music almost gasping in the afterglow.

18 BEST MOMENTS OF SXSW 2015 : #8 CRAYON POP


K-pop girl group Crayon Pop co-headlined K-Pop Night Out, all decked out in matching latex costumes. Their look has evolved since their viral smash "Bar Bar Bar," with the ladies opting for a more matured sensibility. Their choreography was impeccable, as if someone measured each inch of their arm extensions with a ruler.

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By Maria Sherman (Photos by Waytao Shing/Getty Images)

2015 KOCCA KPop Night Out Showcase (Planning/Production/Promotions) : DFSB Kollective x SL Communications
International Digital Distribution : DFSB Kollective (EE / Eastern Sidekick)