Curtis McMurtry writes songs about villains that believe they are victims. Influenced by Fiona Apple, Billy Strayhorn and Leonard Cohen, Curtis' music combines sinister lyrics with lush, unconventional arrangements. His first solo album Respectable Enemy was released in August 2014, and drew comparisons to Calexico and John Fullbright. His sophomore album The Hornet's Nest was released in February 2017, and continues to garner critical acclaim. Curtis' music has been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition, and his song "Wrong Inflection" was included in the soundtrack for comedian Tig Notaro's Amazon Prime series One Mississippi.

Curtis McMurtry will be performing at SXSW as a a trio with cellist Diana Burgess (of Mother Falcon) and upright bassist Taylor Turner (of Batty Jr.)

"Backed by a stand-up bass, cello and occasionally a horn section, Curtis McMurtry epitomizes the catch-all nature of Americana" - Rollingstone.com

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]