Each year, SXSW gives dozens of international artists their first real stateside exposure. Their names generally are unfamiliar to all but the most plugged-in indie music fans, but for a lucky few that can change after a 50-minute showcase that manages to pique the curiosity of the right people.

I've had the chance to spend some time researching and talking to a few of the European bands heading to Austin this spring. I've really been impressed with one particular artist from Spain: Remate.

A classically-trained pianist who studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and writes his songs in English, Remate isn't your average guitar-toting troubadour. But he is a wonderfully literate singer and songwriter critics have compared to fellow alt-folkies Devendra Banhart and Sufjan Stevens.

The Sunday Times and NME are just a few of the publications that have touted his 2-disc, 25-song No Land Recordings, released in the UK just last month on Acuarela Records.

I highly recommend checking out Remate's music. I definitely plan to be in attendance at his SXSW showcase. And if he's lucky, so will some influential tastemakers and A&R scouts.