Boston’s own André Obin is poised to be the synth-pop artist to watch at SXSW this year. Obin is releasing his debut full-length in March with NYC’s Sky Council Recordings. 'The Arsonist' will follow EPs released under European labels Trouw, Mina, and Klopfgeist. In mid-November, Boston label Vanya Records and other friends of Obin came together when he was the victim of an electrical fire that destroyed possessions and equipment at his Somerville, MA apartment. The compilation Friends of Andre was released on bandcamp for a $10 donation with 18 tracks from Boston artists including M|O|O|N and the New Highway Hymnal. Clearly, he is loved at home and overseas for his unique take on electronic music – his sounds could come from speakers at a euro-dance club or a laptop at your own private dance party. Queue up his soundcloud and listen to the many remixes that have been spawned from his music and you’ll start to understand why this artist and DJ is hyped to breakout this spring. - Hillary Anderson