I admit it. The hipster music schedule went out the window tonight. SXSW has so many genres of music to choose from for shows that it’s the old 'kid in the candy store' syndrome. Rumblings of a record company shindig with Steve Earle swirled on twitter, sparking my interest.
Some of the best times to see a show at SXSW are the day parties where early slots bring in smaller crowds and somewhat more coherent bands. Scouring the day party line-ups for diamonds in the rough, The Orwells and Bleached immediately popped up on my radar at the Scoot Inn starting at 1pm. Grabbing a pedicab, I take in the early afternoon sunshine and shake off my fogginess from the debauchery encountered the night before.
It's that time of the year again when every musician on the face of the earth starts a tour that includes multiple dates at the Mecca of independent music festivals South by Southwest (SXSW). Over 2,000 bands and counting descend upon Austin, Texas for six days of music, food and unabashed market branding. Indie bands on giant Dorito stages. Homeless people used as Wi-Fi hot spots. It's like the Super Bowl of viral DIY marketing except somehow corporate America has invited themselves to the party. This will be our fourth SXSW and we've developed enough of a track record to pass along some survival tips.
We need more Wisconsin music in Austin, Texas! The first annual SXWI day party commenced in Austin on St. Patrick’s day during the South by Southwest music festival. Fueled by a collective of Wisconsin musicians, bloggers, promoters and creatives the event showcased the state’s progressive culture and music. In addition, a complimentary flow of Wisconsin microbrew and mouth watering brats kept the crowd’s energy level intact.
Middle Brother = John McCauley of Deer Tick, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes & Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit. Check out the soaring harmonies of 'Daydreaming' from their first performance at the Ale House in Austin, Texas during SXSW.
Band of Horses 'The General Specific' at SXSW 2010