It's been several months since I last laid ears upon Ava Luna in our fair city. Their off-kilter rhythms, white-boy soul and gorgeous harmonies charmed my pants off the last time I saw them and if you haven't seen them perform live then tomorrow night is the perfect opportunity. Austin has a new non-venue, venue that's in a warehouse on the east-side. The Museum of Human Achievement is a communal artist space, rehearsal room and a great place to throw a party. In other words this event is somewhat on the low. For all intents and purposes Ava Luna is playing a warehouse-party. You can bring your own booze but don't get too cray y'all! We want to be able to enjoy this space at least through SXSW and the sooner "the man" finds out about this off-the-grid fun it's over. Since this isn't an official concert, there aren't true "tickets" however you can throw some cash down in advance to be a part of the party. I recommend you get your Eventbrite ticket now because the price goes up tomorrow.
Ava Luna - Ice Level video via YouTube Ava Luna is based in Brooklyn and their latest LP is called, Ice Level. The title track was one of my favorite songs of 2012. Their sound is something like Dirty Projectors with more accessibility and more overt R&B influences. They are a 7-piece band that usually tours with 3+ singers who are soulful and incredibly on point.
Los Angeles-based indie-pop band Princeton make music, which is nothing short of adorable. Their sound is twee, precious and clever with simple, catchy melodies that you'll be humming days after hearing. Their debut LP was released in 2009 and they toured extensively to support it with other, higher-profile indie-pop acts like Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot.
This year's trip to SXSW is to support their sophomore album, Rememberance of Things to Come, which will be released on February 21st. Since their first album was released, Princeton have released a series of singles including To the Alps/The Electrician, and Florida. The song The Electrician features another Bloggy-favorite artist Active Child. You can listen to all of these singles now on Spotify and find lots of other songs and remixes on Soundcloud. Also, if you pre-order the upcoming LP from Princeton on vinyl you'll receive the 7" for To the Alps as part of your order and of course the digital download codes will also be included. It costs $20 in total to order these things and have them shipped to Austin.
Princeton - To the Alps video via YouTube
At SXSW, I'd expect to find Princeton at showcases hosted by Solid Gold and/or Hit City U.S.A.. I'm not sure if one or both of these entities will be hosting official showcases but I would expect at least one them is. Since Princeton is based in L.A. you might also find them at some day-parties hosted by other Los Angeleans. Keep an eye on the official SXSW music page for official listings and Show List Austin or Do512 for all unofficial festivities.
I know there are several weeks to go but with the volume of bands playing SXSW, I'm starting my highlights now. The first band I want you to keep an eye on for SXSW 2012 is Hospitality. This Brooklyn-based, indie-pop trio released their debut LP on Merge Records last week but you can also listen to it on Spotify. It features almost child-like female vocals that I find really endearing with pleasant melodies and a jangliness that I always adore. The album, as a whole, is roughly 30 minutes of pop perfection. An excellent soundtrack to a lazy afternoon in the sun or a pleasant Mimosa morning. I expect the live experience to be a guitar-fueled sugar-rush and I can't wait.
Hospitality - Friends of Friends video via YouTube
The problem with doing these preview posts so early is, as of the moment I'm writing this the official schedule isn't out yet. Also, most of the parties have not been announced so I can't really tell you when and where to catch Hospitality at SXSW 2012. I can tell you that typically the Merge Records showcase happens at the Parish on Thursday or Friday night so, keep an eye out for that. For the possibility of catching Hospitality at an unofficial event just scour Show List Austin, Do512 or SXShhh.
In the meantime, you should pick up Hospitality's debut or at least give it a few spins on Spotify. Mr. S. and I listened to it so much during its preview on Spotify that when it came out we just picked it up on vinyl. If that's your preferred method, and you're in Austin don't forget End of an Ear gives 10% off if you have a Go Local card.
For the record, the above track is from Hospitality's debut EP, not the self-titled LP.
Well folks it's officially February, which means it's time to start thinking about/planning/freaking out about SXSW 2012. If you're an Austin resident then you should stop reading this for a moment and buy a wristband while you still can. The first batch at the deepest discount have already sold-out so now is your chance to get one for $175. After this 2nd batch of 2000 wristbands is sold-out, which will probably happen TODAY, the price will exceed $200. So, don't hesitate now is the time. By the way, before we get too much further I should clarify that this post is about the music side of SXSW, while some of the information relates to the Film and Interactive portions as well, I am focused on SXSW music.
Anyway, for those of you who prefer to experience all of the unofficial festivities that have become the parasitic leech of the true festival don't sweat it, there is a still a lot for you to do. However, if you want all of that free-ness you're going to have to work for it. I have already received an e-mail from Lacy Maxwell Productions, they are the production company who puts together the Levi's Fader Fort by Fiat. So, you know that will be going down. I don't know who will be there or when you can RSVP but when you can, you should. The best way to stay on top of that is to sign-up for the Fader Eventse-mail list. There's also, typically, two events hosted by Filter Magazine and at least one hosted by the Hype Machine. Truthfully, there are a billion parties and if you want the free, corporately-sponsored booze you have to RSVP due to some crazy Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission law. Don't ask me, I just work here. I've got some suggestions for how to battle the never-ending parties and other helpful tips below the break. For now, enjoy this great video from one of my favorite Austin artists playing SXSW 2012.
Love Inks - Blackeye video via YouTube
Ok, so let's start with how to navigate the wretched RSVP scene. I have 3 strategies for you, the first is pretty simple, keep an eye on Show List Austin, they will post most or all of the free events worth knowing about. I like to use the "Find on Page" feature and just search RSVP, click the links fill out the info. It's tedious because the parties will be added for the next 6 weeks, keep a list on your computer of parties you've already RSVP'd to and just fill in the blanks each week. Even if you don't think you're going to attend a party just RSVP so you don't have any issues at the door if you do choose to go.
There's also a new, more comprehensive list this year aggregated over at SXShhhh. The minds behind this site have created a tedious and extensive, private Google Doc every year outlining EVERY party happening in Austin with the when, the where and the RSVP info. This year they have chosen a different route, leaving it open to the public, making it more customizable and charging about the price of a beer for access ($5.)
The folks over at SXSW Party List are also a great resource if you simply want information and party posters.
Last, but certainly not least, you can pay the folks at RSVPster $40 and they will RSVP you to EVERY party with a +1. This is 9 days worth of parties and you don't have to go through all of the scouring of the internet and tedious entering of the same information over and over. They will do it for you.
Now, as far as the who to check out you should keep an eye out on my picks. I'll be highlighting bands almost every day leading up to the festival starting on Monday. You'll get a little info about each band and there will always be some form of song sample to check out. You can also check out 2 playlists I've created on Spotify. The first one is a monster, it features almost every band playing the festival and if you listened to it non-stop it would take you about a day and a half. You can find the comprehensive one here. I've also narrowed that list down to about a 2 hour list with roughly 40 highlights, which you can find here.
Things to keep in mind when planning:
Just because the booze at the parties is free, doesn't mean you have to drink it all.
Bring lots of $1's, the bartenders are working extra hard and their tip is not included just because you RSVP.
Have an idea of a few bands you want to see everyday but be flexible.
Utilize public transit. CapMetro isn't the greatest but it's better than cabs/parking.
Bring, buy or rent a bicycle. (Have a good bike lock too) <-- This tip via Rideincircles
Think about places to get food downtown NOW. Places with chairs will be your best friend.
If you have official credentials, don't waste your nights at free, unofficial events.
If you have official credentials, plan a couple of nights where you stick to one venue and a couple of nights to roam
Accept the fact that you can't do everything you want to.
Don't buy into the corporate hype. Who cares if [Multi-Platinum Selling Superstar] is playing a "secret gig," SXSW is about new, undiscovered talent. Give your attention to those who ACTUALLY NEED IT.
Bring earplugs! You'll be watching bands play in parking lots, alleys, tiny bars and amphitheaters protect your hearing future.
Bring a notepad and write down who you are watching. Thank me later for this one.
Bring a bag with snacks, toilet paper, wet-wipes, paper towels, cheap sunglasses and hand sanitizer
If there's free booze, there's free water, take both. You can't walk out of venues with any of it though (so put the sealed waters in your bag.)
So, there you have it kids. You have a little over a month so start planning. I hope this little guide has helped.
Well kiddies, the weekend is upon us and there are lots of fantastic things for you to occupy your time with but I'm already focused on Sunday. Our baby sister Barbarella is entering her terrible twos and she's throwing one hell of a party to celebrate. It seems fitting that Glitoris is soundtracking the night, since without Tuezgayz I might have never discovered what a bumpin' place Barbarella is to begin with. This isn't just Tuezgayz on a Sunday though, DJ Harvey will be bringing his New Noise as well.
It all kicks off at 10pm Sunday night and the first 100 people through the door will receive a commemorative T-Shirt to help you remember you were there when the sun comes up on Monday. There's no cover charge but the party is 21+, happy hour is running all night so you can get $1 Lone Stars till it's no longer legal. Grab your best girl, guy, transgendered person, roommate, co-worker, acquaintance, ex-lover, future-lover, frienemy or foe and get your booty on the dancefloor. We won't let you out until your drenched with sweat and you have glitter in unknown places from unknown places.
Join myself, ATXHipsters and theGlitoris for the best birthday for a 2 year old that you have ever seen. Oh, and don't forget parking meters are free downtown on a Sunday but with happy hour going all night, you should plan for sober transportation. Draw straws to decide who stays sober. Last but not least, if you have a smartphone, Barbarella is a Tabbed Out venue and that's a great way to NOT lose your credit card at the bar.
I'm guessing a lot of you already did all kinds of Halloween parties over the weekend but guess what? As soon as you attend the 2nd annual Swalloween Bash hosted by the Glitoris you're going to realize how lame those other parties were. Our friends over at the Glitoris do NOT mess around when it comes to a serious dance party, in case you hadn't heard they are the city of Austin's choice for "Best Club Night" according to the Austin ChronicleBest of 2011 issue.
It's going to be a costume party so this is your last chance of the year to show how creative/slutty/interesting you can look for Halloween 2011. In other words, if you show up wearing standard street clothes you're going to look like a fool. The whole thing kicks-off at 10pm tonight at Barbarella. If you show up before midnight there's no cover charge but if you arrive at midnight or later, you'll have to pay a $3 cover. I can tell you, from experience, the bar areas are going to be insanely busy to I HIGHLY encourage those of you with smartphones (all of you) to download Tabbed Out. That will allow you to close your bar tab with your phone, which means no leaving your credit card behind the bar and no trying to get the bartenders attention at 2:15 in the morning. This site is not sponsored by Tabbed Out, I'm just sayin' it's a good idea to use it.
In addition to music from the Glitoris you will also hear a set by, Austin's greatest party photographer and bad-ass DJ, ulovei. Expect unShazaamable dance-hits from the future from the folks at Glitoris and a mixed bag of classics and new-jams from ulovei. This party is sponsored by the amazing Knuckle Rumbler crew as well as those beautiful, mysterious folks over at Sleeping W/Strangers. All in all you couldn't ask for a better crew of party-purveyors in Austin. Come early, stay late.
There are always plenty of options for great shows, parties, events etc on any given weekend in Austin. This Saturday the 15th is no exception but if you're not at Barbarella for Glitoris' anniversary bash then you will most assuredly be missing out. It's hard to believe it's only been a year that Glitoris has been on the scene producing some of the most fun, wild and debaucherous parties in the city. Through a mix of social-media brilliance, and an ear to the pulsing ground of electronic music Glitoris turned Tuesday night into one of the best party nights in Austin. Their Tuezgayz event turned Barbarella into a downtown destination. Don't believe me? Just ask Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson where they party on a Tuesday in Austin.
The whole thing will kick off at 10pm this Saturday the 15th. Arriving before 12:30am gets you admission with no cover, after that it's $3. If you get there before 11pm then you can get all the well liquor that's legal to sell you at $2 a drink. There will be a specialty drink in honor of the Glitoris made with Grapfruit Izzie, just ask for "the Glit". For those of you who wanna roll with me and the rest of the VIP's you can enter for a chance to win a wristband, which will gain you access to Barbarella's 2nd floor. Just head over to RSVP It and enter the code: 6969 (of course). Winners will be notified on the day of the party regarding their VIP status. Don't worry, there's no dancefloor in the loft area so we can still get down on the dancefloor with or without a wristband and/or shirt. Just for the record, as of the writing of this post 252 people RSVP'd on the Facebook event page indicating that this party is going to be wall to wall people dancing, sweating and generally spilling their drinks. I, for one, can not wait! This Tuezgayz promo video should give you a little taste of the kind of music/atmosphere you can expect from a Glitoris event.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention it's best to assume you're going to have beautiful photos taken so I'd dress accordingly. I happen to know that Austin's best party photographer, ULoveI will be attendance, camera in hand. For me that means I'll probably have to buy a new shirt since I think he's photographed me in all of my best one's already. What? I'm self-conscious about stuff like that!
