Showing posts with label SXSW2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SXSW2013. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

SXSW 2013 Wrap-Up Vibes: Bloggy Is Snobby

SXSW is what you make of it. It's that simple. I've seen lots of post-festival coverage railing against the corporate-vibes, the platinum-artist-vibes and the festival's authenticity. To which I say, that's your fault. You don't jump through all of the hoops to get into the Justin Timberlake show then complain about how it's detracting from the focus of the festival. You jumped through the hoops, you stood in lines, you wasted an entire day of the festival to get your ass in that door. Accept that you ruined it for yourself and move on.

So, before you ask or wonder, no I didn't see: Usher, Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Prince, Third Eye Blind, Dave Grohl or even Local Natives. I spent my SXSW at smaller events, trying to catch up-and-coming and/or under-discovered artists. I snobbed-the-fuck out and I am SO happy that I did. I'm proud of all of you for getting to share intimate experiences with multi-platinum selling artists but I was watching bands who are hungry. I'm sure Justin Timberlake put on a great show but that motherfucker is far from hungry. He is about as well-fed as you can get and he doesn't need any of my time, money or attention now or ever. Of course I'd love to see Prince in a venue the size of La Zona Rosa and I invite him to do another pop-up show in our fair city any other time of the year he chooses but SXSW is my time to see International acts in tiny clubs. So, I'm going to focus on that.


D I A N A - Born Again video via YouTube

Just like last year, I did a blend of day-parties and official showcases at night. Each year I become more disillusioned with day-parties and unofficial events though. There are always bands I want to see who are playing the parasitic events surrounding the festival and I'm drawn to them like a moth to a flame. Then, after standing in horrifically long, sweaty lines amongst people who should have been aborted, I get into an overcrowded space surrounded by drunken assholes who couldn't care less about what's happening on the stage.

I adore the band, Inc. and I think they have released one of the best records of 2013 so, when I saw they were playing the Fader Fort I planned my day around their set time. Sadly, they started around 5pm which means the crowd had already indulged on free alcohol for several hours and they couldn't care less about Inc.. Even with my earplugs and intense focus it was difficult to enjoy the set surrounded by 1000's of drunken neanderthals.

This brings me to another point, which is that the sound-mix at most of these unofficial events is reprehensible. Fader Fort is known for bringing out big or up-and-coming hip-hop acts so, their sound design is set up to have a HUGE low-end. This means that a band like Inc. sounded completely muddy and out-of-balance. This problem is not exclusive to Fader or day-parties in general. Lots of the sound during SXSW sucks ass and it's not entirely the fault of the sound engineer. Sometimes it's the equipment, sometimes it's the space, sometimes it's the band itself. If you're playing in a tiny room and your guitar amps are mic'd then you don't need to crank the amps up. If you have your amp on 8, then you stick a mic connected to the PA in front of it, do you think anyone's going to be able to hear the vocal? If you answered yes to this question, you're wrong.

So, let's get to the point shall we? We all know that no one has the attention span to read all of these words regardless of how much I enjoy writing them so, here's ten artists that made 2013 one of my best SXSW festivals to date:
Some of these artists, like Orthy and Caveman I had seen before and I was pre-disposed to like. Others I had listened to extensively but had not seen perform and a couple I didn't expect to be good ended up completely blowing me away.

When people ask me, who was my favorite act this year I tell them without hesitation that it was Diana. I had only heard one song from Diana and it's good but the recording doesn't give you any indication how spectacular they are live. This band hails from Canada and features zero members named "Diana." I saw them at Empire Control Room Wednesday night and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. This band is the reason I love SXSW. Each year there is at least one set that gives me an epiphany moment and I find myself contemplating what I can do to make this band famous. Diana was the first band to trigger that irrational thought-process this year and they became the high mark that all other sets had to live up to. I can't even describe what was so arresting about their set other than to say it was visceral, it was groovy and it was the coolest.

Blue Hawaii was the other band that truly blew me away this year. Dan from End of an Ear had suggested I listen to them because he is a fantastic record-shop owner and he knew I would like them based on other things I've purchased. When I listened to the record I wasn't really impressed. I thought their name was too precious and their music was too sterile. I popped in to catch their set at Swan Dive on a whim. Their soundcheck was truly bizarre as these two figures shared a mic to communicate with the sound-engineer trying to tweak their sound until it was just right. As their set started I wasn't immediately drawn in. The thing that really got me about Blue Hawaii is how primal it is. It's almost as if you don't notice the song at first but before you know it you're entranced and dancing uncontrollably. Their set progressed like a fantastic DJ set, with the whole thing building toward a mid-set climax that had the entire room screaming, jumping, dancing and clapping. By the end of the set the crowd erupted, cheering, clapping and screaming for more. Those of us who were at Swan Dive for Blue Hawaii Friday night truly shared a moment and I can not WAIT to see this band again.

Since my SXSW was so highly curated, I had very few low-lights. I did my research before hand and I wrote out an achievable plan each day. I saw many of the artists I wanted to see and didn't waste a lot of time moving between venues or standing in lines. The only major exception to this was seeing Brooke Candy. Somehow, I had never heard of this person and my world was better then. I arrived too early for XXYYXX and was subjected to this fake, plastic bitch. At first I was enjoying the incredibly shallow songs I was hearing and then I started to really look at the stage. I noticed that Brooke was barely even trying to mime along to the tracks. Basically, the audience was "treated" to Brooke's songs being played from a laptop as she stalked around the stage looking like some sort of Mad Max prostitute with a Mic in her hand mostly for show. Her songs professed her realness while everything about her and her performance stood in stark contrast to that message. Do not support this fake-ass, art-school-project, faux-feminist, Daddy-didn't-give-me-enough-attention BULLSHIT! I would have preferred a performance from Brooke Hogan to a performance from Brooke Candy.

So, there you have it. If you get the chance to see any of the ten artists I highlighted above I STRONGLY URGE you to do so. Conversely, if someone tries to get you to attend a "performance" from my one low-light artist tell them you'd rather contract an STI. I had lots of fun with Instagram at SXSW this year so you can find some fun pictures over there.
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Friday, March 8, 2013

SXSW 2013 Preview: Series Highlights Summary

How do you feel? Do you feel sufficiently prepared for SXSW Music 2013? I know it's a lot of information coming at you from a million directions. It feels like you're forgetting something, or you missed some detail that's going to fuck you and you're right. You did forget something and there will be a day-fucking missed detail in your future but you'll get over it. You'll move on and you'll find something else to do, see or say and if you don't then I have no use for you.

I'm sure by this point you're up to your ass in free advice and I'm sorry if I added to the white noise. I hope these previews will help you do some highlighting as you attempt some tentative scheduling. If you don't want to go through each of the ones I've posted so far, I've compiled a list of all of the artists I highlighted in this series. If you missed one, simply click the artist's name to jump to that particular post.

You'll also find that I sorted the artists by region. I didn't choose them based on where they were from but I like to see who is from where because it helps ME to prioritize. I'm not saying you should adopt this strategy but I rank the bands who traveled the furthest higher on my list. They are the ones I am less likely to see again in the near future so they are a higher priority for me. So, if you want to roll like that too the hard work is done for you.

I've included a video from Hiatus Kaiyote because they are the band I'm planning the rest of my schedule around. Is that an emphatic endorsement or what?


Hiatus Kaiyote - Jekyll video via YouTube

Outside U.S. but not England

England


New York


U.S.A. but not New York


Austin
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SXSW 2013 Preview: Immanu El



Swedish band, Immanu El, are making BIG, BIG Post-Rock. This is the kind of music that I like to think of as Glacier-Rock. Glacier-Rock seems to be plodding along slowly, almost meandering and then you realize it's been subtly building into this mind-melting masterpiece of sound and you're happy you took that journey. If you enjoy The Calm Blue Sea, Explosions in the Sky or Sigur Ros then we should totally see Immanu El at SXSW. Sure I'll let you buy me a beer, don't be shy.


Immanu El - On Wide Shoulders video via YouTube

I fear if you see Immanu El at some noisy day-party with bad sound and a bunch of people talking it will be tough to appreciate their majesty. It is for that reason that I encourage you to see them at one of their official showcases. I know Saturday is a tough night to plan for since there will be so much going on but of all of the listings below I'm most drawn to the show at the Blackheart.

As usual, you're on your own as far as figuring out how accurate the below listings are. Some of these things may not be free or open to the public and all of that so, pay attention.

  • Wednesday, March 13th - City Hall - 3pm
  • Friday, March 15th - Dirty Dog - 8pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Friday, March 15th - Threadgill's - 3pm $10
  • Saturday, March 16th - Blackheart - 11pm *OFFICIAL*

***Previously Featured Artist: Deaf Club***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Deaf Club



What do you get if you add The XX to The Joy Formidable? If you answered, Deaf Club I'd need you to show your indie-rock-math for full credit but I'd probably agree with you. It's the uber-cool moodiness of a song from The XX sped up to a more normal BPM, with the big-90's sound of The Joy Formidable.

So far this Camden, England-based band has only released a couple of singles and an EP but I'd expect a full-length LP within the next couple of months. I look forward to hearing a full-set from Deaf Club at SXSW to see how their sound stands up to the litmus test of the live performance.


Deaf Club - Moving Still video via YouTube
If you've been following this series all the way through, first of all, thank but secondly I like to note that the listings can change at a moments notice. However, if you see Deaf Club listed on your sheet of potential personal appearances, you might want to take a highlighter to that shit.


  • Thursday, March 14th - Flat Top Burger Shop - 6pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Avenue on Congress Rooftop - 12am *OFFICIAL*

***Previously Featured Artist: Cheers Elephant***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Cheers Elephant



If Philadelphia-based band Cheers Elephant were Canadian, they would most certainly be on Arts & Crafts Records. Maybe that doesn't mean anything to you but to me that means they make radio-pop but not the sort that actually gets played on the radio anymore. Think of a band like Stars or Broken Social Scene, their music is so perfect for Adult-Contemporary radio but they don't get the airplay. It seems to me that Cheers Elephant is a band that wants to capture the spirit of a band like The Cars while maintaining their indie-rock-cred on the streets of Illadelphia.


Cheers Elephant - Doin' It Right video via YouTube

I highly doubt Cheers Elephant will only be performing twice while in Austin for SXSW but this is a good start. Keep an eye out for their name while your sifting through all of the show.

  • Wednesday, March 13th - Lucille on Rainey - 9:20pm
  • Friday, March 15th - Wardenclyffe Gallery (1101 Springdale) - 3pm

***Previously Featured Artist: Caveman***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Caveman



If this is your first time reading this blog then you don't know how much I love Brooklyn-band, Caveman. If you're a regular or even semi-regular reader then you already know that this is one of my favorite contemporary indie-bands. When they play Austin, I do anything and everything I can to get people to attend their shows. When they release music, I post it. I guess what I'm trying to say is LISTEN TO CAVEMAN!!! LOVE THEM LIKE YOUR CHILDREN! If you're a fan of Grizzly Bear, Arcade Fire or Local Natives then for the love of all that is holy catch a set from Caveman.


Caveman - Vampirer/Old Friend video via YouTube

I found a few listing for Caveman performances during SXSW.
  • Wednesday, March 13th - IFC Crossroads House - 10pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Thursday, March 14th - Bar 96 - 9:30pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Friday, March 15th - Red Eyed Fly
  • Saturday, March 16th - Hype Hotel - 9pm

For those of us who live in Austin year-round, Caveman will be back in Austin on April 1st at the Parish. Get tickets now before you forget.

***Previously Featured Artist: XXYYXX***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: XXYYXX



I know that some of you are going to be dismayed at the music of XXYYXX and I respect that it's not for everyone. However, I am completely under this barely-legal-teen DJ's spell. His slow, woozy, DEEP, bass grooves riff on late 90's R&B music after plodding through some laborious intros. If there is such a thing as Special K electronic music, this is it. The vocals are, generally, barely recognizable samples of songs that sound familiar. Is that Beyonce? Sade? TLC? The answer to those questions and more, is yes. Are those samples cleared? Most likely not. XXYYXX is a bedroom artist, so who knows how the songs will translate live but I am making a point to catch one of his sets to find out. I'm also, curious as to how the kids dance to this.


XXYYXX - About You video via YouTube

XXYYXX is performing three times in the span of one day during his visit to SXSW, an obvious benefit to the life of a laptop DJ.

  • Friday, March 8 - AMOA Arthouse - 12am
  • Friday, March 15th - Red 7 - 2pm
  • Friday, March 15th - 219 West- 6pm
  • Friday, March 15th - Maggie Mae's - 1am
  • Saturday, March 16th - Mohawk - 12am

***Previously Featured Artist: Foxes***

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Posted by Unknown at 8:44 AM
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

SXSW 2013 Preview: Locals Only

There's this thing, for those of us who live in Austin, that we won't go out of our way to see local bands during SXSW. They know it. We know it. It's nothing personal and we love our local bands BUT we hung out with them during Free Week and we'll catch them before and after SXSW. We'll tip them when they're working at the coffee shop down the street, when we're all just being normal people who live in our neighborhoods. But during the festival, we're probably going to try to see some bands from out of town. Obviously, I don't speak for every person, blogger, band member, whatever BUT I know that I'm not the only person who feels this way either.

If you DON'T live here in Austin and you're just experiencing our city during SXSW let me assure you that it's not always like this here. We're normally a much cleaner, calmer environment at least our areas that aren't Dirty Sixth St. Our coolest places to eat always have lines but not lines like THIS. Our traffic always licks taint but it doesn't lick taint this nasty. Generally, our parking lots are for parking cars not constructing gigantic vending machines for money-hungry pop-rappers to perform atop. However, I should also add, Austin ain't so great and moving here is a REALLY bad idea. Have you been to Detroit? I hear it's getting really good. Maybe you'd like to move there instead? Or Pittsburgh, maybe? The Burgh? Check it out, you might like it. Thanks for visiting!

Seriously though, we have some great fucking bands and you shouldn't miss these ones in particular:
  • Dana Falconberry
    • Tuesday, March 12th - Cheer-Up Charlies - 5pm
    • Tuesday, March 12th - Valhalla - 10pm
    • Wednesday, March 13th - The Liberty - 2pm
    • Wednesday, March 13th - J. Blacks - 6pm
    • Friday, March 15th - Mugshots - 3:30pm
    • Friday, March 15th - Side Bar - 4:20pm
    • Saturday, March 16th - Brass House - 12am





    Dana Falconberry - Petoskey Stone video via YouTube

    • _______________________________________________________

  • Letting Up Despite Great Faults
    • Tuesday, March 12th - Cheer-Up Charlies - 10:30pm
    • Friday, March 15th - Side Bar - 3pm
    • Friday, March 15th - Maggie Mae's Gibson Room - 1am


    Letting Up Despite Great Faults - Teenage Tide video via YouTube

    • _______________________________________________________

  • Boy Friend
    • Saturday, March 16th - The Iron Bear - 8pm *FREE*

    • _______________________________________________________

  • The Calm Blue Sea
    • Wednesday, March 13th - Maggie Mae's - 11pm


    The Calm Blue Sea - Literal video via YouTube

    • _______________________________________________________

  • Feathers
    • Monday, March 11th - Elysium - 11pm
    • Wednesday, March 13th - Club Deville - 4:30pm
    • Wednesday, March 13th - Buffalo Billiards - 8pm


    Feathers - Soft video via YouTube

    • _______________________________________________________

  • Orthy
    • Sunday, March 10th - Mohawk - 10:30pm
    • Tuesday, March 12th - The North Door - 9:20pm
    • Friday, March 15th - StubHub Live @ Old School - 8:55pm


    Orthy - Sueños video via YouTube

    • _______________________________________________________

  • Mirror Travel
    • Wednesday, March 13th - Maggie Mae's - 8pm



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SXSW 2013 Preview: Foxes



U.K. artist Foxes is neither a fox nor a plural. It is a singular woman, whom I suppose one could call foxy but whose actual name is Louisa Rose Allen. She is barely 22 years old and already her song Echo is receiving International attention. I was just drinking a lot of cheap, domestic beer when I was 22.

Like so many of my highlight artists, Foxes make synth-pop that seems sugary but has a bitter finish. She doesn't have a lot of material out here in the ether just yet but what is out here is pretty fucking awesome if you ask me.


Foxes - Echo video via YouTube

Foxes have 5-6 appearances planned for SXSW but as usual, these details could change at the drop of hat, so stay on your toes! Also, some of these events are private, invite-only or require an RSVP. Don't look at me, I don't make the rules.
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Red Eyed Fly - 1am
  • Thursday, March 14th - Cedar Door -2:30pm
  • Thursday, March 14th - MTV Woodie Awards-9:30pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Belmont - 4:30pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Austin Music Hall - 7:30pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Hype Hotel - 10:00pm

***Previously Featured Artist: Beach Day***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Beach Day



Beach Day is pretty much the perfect name for the Florida band to whom it refers. Just like their name evokes, they play sunny, stoned, surf-pop. Think Best Coast meets Real Estate with a dash of Cults and you're in the right ballpark. This band was forged upon a foundation of fun but that doesn't mean their songs are throw aways. Pull back the curtains a bit and you see there is some darkness behind those bright eyes.


Beach Day - Beach Day video via YouTube

Beach Day are playing a few times during the festival but something tells me, those of us living in Austin will have a few more chances to see this trio perform later in the year.

  • Thursday, March 14th - Cheers Rooftop
  • Friday, March 15th - Valhalla - 10pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Opal Divine's

***Previously Featured Artist: Mary Epworth***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Mary Epworth



Mary Epworth moves from genre to genre with ease. There are elements of Nashville both old and new as well as 60's psychedelic-pop and contemporary indie. You can't just listen to the single and think you've got a good idea of what Mary Epworth is all about. Her debut improves with each listen and you notice things you didn't notice the first couple of times around. This will be her first visit to SXSW and you can expect she'll earn herself a lot of new fans while she is here.


Mary Epworth - Black Doe video via YouTube

The only appearances I could find for Mary Epworth are official showcases. Don't let that scare you though, you can pay cash to get into official showcases and for an artist who won't be back in Austin any time soon, it's worth it.

  • Wednesday, March 13th - Creekside at Hilton Garden Inn - 1am
  • Friday, March 15th - Victorian Room at The Driskill - 7pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Latitude 30 - 3pm

***Previously Featured Artist: Hiatus Kaiyote***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Hiatus Kaiyote



Hiatus Kaiyote is an Australian band with a big, beautiful sound. The lead vocalist is a woman with a voice as big and bombastic as Bjork's but the music is closer to that of The Roots or Robert Glasper Experiment. Performing a blend of jazz, funk, and soul that still has an indie-rock aesthetic might sound like a mess on paper but it's pure magic to my ears.

A band like this is the perfect example of why SXSW remains my favorite music festival. Hiatus Kaiyote was not on my radar whatsoever before I started doing research for this year's festival. When I listened to their sample track from the SXSW website I was completely floored. I don't know what I expected them to sound-like based on their name, publicity still and vague genre tag but I did not hear what I expected. I suggest you do as I did and just press play, then tell other people to do the same and hopefully there will be a few of us who get to talk about seeing Hiatus Kaiyote at SXSW 2013.


Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra video via YouTube

I'm just speaking for me here but I will MOST DEFINITELY be seeing this band at one these two locations next week. I'm leaning heavily toward the official showcase at Maggie Mae's as it also features Flume and Gold Fields. Also, it won't be taking place while I'm at work on Tuesday...so it has that going for it.
  • Tuesday, March 12th - Flat Top Burger Shop - 5pm
  • Saturday, March 15th - Maggie Mae's - 9pm *OFFICIAL*

***Previously Featured Artist: Peace***

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Posted by Unknown at 9:13 AM
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

SXSW 2013 Preview: Peace



Having already gained massive popularity in the U.K. Peace are coming in to SXSW with a lot of attention overseas but very little exposure in the U.S. Could they be the next U.K. sensation to break into the American market? Absolutely. Could they also be the next Razorlight? Certainly. Regardless of how successful they may or may not become they are a great band who writes great songs and you should keep your eye out for opportunities to see them. Recommended if you like, sprawling, brit-psychedelic music through a pop-guitar-music filter. Think U2 doing their songs in the style of the Nuggets compilation. No, how about Pink Floyd goes punk? Ah, fuck it, just listen to Peace and create your own musical math equation.


Peace - Bloodshake via YouTube

If you thought Peace was coming all the way from Birmingham England to play one or two sets, buddy you have another think coming. Here's a few that I found in the usual places. Speaking of "the usual," all of this information could change and become totally wrong at any given moment so stay alert!

  • Monday, March 11th - Viceland
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Red 7 - 9:30pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Thursday, March 14th - Mohawk - 3:30pm
  • Friday, March 15th - Clive Bar - 3pm
  • Friday, March 15th - The Scoot Inn
  • Saturday, March 16th - British Music Embassy

***Previously Featured Artist:  DIANA***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: Diana



Imagine Sade's backing band at their funkiest. Now, instead of a voice like Sade's imagine a voice more like Pat Benatar's or Susanna Hoffs'. Ok, well that's sort of what Diana sounds like. Are you with me?

As of right now only a few songs from Diana have been released but you can hear those songs with lots of remixes of those songs over on the band's SoundCloud page. This means, if you see them at SXSW you'll probably be hearing a lot of their music for the first time. I, for one, am a big fan of this music experience. If you prefer a singalong music atmosphere, I'm sure there's some crusty, old music person trying to earn some alimony money somewhere close-by.


Diana - Born Again video via YouTube

Is it possible Diana is the only band to only play official SXSW showcases, while they're in Austin? Yes. Is it probable? Not really. However, I combed the usual places and there were no unofficial showcases revealed. On the bright-side, you could PROBABLY buy your way until either of the official showcases listed and you'd be getting your money's worth. Both line-ups are very solid and feature other bands I'm highlighting in this series.

  • Wednesday, March 13th - Empire Control Room - 11pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Thursday, March 14th - Red 7 - 10:40pm *OFFICIAL*

***Previously Featured Artist: Paws***



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SXSW 2013 Preview: Paws



Paws might be the best 90's College-Rock act that never was. Based in Glasgow, they played their first gig in 2010 and have released a plethora of singles, and EPs. However, it was the release of their full-length record, Cokefloat! that really started to gain the band a reputation. Filled with hooky, garage-pop it's hard to not think about bands like Dinosaur Jr or Polaris when you listen to Paws but is there really anything wrong with that? I suppose you could consider bands like Yuck and The Joy Formidable to be their peers but I feel like even if you don't like those band you might still like Paws.


Paws - Sore Tummy video via YouTube

It's usually a good sign for an artist when they have multiple, official showcases at SXSW. As you can see, if you're strictly official you still have two chances to catch a set from Paws. If you're unofficial or doing the blend, you have twice as many opportunities.

  • Wednesday, March 13th - Red 7 - 1:15pm
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Latitude 30 - 10:00pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Thursday, March 14th - Scoot Inn - Noon
  • Thursday, March 14th - Side Bar - 4:45pm
  • Thursday, March 14th - Valhalla - 11pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Friday, March 15th - Home Slice Pizza - 1pm

It's possible this performance information will change, shit happens.

***Previously Featured Artist: MS MR***

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Posted by Unknown at 11:59 AM
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SXSW 2013 Preview: MS MR



If the music of MS MR is good enough for the latest Game of Thrones trailer, it's good enough for you. Making moody synth-pop that's reminiscent of 90's music this New York duo has been making waves since the release of their song, Hurricane. As of right now they have yet to release a full-length album but it's coming soon and even if it was never released their four song EP, Candy Bar Creep Show is good enough to cement their place in indie-rock. I'm warning you now, MS MR are coming into SXSW with a lot of buzz so expect any of their appearances to be pretty mobbed with people. I saw one of my co-workers post on Facebook that he hoped their appearance at Lambert's would be low-key. I didn't want to quell his hopes but I can tell you, that is not going to happen.


MS MR - Fantasy video via YouTube

Here's what I have dredged up for info regarding appearances of MS MR at SXSW:
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Lambert's - 3:30pm
  • Thursday, March 14th - Hype Hotel - 12am *OFFICIAL*
  • Friday, March 15th - Cedar St. - 2pm

As usual, it's possible there are more shows in the words and/or that they won't be able to make all of the ones you see above. It's also possible that some of these events require secret passwords/handshakes for you to get in so do your research.

***Previously Featured Artist: High Highs***

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SXSW 2013 Preview: High Highs



New York band, High Highs is certainly deserving of all of the "Band to Watch" attention they've been receiving. With beautiful, delicate songs that start as meditations and then evolve into big, grand tunes it's easy to compare them to bands like Local Natives or The National. This is music you listen to with the windows down on a breezy summer night or even better on your turntable with the lights turned low. If you're doing SXSW the free route, I don't think you're going to appreciate High Highs as much. I feel like their music will be ruined by drunk people talking over their set and if they get an amateur sound person the whole effect will be ruined. In other words, it could be worth it to buy your way in to their Wednesday night showcase.


High Highs - Flowers Bloom video via YouTube

There are at least three opportunities for you to get swept up into High Highs at SXSW:
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Empire Control Room - 9pm
  • Thursday, March 14th - Homeslice Pizza - 6:15pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Dirty Dog Bar - 1:00pm

***Previously Featured Artist: Robert Delong***

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Posted by Unknown at 9:05 AM
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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

SXSW 2013 Preview: Robert Delong



I feel like Robert Delong doesn't need my promotional help in the least. He has been signed to Glassnote Records and everything he touches is a motherfucking JAM! If his song, Global Concepts isn't lauded with Best Song of 2013 reviews then there is no justice in this world. At his point he's already been embraced by Satellite and non-commercial radio. After SXSW Delong goes on tour with Two Door Cinema Club then I'd expect a large-club tour followed by the Summer Festival circuit. Robert Delong should reach Phoenix/Passion Pit levels of success by 2014 or I'll eat my hat.


Robert Delong - Global Concepts video via YouTube

I only noticed three sets from Delong listed so far but that is bound to change.\

  • Wednesday, March 13th - Frank - 4:20pm
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Waterloo Records - 6pm
  • Thursday, March 14th - Empire Automotive - 11pm *OFFICIAL*

If you live here in Austin, Delong will be in April when he'll open for Two Door Cinema Club at Stubb's.

*UPDATED LISTINGS FOR RDL*



***Previously Featured Artist: Toy***

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Posted by Unknown at 3:44 PM
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SXSW 2013 Preview: Toy



To be honest, I was hesitant to feature U.K. buzz-band Toy. Not because I don't like their music but because I'm still not sure if their Visa issues have been sorted out. They posted on Facebook that they had to cancel some New York gigs due to Visa issues but they were working on still being able to perform at SXSW. So, at this point I'm not really sure if they will actually be in Austin. If they do show up, we all need to do our best to see them. Their music sounds like what I would imagine would be rock music for the World of Harry Potter. It's somewhat glam, somewhat goth and 100% English. It gives me 70's psychedelic-vibes but it's also a little bit My Bloody Valentine. Are you confused yet? Well, you should be.


Toy - Motoring video via Toy

It's pretty clear that with three *OFFICIAL* SXSW showcases the festival organizers are putting a lot of promotional weight behind Toy. This is a good thing for those of us with official credentials but if you're planning to only attend unofficial events you don't really have a lot of opportunities to see a set from Toy and if they don't get their visa issues in order you might not have another chance for awhile. In other words, keep an eye out and plan hard.

  • Thursday, March 14th - Cedar St. - 9pm *OFFICIAL*
  • Thursday, March 14th - Hotel Vegas - 12:45am *OFFICIAL*
  • Saturday, March 16th - Lustre Pearl - 4pm
  • Saturday, March 16th - Latitude 30 - 10:00pm *OFFICIAL*

***Previously Highlighted Artist:  So Many Wizards




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Posted by Unknown at 12:00 PM
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SXSW 2013 Preview: So Many Wizards



As I have mentioned before, I am a big fan of any and all things dream-pop. Music that makes you want to dance like a Peanuts character is the perfect music for me. This is why when I first heard California band, So Many Wizards, I was sold on them within the first few bars. Like, Lips whom I highlighted earlier today, So Many Wizards are coming into SXSW with very little support. They have received a bit of press from the L.A. music blogs but they still aren't getting nods from the big boys. This means they need people like you and I to talk them up and see their shows. If you enjoy Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Tennis or Atlas Sound then you should be listening to So Many Wizards.


So Many Wizards - Lose Your Mind video via YouTube

This is going to sound rude, which is not my intent but I feel like the name So Many Wizards could be a buzz-preventer. I'll admit when I saw their name on the SXSW list I thought I was going to hate them before I even listened to their music. I was proven quite wrong when I listened to their album though and I'm confident that when people hear them performing they'll want to know more about them. I could only scrounge up two listings for So Many Wizards but that doesn't mean they won't play more, so keep your eyes peeled.

  • Tuesday, March 12th - Valhalla - 1am *OFFICIAL*
  • Wednesday, March 13th - Cheer-Up Charlies

***Previously Featured Artist: Lips***

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Posted by Unknown at 10:27 AM
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