SXSW 2010 Preview (Locals Only): Ume

The remainder of the SXSW 2010 Preview posts will be all about Austin bands that you out-of-towners should catch while you're here. The first band I want you to take note of already built some buzz at last year's festival but I think this will be their big break-out year. Ume has been touring in support of their Sunshowers EP all year and they've begun to road-test lots of new tunes live. I expect even the Austinites will get to hear new things from Ume at this year's fest. I'm a big fan of the Sunshowers EP but in all honesty it's not nearly as captivating as seeing the band locked into a groove in person.


Ume - East of Hercules video via YouTube

Find out all of the places you can catch Ume during this year's SXSW after the jump.


Party and showcase information culled from the glorious resources of Do512, thanks y'all. XOXO -Bloggy

Wed 03/17 @ Music Gym *Free Day Show*
Wed 03/17 @ Submergered *Official Showcase*
Thu 03/18 @ Eastbound & Found *Free Day Show*
Fri 03/19 @ South By South Mess *Free Day Show*
Sat 03/20 @ Encore *Free Day Show*

Basically if you're looking for music that's not cute or ironic but just downright rocks then Ume is the band for you. I expect after this festival we may even seem them at some of the bigger, summer festivals that occur throughout the country. Maybe that's just wishful thinking, but I can see Lauren flailing her hair for a festival audience.


Ume - Conductor video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Avi Buffalo

The moment I heard Avi Buffalo's song What's In It For? I knew I had to see them at SXSW. Whenever a casual music-listener asks me what kind of music I listen to, I tell them I'm looking for anything that sounds instantly classic. Avi Buffalo sounds classic the moment the needle hits the record. They hail from Los Angeles, but they sound like they enjoy Nuggets-era, psychedelia mixed with their L.A. canyon-folk. There full-length LP, due out in April, is already garnering lots of critical buzz as well as endorsements from fellow musicians. Did I mention they were all born in the 90's? *Blech* I'm getting so old! Maybe they'll give me an exclusive if I buy them some beer?

I used to enjoy "deep-linking" free Mp3's from Sub Pop but that's poor blogging-etiquette so now I'll just point you to where you can get this free Mp3, courtesy of Sub-Pop, thanks.


Avi Buffalo - What's In It For (Solo Performance) video via YouTube

Find out when and where you might see Avi Buffalo whilst at SXSW (Mere days away y'all) after the jump.

You'll have several chances to catch Avi Buffalo while they're here in Austin but they're also touring with Rogue Wave right now, so catch 'em wherever you are, if you wish.

This show info is courtesy of those tireless readers of promotional materials over at Do512. Thanks for reading all those e-mails from press agents and combing through all of those party listings so I don't have to. <3 Bloggy.

Thu 03/18 @ the Mohawk *Free Day Show*
Thu 03/18 @ the Galaxy Room *Official Showcase*
Fri 03/19 @ the Galaxy Room *Free Day Show*
Fri 03/19 @ Mess With Texas 4 *Free*
Sat 03/20 @ Red Eyed Fly *Free Day Show*
Sat 03/20 @ Klub Krucial *Free Day Show


Avi Buffalo - Remember Last Time video via YouTube

Also, if you'd like to hear more from Avi Buffalo they recorded a session with Daytrotter and look for a WOXY session after SXSW.

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Sleigh Bells

Twitter has already been a flurry about Sleigh Bells coming to SXSW and now I have a _____ Bells theme going. Like Broken Bells, Sleigh Bells is a duo but that's pretty much where the similarities end. Well, I suppose both bands are American and they probably enjoy lots of the same things but I digress. Sleigh Bells makes in your face dance music out of over the top noise matched up with basic dance-floor boom-bap. It makes me feel woozy, disoriented, excited and entranced, all the while dancing I might add. This is the soundtrack for the modern disaffected youth of the world.


Sleigh Bells - A/B Machines video via YouTube

While I was listening to the above track, I was reminded to remind YOU to protect your ears at SXSW. You obviously love music, you'll want to hear it when you're older too. On that note, find out where you, and your protected ears, can experience Sleigh Bells in person, after the break.


Once again the Cyrano to my Christian for this scheduling information comes from Do512, merci. With a little padding from the bands MySpace, linked above the break.

Wed 03/17 @ the Parish *Free Day Show*
Wed 03/17 @ Malverde *Free Night Show*
Thu 03/18 @ Mexican American Cultural Center *Free Day Show*
Sat 03/20 @ the Scoot Inn *Official Showcase*

That Wednesday show at the Parish is the one Do512 was missing, that's the NPR showcase, which is usually stellar. No need to worry if you don't get into the small space though, they record and broadcast/podcast etc. Also, some of the above mentioned free parties require RSVP so click the Do512 link if you need that sort of info. The party at the Mexican American Cultural Center is going to be absolutely bonkers!


Sleigh Bells - Infinite Guitars video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Broken Bells

For me, SXSW is supposed to be about discovering new artists on the rise. However, I'm also not opposed to discovering artists I'm familiar with in new configurations of artistry. You already know the Shins and you should be aware of DJ Danger Mouse well as you've probably heard by now these two forces have collided, sort of. It's actually James Mercer of the Shins, not the entire band, although at this point the Shins are basically a concept. Mercer fired two founding Shins awhile back and now one of them is the proprietor of a food-cart in Portland, OR. The Broken Bells album came out yesterday in the U.S., Monday internationally and the duo have already performed their first gig. I'm curious to see if they will play simply as a duo or if they will have a full band. I'm thinking they'll probably have a full band, we'll see very soon.


Broken Bells - The High Road video via YouTube


I don't know about you, but the first time I heard the High Road I was overwhelmed with how much I missed hearing James Mercer's voice. I spent a lot of time with the album Chutes Too Narrow back in the early 00's. I felt the same way when I saw Jason Lytle of Grandaddy last year. He started singing and I just felt like I was 19 again listening to the Sophtware Slump. But I digress. Normally, I would post another video from the Broken Bells but methinks it best not to eff with Sony on this one. Chances are they've got the Web Sheriff harassing people about Broken Bells already.

Here's the spots where you can try to catch Broken Bells during SXSW. Per usual, I'm relying on the diligence of Do512 for the information I've hastily copied below.

Wed 03/17 @ Stubb's *Official Showcase*
Fri 03/19 @ Lustre Pearl *Free w/RSVP*
Sat 03/20 @ the Mohawk *Free, Badges are >*

In lieu of posting another Broken Bells song I wanted to loop this whole thing around. You may recall that Danger Mouse was working on a project with Sparklehorse for David Lynch called Dark Night of the Soul. Well, this track is how James Mercer and Danger Mouse first came to work together. It should also be noted that in very tragic news, this past weekend, Mark Linkous aka Sparklehorse passed away unexpectedly. Let his music live on and I submit this pseudo-video in actual-tribute to his legacy.


Dark Night of the Soul - Insane Lullaby video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Casiokids

I feel like all I need to tell you about Casiokids is that they are a super-fun Norwegian band. Are you sold yet? No? Well, they have also been opening for Hot Chip on their current European tour and don't tell Hot Chip but there are critics who are saying the opening act is outshining the headliner. Apparently they also have a song on the FIFA video game or something but I don't play video games and if I did they wouldn't be soccer-related. We certainly won't hold that against them though, I just want to dance y'all and maybe have some free alcohol. Oh, SXSW, you so crazy!

Speaking of crazy, one of the things Casiokids are known for are their shadow-puppets. Seriously, that's a documented fact that I'm not making up. I wonder how that's gonna work out at these outdoor day parties? I'm looking forward to finding out.


Casiokids - Fot i Hose video via YouTube

Here's what Casiokids' label Moshi Moshi has posted for them during SXSW this year:

Wed 03/17 @ Creekside Lounge *Free*
Wed 03/17 @ Epoch Coffee(?) *Free*
Thu 03/18 Official Showcase, not sure where.
Thu 03/18 @ Cedar Street *Free*
Fri 03/19 Lose control party @ TBA
Sat 03/20 Polyvinyl showcase @ Galaxy rooms *Official*

The party info above I've culled from the band's label but as you may have noticed some of the information seems to have holes in it. You can always see what my brethren of the blog over at Do512 have for info as well.


Casiokids - Grønt Lys i Alle Ledd video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Freelance Whales

I don't care what Rolling Stone thinks, I'm a big fan of the upcoming Freelance Whales album. The official release date for Weathervanes has been pushed back to April but the Whales have already been tapped to play the always-stellar Levi's Fader Fort party at SXSW this year. So, chances are they've got a big bright future once that record hits stores. They've already been featured on Stereogum and their impromptu performances at various locales through NYC has already garnered them much praise/buzz. I'm looking forward to the energy of their live performance. I'm expecting something along the lines of an Arcade Fire show although those are pretty high expectations but that would be nice wouldn't it?


Freelance Whales - Generator ^ Second Floor video via YouTube

Find out when and where you may or may not catch the Freelance Whales at SXSW after the break.

All of the shows I'm listing here I have culled from the Internet Jedis over at Do512. Also, it should be noted that I haven't listed the aforementioned Levis Fader Fort because at the time of my writing this the line-up hasn't been released.

Wed 03/17 @ Galaxy Room (Formerly Radio Room/Bourbon Rocks) *Free Day-Party*
Thu 03/18 @ Yard Dog Gallery *Free Day-Party*
Fri 03/19 @ Galaxy Room *Official SXSW Showcase*
Sat 03/20 @ Red Eyed Fly *Free Day-Party*
Sat 03/20 @ the Mohawk *Free Day-Party*

I should mention that a lot of the above-mentioned "free shows" are free with RSVP you can find on the links on that Do512 page linked above. That's way too much coding for Bloggy. I'm what's known as a "lazy blogger", now watch this video.


Freelance Whales - Generator ^ First Floor video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Toro y Moi

Toro y Moi is the work of Chaz Bundick. The album, Causers of This is simultaneously drowsy, glitchy, hypnotic and somehow it all comes across as being really sincere and fun. His names seems to be on everyone's lips lately so you'll have more chances to catch Toro y Moi than you had with some of the other artists I've featured. I know last time I was at End of an Ear we were discussing how much equipment he might be bringing to perform in their store on Saturday the 20th. You can find their full in-store performance line-up here.

This track kind of gives me a Panda Bear meets Neon Indian vibe but keep in mind this is only one soundscape featured on the album.


Toro y Moi - Blessa video via YouTube

Figure out where you can catch Toro y Moi after the jump...


Per usual, I have culled these dates from the Do512 SXSW directory. It doesn't, necessarily, represent all of the shows the artist may or may not be playing. Think of this more as some ideas you might want to consider/keep in mind whilst wandering the streets of Austin.

Wed 03/17 @ the Mohawk. *Free Day Party*
Wed 03/17 @ Red 7. *Free Day Party*
Thu 03/18 @ Urban Outfitters *Free Day Party*
Fri 03/19 @ the French Legation Museum *Free Day Party*

It looks like Toro y Moi will also be playing a show the Monday following SXSW at a venue and time to be determined later. I'm pretty sure I won't have any issues with catching one of their many free sets. I plan to be downtown early on Wedensday (the 17th).


Toro y Moi - Talamak video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Morning Benders

It's hard to define the Morning Benders' sound. The more I listen to their upcoming album, Big Echo, the more influences I hear in it. The closest comparison I could make is that, like Spoon, these guys have etched out their own little sub-genre of rock. They are students of music and write excellently crafted tunes that stick with you for days later. In some songs you can hear a bit of the Walkmen then it breaks down into a lost Beatles song, with a Helio Sequence drum part. In any case you'll have a few chances to catch the Morning Benders during SXSW as the buzz about them builds into a deafening roar.


Morning Benders - Promises video via YouTube

Find their Austin dates as well as their complete tour schedule after the break. You can buy the 7" for Promises now, which features the B-side, Oh, Annie. The full album comes out Tuesday.

Once again, I've culled this SXSW info about the Morning Benders from my brethren over at Do512, they are ninjas of internet coding. At least compared to me, they are. So, here's where you can and will see the Morning Benders during SX:

Wed 03/17 @ Emo's *Official Showcase*
Sat 03/20 @ the Parish *Free Show*

Well, that wasn't as many shows as I had anticipated but it's HIGHLY likely they'll be playing more than those two. That's just what I've culled TODAY. For you, poor souls, who won't be in Austin during SXSW, or any other time in the near future, you too can catch the Morning Benders within your general vicinity.

March 10th || Jonny Brenda s || Philadelphia*
March 11th || The Black Cat || Washington DC*
March 12th || Local 506 || Chapel Hill *
March 13th || The Drunken Unicorn || Atlanta*
March 15th || The Bottletree || Birmingham*
March 17 || Emo's - SXSW || Austin
March 20 || The Parish - SXSW || Austin
March 23rd || The Rhythm Room || Phoenix
March 25th || Troubadour || Los Angeles#
March 26th || Casbah || San Diego#
March 27th || Detroit Bar || Costa Mesa
March 28th || Muddy Waters || Santa Barbara
March 30th || The Independent || San Francisco%
April 1st || Holocene || Portland
April 2nd || Crocodile Café || Seattle
April 3rd || Media Club || Vancouver
April 5th || Club Velour || Provo
April 7th || Hi-Dive || Denver
April 9th || The Vaudeville Mews || Des Moines
April 10th || The Maintenance Shop || Ames, IA
April 11th || Huckleberry's Pizza Presented by Daytrotter || Rock Island, IL
April 12th || Schubas Tavern || Chicago
April 14th || The Drake Hotel || Toronto
April 15th || La Sala Rossa || Montreal
April 16th || The Monkey House || Vermont
April 17th || TT The Bear s || Boston
April 22nd || The Mercury Lounge || NYC

*Acrylics, #We Barbarians, %the Mumlers
Friends Miniature Tigers will be supporting the morning benders on all dates

Morning Benders - Waiting For a War video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Surfer Blood

It should come as no surprise to you that I'm highlighting Surfer Blood as a band to catch at SXSW 2010. This band of youthful Floridians played that crap out of CMJ Fest last year garnering them much buzz and/or critical acclaim. I predict that after playing around 10 gigs during SXSW 2010 they'll be playing all the festivals and you'll start hearing their tunes during your favorite TV shows. While I'm on the topic I'm tired of people complaining when they hear, for instance, Phoenix in a Cadillac commercial. That's the new hearing your song on the radio. If you're a good band hearing your song on the radio, in a lot of ways, is the beginning of the end. You're old audience (hipsters) will turn against you and you'll get the Owl City treatment. If you want to keep your cred these days you remain in obscurity while attain financial success through licensing your songs for shows on E!, commercials, and movies (see Spoon).

Phew, now that I've gotten that rant out of the way I'll get to the key points re:Surfer Blood. They write rock tunes in the style of Rivers Cuomo with their own twist and modern-edge. Most of the band is too young to be a customer at the venues they play, which, to me, makes their sound more believable. It sounds fresh as opposed to simply ironic. Try whistling along, the melodies are killer even when they don't seem like they are.


Surfer Blood - Swim video via YouTube


I guess Surfer Blood is continuing the dudes in their underwear theme established during the Super Bowl, as well as the Frightened Rabbit post with that Swim video. Once again, I've culled this info from the Do512 profile for Surfer Blood. Keep in mind when bands book themselves at a lot of parties sometimes they miss some. Looking at you, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart last year they double-booked themselves at Emo's and Radio Room silly booking peeps.

Wed 03/17 at Wave *Official Showcase*
Thu 03/18 at Club de Ville *Free Day-Party*
Fri 03/19 at Lustre Pearl *Free Night-Show*
Sat 03/20 at Urban Outfitters *Free Day-Party*
Sat 03/20 at the Mohawk *Official Showcase*

I really thought they were playing more shows than that? Perhaps there will be more listed as the fest approacheth. I'm glad that Surfer Blood's final official gig will be headlining the Mohawk's outside stage. It's going to be epic with their reverb-soaked sound in a packed open-air venue with people staring down from every surface. Even though I'm all about enjoying SX in an unofficial way, I may try to get into that show...somehow(?) Here's one of my favorite tunes from their album, Astro Coast:


Surfer Blood - Twin Peaks video via YouTube

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SXSW 2010 Preview: Frightened Rabbit

Frightened Rabbit is one of those bands who I have seen at SXSW's past as I wonder why aren't they famous yet? Especially given the bottle-rocket success that Bon Iver achieved following their SX performances, why so little love for Frightened Rabbit? Think, raw, emotional folk that turns upbeat and rowdy at points. All, while sung with one of the thickest Scottish accents I've ever heard in my life. Back in 2008 Pitchfork called the Rabbits song, the Modern Leper one of the best songs of that year and I whole-heartedly agree.


Frightened Rabbit - the Modern Leper video via YouTube

Find out when and where you can catch Frightened Rabbit at SXSW 2010 after the jump.


It seems a bit odd, but Do512 only lists one Frightened Rabbit show taking place in the evening and it's actually happening the Tuesday night BEFORE SX officially starts. So, for us unofficial types this means we will have several chances to catch Frightened Rabbit for free. Here's what's listed as of this moment for FR:

Tue 03/16 at the Parish Room.
Wed 03/17 at the Paste Magazine Party.
Thu 03/18 at the Austin Convention Center day-stage cafe.
Fri 03/19 at the Mohawk A.V. Club Party.
Sat 03/20 at Cedar St.'s Filter Magazine party.

Sometimes I get so caught-up in the sound of the Modern Leper I forget that Frightened Rabbit also express their sound in a legit, jangly, indie way as well. In person, it's that jangly side that sticks with you after the performance and makes you want to buy their merch...not that most bands bring their merch to SX, just sayin'.


Frightened Rabbit - Heads Roll Off video via YouTube

Here's the latest visual offering from Frightened Rabbit, what is it about 2010 and men in their underwear. Has this all of a sudden become hilarious again and I missed the memo?


Frightened Rabbit - Nothing Like You video via YouTube

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