SXSW 2012 Preview: Hospitality

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.

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Planning Ahead: SXSW 2012

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 Events e-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.

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Thursday Night Shows

Houston psychedelic band, Indian Jewelry are in town tomorrow night. The last time I saw this tuned-in and zoned-out band was at FunFunFun Fest 2010. Their brand of indie-drone is not for everyone but if you like bands that wear/decorate with those foil emergency blankets and you've been known to don 3-D glasses at Austin Psych Fest then you should grab yourself some tickets and head on over to the ND Thursday night.


Indian Jewelry - Guns video via YouTube

Perhaps Indian Jewelry is not your thing? Maybe you've never gotten high before, or you did and they really freaked you out? Well, don't worry big guy Anthony Green is in town on Thursday as well. He's playing a headlining set over at ye olde Mohawk. I suppose you could say that his music also has a psychedelic bent(ish) but it's more really more on the indie-pop tip than the, OMG I can see the notes, sound of Indian Jewelry. Green's latest LP is called, Beautiful Things and you can grab it online, in stores or at tomorrow's show. Speaking of tomorrow's show, $1 from each advance ticket sold will be donated directly to Keep-A-Breast Foundation so, buy them in advance not at the door.


Anthony Green - Get Yours While You Can video via YouTube

If you're having trouble deciding between Anthony Green and Indian Jewelry, I may have a compromise for you. You can catch a free, acoustic, in-store performance from Mr. Green at Waterloo Records tomorrow at 5pm. How do you like that? Best of both worlds.

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The Kills in Austin

I know what you're thinking, an outdoor show at Stubb's in January, what were they thinking? Well, I can't speak to that specifically but I can assure that The Kills make it all better. If you've never experienced the genre-smashing fuzz and drama of a live Kills experience then you should throw on a hat and poncho and stand your ass in the rain. Look at it this way, everyone else at the show tomorrow will also be in the rain so, you can consider it a communal, bonding experience with your fellow concert patron. At the moment tickets are still available and the weather lends me to believe that the show will not sell-out. However, if you want to be on the safe side you should probably just snag some tickets right now.


The Kills - The Last Goodbye video via YouTube

I suppose if you can't handle standing in the rain to catch The Kills tonight your next best bet is to tune into KUT this afternoon where they'll be playing a live set. I can't find the exact time that the live performance starts but I was listening on my commute home yesterday and they mentioned that it would be this afternoon.

For those of you heading out to the actual show at Stubb's tonight make sure you arrive early enough to catch Jeff the Brotherhood. They have a lot of buzz building for them and have even been chosen by Mr. Jack White to represent Third Man Records with an exclusive "Blue Series" 7", as well as a live LP.


Jeff the Brotherhood - Whatever I Want video via YouTube


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A Lull with Deleted Scenes

Hey there, come here often? You looking to party? I got you covered, well not literally, you're going to have to buy your own ticket but you should meet me at the Mohawk next Monday night. Me and all the cool kids are going to drink Lone Stars, PBR's and make fun of the other cool kids. We'll also be jamming out to A Lull. You may not recognize that name right now but in a few months when everyone is talking about them you'll be like, "Ugg, I saw them like 3 months ago and now that you like them I'm bored." You might also go for, "Remember 3 months ago when I tried to get you to go see them with me at the Mohawk?!?! Pshaw!" None of this hipster posturing will be possible if you don't make it out to the show though. It is for that reason that I'm posting this today, I want you to have a week's heads-up to get your act together.



A Lull - Some Love video via YouTube

If A Lull wasn't enough awesome music to tempt you, you can also catch Washington D.C.-area band Deleted Scenes playing the support slot. If you didn't catch them last time they played Austin then you're in luck. They put on a great live show with lots of David Lee Roth high kicks. Ok, I made that part up but they really are great musicians and they are a band to watch in 2012 according to this sentence.


Deleted Scenes - Bedbedbedbedbed video via YouTube

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Kendrick Lamar at Beauty Ballroom TONIGHT!

I included it in my ticket round-up post at the beginning of the month but January 20th really snuck-up on me. I didn't realize that tonight was the night to catch Kendrick Lamar at the brand-new Beauty Ballroom over on East Riverside. Kendrick's 2011 album, Section.80 was released digitally and made a lot of year-end lists in December. Hailing from Compton, Lamar is carrying on a tradition of great hip-hop and at a concert last August Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Game pronounced him the new prince of west coast hip-hop. If you didn't catch Kendrick Lamar's album last year you can check it out on Spotify. He can also be heard guesting on Drake's latest LP, Take Care on the, "Buried Alive Interlude." It's not too late to get tickets to tonight's show at the Beauty Ballroom they'll be waiting for you at will-call.


Kendrick Lamar - ADHD video via YouTube

Apparently Kendrick Lamar is a huge fan of 2Pac and usually dedicates at least 10 minutes of every show to him and his music so, if you head out to tonight's show you can expect to hear that. Also, look for Kendrick's studio LP, Good Kid in a Mad City at some point this year.


Kendrick Lamar - HiiiPower video via YouTube

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Review: Cass McCombs

Last Saturday night there were a lot of great shows in Austin to choose from. All the kids were over at the Mohawk for the Starfucker show, meanwhile the grown-up were down the street watching Cass McCombs on the inside stage. I wasn't sure how full the show was going to be but I was pleased to walk into a completely packed room just as support act Frank Fairfield was starting his old-timey, one man folk show. The audience was very attentive and Frank put on a good performance. It wasn't really my thing but the crowd erupted in cheers and applause at the end of every song so, clearly, has some fans in Austin.

Cass McCombs started about 10 minutes later than he was scheduled for, with a full backing band that included a steel guitar/guitar, bass, keys and drums. I spotted Erica from the Heartless Bastard enjoying the show along with lots of other Austin scenesters. Cass opened with Equinox from his 2007 album PREfection triggering lots of hooting and hollering from the audience. I, for one, didn't expect to hear an older song so soon in the set but for Cass McCombs fans, that song is a classic and a great opening number. The set culled tracks from Cass' full catalog, including his latest single Bradley Manning.

Cass McCombs - Bradley Manning via Soundcloud

Overall, I had a great experience at the show. The crowd was rapt and mostly attentive throughout the performance and I found myself really paying attention to the lyrical content of the songs. Cass McCombs' songs exist in their own universe and when you see him perform live it's, somewhat, like living in a David Lynch film. The mood of the songs is much thicker in person than on record and they evoke a very dream-like feeling. I hate to try to pin down the music with a genre because it straddles several but Saturday night I was thinking that there was a psychedelic-country-soul thing going on and that seemed quite fitting at the moment.

The set closed with one of the greatest songs of 2011, County Line and I could help thinking that it sounded like a soul record through an American filter. I would love to hear an artist like Charles Bradley re-imagine the tune to enhance it's soul-music qualities. Cass McCombs is still on tour through March so, if you're reading this from outside of Austin you should head out to the following places to have your own Lynch-ian moment with Cass and Co.

• 01-20 Saxaphaw, NC - Haw River Ballroom *
• 01-21 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar *
• 01-22 Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie *
• 01-25 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom *
• 01-26 Montreal, Quebec - Il Motore *
• 01-27 Toronto, Ontario - The Garrison *
• 01-28 Detroit, MI - Pike Room *
• 01-29 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall *
• 01-30 Madison, WI - High Noon *
• 02-01 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry *
• 02-02 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room *
• 02-03 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive *
• 02-04 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court *
• 03-05 Manchester, England - Band on the Wall
• 03-07 Liverpool, England - Leaf Cafe Bold St.
• 03-09 London, England - Union Chapel

^ with White Magic
* with Frank Fairfield


Cass McCombs - County Line video via YouTube


Charles Bradley - The World (Is Going Up in Flames) video via YouTube

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Interview: Twin Sister

Long Island indie-popsters Twin Sister will be here in Austin at the end of the month and tickets are almost sold-out. Normally, I do these preview posts closer to the actual show date but I want you to be at the Mohawk on the 29th so, I'm posting about the show today. Neo-whiteboy-indie-soul group, Ava Luna will be playing the support slot so I encourage you to arrive early and catch both bands because they're both fucking awesome. That's right, I said it.


Ava Luna - Clips video via YouTube

I had the chance to send some questions to Andrea from Twin Sister, which you can find below the break.


Twin Sister - Kimmi In a Rice Field video via YouTube

• What are some other monikers TWIN SISTER tried out before choosing TWIN SISTER?

Vampires, Dreaming Kids

• If the members of TWIN SISTER were to choose non-musical professions, what might those be?

I would work in an Aquarium or be an Art Director.

• What band names would have decorated your notebooks/lockers/bumpers in High School?

Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Björk, Space Robot Scientists. I think I use to do this a lot more in Middle school and like, the beginning of High School. Then I started tacking up flyers for our local acoustic shows.

• Did you grow up in a musical house-hold?  If so, what music were/are your parents really into?

When I was really little and my parents were still into their early 20s, my father used to play guitar with his friends and my mom was really into dance. So, I had Pink Floyd, Blondie, Bob Marley, Neil Young, Michael Jackson, Salsa, Merengue, Madonna.

• What are some of your choices for a "guilty pleasure" playlist?

• Katy Perry - "Last Friday Night"
• Michelle Branch - "All You Wanted"
• Ne-Yo - "Closer"
• Vanessa Carlton - "A Thousand Miles"
• Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"
• Vanessa Carlton - "Ordinary Day"
• Ke$ha - "TiK ToK"

• What have you been listening to lately?  Do you have any favorite LP's from 2011?

• Roy Orbison, the "Crying" cassette
• The Best of Bowie cassette
• Kate Bush, "The Whole Story" cassette


I think my favorite from 2011 is Björk's "Biophilia." So far, I haven't been listening to enough new music, just old music. I have to wait until this new music is old.

• What were some of your favorite films that you saw last year?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 and The Borrower Arriety

  The Borrower Arriety - Official English Trailer video via YouTube
• If you were to make the analogy of band as a family,what roles would your various members play?  Who are the parents in the van?

Dev is dad that pays the bills and makes sure that the modem is still giving the house internet. I'm (Andrea) the mother I guess, too busy with make up and hair to pay attention to my kids, but I'll still take them to the doctor. Eric is my favorite son, little stinky brat that does everything right and kisses mummy's buns. Bryan is my stoner son, that is locked in his room listening to music, being all creative and having a good time with his friends and stealing mama's liquor! Gabel is a friend of my son, and I'm sleeping with him behind my husband's back.

• What's the biggest/most common myth about touring?

It isn't like a road trip, it's fun and work. I never have enough energy, time or money to really enjoy every place I visit. I still haven't spent more than a few hours in Paris. WTH? If you want to become an alcoholic it's perfect! I hate paying for drinks when I come home.

• If you could collaborate with any artist(s), in any medium, in any time period, who would it be, when and what would you be working on?

1940s, Walt Disney, Cartoon production cells.

Twin Sister - Bad Street video via YouTube

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Scarface and Wu-Tang This Weekend

Are you a hip-hop fan? Maybe you're a suburban white kid trying to earn some street cred? Perhaps your're a hipster who doesn't like anything because it's too commercial. Wait, don't tell me, you've been a huge hip-hop fan your whole life and kids used to make fun of you for it but now it's cool. You were into Scarface while everyone else was gettin' jiggy with it? Well, regardless of your sorted past this weekend has two incredibly solid hip-hop shows and you could be in attendance if you get on board the ticket train. Friday night, you'll find Houston hip-hop legend Scarface at the Mohawk. Lots of emcees claim to be legendary but most of them are just boasting, that can not be said of Scarface. As a member of the Geto Boys, Scarface helped to put Houston hip-hop in the national spotlight with underground classics as well as urban radio jams like, Mind Playing Tricks on Me. I'm not going to go through his whole resume´ you should just trust me and get yourself some tickets before they're gone.


Scarface - On My Block video via YouTube

Then, on Saturday night over at Emo's luscious, new E. Riverside location you will find New York legends, Wu-Tang Clan. Just like Friday night's Scarface show, I'd expect this show to sell-out before doors open so be sure to grab some tickets now! If you feel like you can't afford tickets to see Wu-Tang you can try your luck at this contest, that's your call. If I even need to explain to you who Wu-Tang Clan is, or why you should care about this show then you need to turn your computer off, go to the nearest record shop and buy yourself a copy of Enter the Wu-Tang Clan - 36 Chambers RIGHT NOW!


Wu-Tang Clang - Careful video via YouTube

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Cass McCombs at Stubb's

By now, you've all had a chance to peruse my ticket round-up post so this show is not news to you. However, I wanted to focus your attention on the Cass McCombs show taking place on Stubb's inside stage Saturday night. Cass has been a blog favorite for years and he's also been championed by fellow musicians for his beautiful song-craft and his deeply honest, moving live performances. I expect this show to sell-out within the next day or two so if you want to be a part of this intimate experience you should grab some tickets while they're still available.


Cass McCombs - The Same Thing video via YouTube

The above song comes from Cass McCombs' second album of 2011, Humor Risk. That's right, the second album of 2011! Did I mention that Cass is an extremely proficient songwriter? His first LP of 2011 is called, Wit's End and like Humor Risk is has some of the best songwriting in recent years. The thing that is most interesting to me about the two albums is how they are so different from one another. Wit's End has a more intimate feel, with a more classic singer-songwriter sound, while Humor Risk delves deeper into a true rock sound. They both sound like they are from the same artist but they just explore different sides of Cass' sound. With 6 LPs to cull tracks from, Saturday's live set at Stubb's could last two hours and be sourced from almost a decades worth of material.


Cass McCombs - County Line video via YouTube

Did I mention you should probably get some tickets quickly? The inside room at Stubb's doesn't fit very many people.

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