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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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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Posted by Unknown at 3:40 PM
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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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