SXSW

SXSW ’13 – Day 6

Posted on by Kristen

I know I tweeted this earlier, but I must reiterate that SXSW is a magical place. And not just because of the amazing assortment of musical options. Things just happen here that don’t happen anywhere else. Today was a prime example, full of surprise after joyous surprise. A day when everything I wanted just sort of came to be…

This morning after checking out some music from The Sheepdogs and Pujol at The Rachael Ray party at Stubb’s, we opted not to wait in the line for food. We caught a cab to Cedar Street where we saw a couple Norwegian bands and sipped on cranberry ginger ale mixed drinks. My first “must see” of the day was BOY at Peckerhead’s (on the other side of town) and I found myself in want of two things, a ride and some food.  As soon as I put that out in the universe, the magic of SXSW responded. First, the ride. I happened across a bar on wheels. I stopped to take a picture and ended up getting a lift up the street…on a bar… Walking down sixth, I passed a sign at Maggie Mae’s that indicated a band called The Falls was about to play. I had some extra time (due to the lift) and the band was on my “to see” list, so I decided to walk in. Inside the venue, people were walking around with plates of food. Turned out, there was free BBQ upstairs! And there I had it, a ride and some food! SXSW wishes granted!

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The second thing I really wanted to do today was discover some new music. I did manage to catch some of my favorites like the aforementioned BOY and The Neighbourhood as well as the always entertaining Willy Moon and an encore set by my first SXSW discovery of the year, Moon Taxi (for this, there was dancing), but it seemed like most every other act I saw for the first time was a fantastic new musical discovery. The original plan was to see Bernhoft after BOY, but I was informed he was sick so I went back to Maggie Mae’s where I saw my favorite discovery of the day, Aussie singer Jack Carty, as well as a few songs from another promising band called Georgia Fair. I only left Maggie’s to go check out a band recommendation, Super Water Sympathy who were also impressive (and had bubbles!).

Jack CartyGeorgia FairSweet Water Sympathy

For dinner, I ate the rest of my Australian pie from the BBQ (yes, I carried that one in my bag all day) and some spring rolls from the Thai place Amanda wanted to try. Post dinner sampling included Cave Paintings, Bronze Radio Return (who foresquare informed me I had seen before?) and Dessa who played a set at The Blind Pig right after the surprise guest of the Mackelmore (seriously that guy is everywhere).

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The evening was centered around the third thing I really wanted to do today which was my most anticipated, can’t miss big show. While others were waiting in ginormous lines to try to see Prince, Justin Timberlake, or The Smashing Pumpkins (all playing tonight), I was all abuzz at The VEVO TV Control Room anxiously awaiting the final set of my British rockers, Leogun. And let me tell you, it was exactly what I wished for. It was the longest set I’ve seen the band do and included a couple songs I had not heard live (including the elusive “Drunk Enough”). I was able to get two of my friends to experience the band for the first time and the audience, including kilt-wearing men dressed in green for St. Patty’s day, all seemed to be having a blast. I snatched the set list, got it authenticated, and briefly chatted with the LG crew before taking off to start the long journey home.

LeogunLeogun setlist

One final stop at Cedar Street for a couple Frank Turner tunes at The Revival Tour and we walked back to the hotel contemplating the beauty that is SXSW. I am already counting down the days until next year.

Frank Turner

~ Kristen

SXSW ’13 – Day 5

Posted on by Kristen

You know SXSW is nearly over when your evenings go from hitting up 2-3 venues/hour to getting to one show/hour to finding one venue and staying there all evening. Well, tonight, my feet decided they were done with the crazy walking so I went to Blackheart and there I stayed for three sets in a row. Wow. Even though all the music was good, my mind regrets all that could have been had I had the capacity to venue hop all night.

But I shouldn’t complain. I did get to see a few bands today. After a brief stop for Irish Breakfast at BD Riley’s, I started my day at The Quantum Party at Whole Foods where I got to catch one of my new favorites, The Wild Feathers. I also briefly popped across the street for one of my old favorites, Frightened Rabbits (I really am loving their new album). Afterwards, I ventured back to Filter’s party at Cedar Street Courtyard where I was able to dance with Brodka and Haerts. Then I simply crossed the street to a cool bar called Oil Tin Harry’s where I caught a bit of Philly’s Zelazowa. It’s a shame that not many people joined me as the brothers of Zelazowa had some great new tunes…

Frightened Rabbit at Waterloo The Wild Feathers

The absolute highlight of my day happened when I was leaving Oil Tin Harry’s to meet Amanda at J. Black’s for The Dunwells. For some backstory, the biggest disappointment of my yesterday was the fact that The Hype Hotel was running over an hour late and I was only able to catch a couple songs of Irish band Kodaline. This wouldn’t be a huge issue except all it took was about 20 seconds of one song for me to fall in love with the band. Leaving was difficult. Then today, a SXSW miracle occurred when I walked past Kodaline playing in a small bar. I still wasn’t able to catch more than a couple of songs, but now at least in total, I’ve almost seen half a set!

Kodaline

The rest of my afternoon included a lovely set by the always charming The Dunwells, singing every word along with Andrew McMahon for Something Corporate’s “I Woke Up In a Car”, and an invigorating walk back to the East side to catch some of the Swinghouse event at Rusty’s and a little Reignwolf at Peckerheads. Somehow, at The Swinghouse event I ended up back-up singer for The Stone Foxes (as long as there is no video evidence, I say that was kinda awesome). So, I guess this marks my SXSW singing debut…

Andrew McMahonThe Stone Foxes

After a happy hour at Moonshine, I decided the best course of action was to sit for a bit in some comfy chairs on the 18th floor of the Hilton Garden inn and listen to Irishman, Declan O’Rourke. Then I took a deep breath and began my night. We caught Sir Sly at Empire Automotive and a second round of Young Guns at Dirty Dog Bar (which, I must say, it not one of my favorite venues) before I headed to Blackheart for the one, two, three punch of Glossary, Jim Lockery & The Solemn Sun, and Frank Turner who, as expected, was an amazing performer. It was the perfect way to close the day and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow.

Sir Sly Frank Turner

Speaking of the last official day of SXSW, here are some of my recommendations for Saturday the 16th: 

11am- The Never Clock Out Party featuring Ivan & Alyosha (12:30), BOY (1:30), Bernhoft (2:30), The Wild Feathers (3pm), and Civil Twilight (3:30)

4pm- Super Water Sympathy at Firehouse Lounge

5:15- Kassidy at Doc Motoworks

8:15- The Neighbourhood at The Belmont

9:20- Free Energy at The Iron Bear

10pm- Bronze Radio Return at Rebels Honkey Tonk

10:45- Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

12:50- Frank Turner at Cedar Street Courtyard

 

Did I just plan your day for you? I think I did…

Whatever you end up doing, make the most of your last day at SXSW!

~ Kristen

SXSW ’13-Day 4

Posted on by Amanda

I apologize if my last post seemed a little lackluster. I think tiredness and soreness had set in. Today was a different story however. I’m still really jazzed from the events of the day despite how much my feet are screaming at me.

We started off with lunch at the ASOS lounge where we munched on free tacos and indulged in some free music thanks to RedTouch Media. From there we went to see Third Eye Blind at Hangar Lounge however, they were half an hour late and the sound was so loud that even with ear plugs, my ears hurt. We decided to leave right then and there but not before scoring some free Sony headphones. A quick dash to Filter on Cedar Street for our wristbands and some stuff, including a slap band with a usb drive! We got back to the ASOS lounge in time to catch some K. Flay and another taco but our bags of swag were weighing us down and we needed to drop our stuff at the hotel.

I was determined to catch some Airborne Toxic Event since I had never seen them and with Fitz and The Tantrums playing after, I knew I found a place to hang. After catching a bit of Airborne Toxic Event, I went to meet with my other half at Empire Automotive but they were running so far behind that I went back to make sure I made it in for Fitz and the Tantrums. This was an epic show at Old School Bar and Grill presented by StubHub and I was so glad to be there. I even got a set list!

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From there was a quick dash across the street to catch the tail end of Free Energy at Peckerheads. We hiked over to Rachel Ray’s Feedback House for dinner but dinner never seemed to come. The gang split up and I took the chance to get a quick rest at the hotel before coming out to dance with Semi Precious Weapons at The Main. All of the SXSW High Voltage crew was there dancing and singing along with the band at the top of our lungs. We all had smiles by the time Semi Precious Weapons ended, which was far too soon.

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I decided to make a go for The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive to see Dead Sara. However, Capital Cities went way late and despite the line outside, I managed to make it in and up front. Dead Sara blew the house down, as is their usual style. However, by the time my feet were screaming at me and I had to call it a night. But it ended on such a great note, I, couldn’t be happier!

Check out more photos below.

 

~ Amanda

addendum: I just wanted to mention the amazing time I had at The Blackberry House. It was the best sound I’ve heard all week plus I got to see two of my favorites, Keaton Simons and Leogun back to back. Add in the comfy chairs, accessible outlets, and ice pops and we have the makings of a highly enjoyable afternoon.

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~ Kristen

SXSW ’13- Day 3

Posted on by Amanda

I guess today was my day of running all over downtown Austin. Even with starting the festivities at noon at CTC Garden for the Butch Walker documentary screening of Out of Focus, it’s been a long day. Kristen is still out and about. I’m not sure how she does it but after 8.99 miles, this lady is done.

Today turned out to be more of a sampling day which I guess is why I wandered from CTC Garden at 1102 East Cesar Chavez all the way to Waterloo at 600 North Lamar and back again. Well, it didn’t happen in that exact order. The first musical act I caught was Wild Feathers at Lusture Pearl but I didn’t manage to stay too long. From there, I wandered about with Kristen until we got over to Rusty’s for the Swinghouse event. I caught some of A Silent Film and hung out for a bit. After that, I caught some of Ambassadors at Brew Exchange on my way to catch a second round of Twenty One Pilots at Waterloo Records. It was only after watching Andy Clockwise and The Chevin play that I caught some Butch Walker at the Rachel Ray Feedback House. That place was one of the highlights of my night. Nice space, good food, and great music. My night ended with a few songs of Atlas Genius at a horrible and late venue and Civil Twilight at the lovely Hanger venue.

The thing I came back with today was how much I really enjoy acts that seem to bleed music. They eat, sleep, pray, live, breathe, and bleed music. Those are the artists that I truly enjoy and I’m realizing that with the more shows I see. Call me a cynic but I want to see how passionate you are about what you do. Otherwise, why do it?

Here are some random photos from my day. Enjoy!

SXSW ’13 – Day 2

Posted on by Kristen

*warning: having issues uploading pictures so come back later for some photo fun!

It’s quite a bit later than I’d like it to be, but I’m still bouncing and full of energy from today’s events…everything feels good (except for my feet and over-fed stomach). I’m in my happy place. I’m at SXSW!

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Today began by picking up credentials (a breeze!) and meeting friends at The Great British Breakfast where we dined on sausage, eggs, beans, bacon, and toast. Sometime during breakfast, the Spotify line-up was announced and included twenty one pilots to play mid-afternoon. The rest of the morning was a blur of meetings and photobooths with only that one clear item on the agenda. When we approached the Spotify house and found ourselves at the end of a line that wrapped around the house and well down the street, I’d say “dismay” was an understatement for my emotional state. Luck, however, was with me and we all got in nearly 40 min. later right as the first song was starting. The twenty one pilots duo did their best not to let the heat and crowd full of industry folk deter their typically dynamic and engaging performance. The set seemed short, but it did the trick to propel me through the afternoon.

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Having a badge this year for the first time, I was able to spend some time wandering around the Trade Show where we ran into a 10 ft. astronaut, walked through a giant yam, created a post-it work of art, snacked on some delicious mini-desserts, and, of course, heard some music (including a band in a box!)…all while wearing cowboy hats.

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After a brief respite and dinner of mini burgers and fries at The German Haus, the evening started to take its musical shape. We ended up at Hype Hotel to catch a bit of Ivan & Alyosha, a SXSW favorite from last year, and eat some Taco Bell (yes, there was a lot of eating today). Afterwards we headed to The British Embassy where Lucy Rose was sitting comfortably in a chair singing with an acoustic guitar surrounded by a full rocking band. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I had no complaints. Next, we went to celebrate the two year anniversary of LMN favorite The Milk Carton Kids whose gorgeous harmonies, melancholy tunes, and unforgettably hilarious banter had the entire room at The Central Presbyterian Church completely transfixed…they received a standing ovation at the end of their set.

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I was debating staying at the church to catch Gaby Moreno, but even the short time between sets was too much for me to be without music, so I ran back to Hype Hotel to sample Irish songsters Little Green Cars (and maybe grab a burrito), then headed back to The British Embassy to close out the night. I got a boost of energy in the form of Willy Moon whose lively stage presence was infectious. Finally, perhaps the highlight of my night, after waiting well over a year, I FINALLY GOT TO SEE BASTILLE!! Before the set, I spoke with a Manchester native who told me that it would be near impossible to see this incredibly popular band over in England is such a tiny venue, let alone so close to the front of the stage. The buzz in the room before and during the set was electric and I certainly felt incredibly grateful to be there as the quartet took over the room with songs from their recently release, Bad Blood. Two hours later, and I still can’t quite shake the excitement of that set. But I can, I will, and I must, for I need to get some rest before tomorrow’s adventures.

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Here are a couple of the events I’m most looking forward to tomorrow:

Day Party: Horseshoe Casino presents a screening of Butch Walker’s Out of Focus followed by performances by artists including Butch Walker, Six60, Air Traffic Controller, and The Royalty.

Night Party: The Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont featuring The Rubens, twenty one pilots, Tegan & Sarah, Paramore

And some artist I’d love to see tomorrow:

The Virginmarys at The Blackberry House (2pm)
NO at Cheer Up Charlie’s (2:15)
Mike Mains and The Branches at The Acquarium (7:15)
Youngblood Hawke at Hype Hotel (8pm)
Holy Esque at British Music Embassy (9pm)
Middle Class Rut at Mohawk Outdoors (10pm)
The Chevin at Buffalo Billards (11pm)
BOY at Central Presbyterian Church (12:30am)
Foxes at Red Eyed Fly (1am)

 

~ Kristen

SXSW ’13- Day 1

Posted on by Amanda

Today marks the unofficial beginning of the SXSW music madness. It was just a mere taster and sampling of the craziness that is to come. We arrived at 6:30pm in Austin, Texas after leaving San Diego at 10:15 this morning. The screaming child on the first flight notwithstanding, they were uneventful. We started the night at Burbon Girl to catch a band and after realizing they weren’t going on anytime soon, we bailed and headed to the Paste + Sennheiser Party. After a decent walk (I’ve done 11,113 steps today!), we arrived at an unassuming looking house to catch Moon Taxi and Free Energy. Both bands were high energy and fun. While I’ve never seen Moon Taxi before, I am definitely a fan of these Nashville natives!

Moon Taxi

 

After that awesome dance party was another dance party with Free Energy! What a way to kick off SXSW!

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Check out more photos from tonight in our gallery!

Kristen’s Top 10 Acts to See at SXSW ’13

Posted on by Kristen

I’ve listened to over 1600 bands, RSVPed to countless parties, and have a schedule that is twenty some pages long. It’s impossible to see everything you want during SXSW, so in order to help keep me sane, I’ve selected a few bands that I hope to prioritize in the coming week.

 

1. twenty one pilots

This band is my current obsession after seeing them play in LA at The Troubadour. Their unexpected yet compelling songs and insane live energy make them a can’t miss and I intend to see them upon every opportunity.

Where to catch twenty one pilots:

Wednesday at 4pm at Waterloo Records Outdoor Stage (600 N Lamar)…playing with the also buzz-worthy Tegan & Sara and Macklemore & Ryan so be sure to get there early

Wednesday at 5:30 at The Warner Sound Party at The Belmont (305 W 6th St)

At some point in the week at The Spotify House click here for more information and to RSVP for this pop up show: http://spotifyhouse.splashthat.com/

 

2. BOY

Boy’s album “Mutual Friends” is my favorite album to come out this year so far.  After seeing them live at The Troubadour last week, they have firmly cemented themselves as one of my top picks for SXSW.

Where to catch BOY:

Wednesday 3pm at The Radio Day Stage at The Austin Convention Center

Wednesday 12:30am at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

Friday 12am at Hickory Street (800 Congress Ave)

Saturday 1:30 at Never Clock Out Day Party at Peckerheads (402 E 6th St)

 

3. Leogun

If you’ve been reading any LMN lately, you know I’m in love with this band from the UK. And one day I will see them play “Drunk Enough” live…

Where to catch Leogun:

Thursday 10pm at StubHub Live Showcase at Old School (401 E 6th St)

Saturday 10:45 at VEVO TV Control Room (304 W 4th ST)

 

4. Frank Turner

I had to miss Frank Turner at The Roxy last week due to illness…sigh. I will not make that mistake again at SXSW. Frank is an amazing performer and has a new album coming out in April which means new songs!!

Here’s the video for the first single off the forthcoming album, Tape Deck Heart:

Where to catch Frank Turner:

http://frank-turner.com/blog/2013/03/south-by-south-madness/

 

5. Bastille

Bastille’s “Flaws” made one of my end of year mixes two years ago and the guy has yet to play a city that I can get to. Sure, he’s from the UK, but still…I’ve been waiting far too long to miss out on a Bastille show.

What to catch Bastille:

Tuesday 1am at The British Embassy/Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto)

Wednesday 10pm at Club DeVille (900 Red River Rd)

Thursday 1pm at The Filter at Cedar Street Courtyard Party (208 W 4th)

 

6. Young Guns – of all the bands I listened to, Young Guns was probably my favorite of those I’d never heard before
See them Thursday 3:30 at The Wind Up Records Party at Empire Control Room (606 E 7th St)

7. Sir Sly – after finally getting a sense of who these guys are last month at their Echo residency, I’m just craving more
See them Thursday 1pm at The Hype Hotel (301 Brazos St)

8. The Milk Carton Kids – hands down one of my favorite live performances come from this acoustic duo
See them Saturday 10pm at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

9. Andrew McMahon – because Something Corporate will always hold a very special place in my heart
See him Friday 3:05 at Quantum Collective’s Whole Foods Rooftop Showcase (525 N Lamar)

10. Lions In The Street  – I’ve been wanting to see this Vancouver band for more years than I care to admit…SXSW’13 will mark the first time we’ve been in the same city at the same time!
See them Saturday 1am at BD Riley’s (204 E 6th St)

 

I could go on…but follow LMN on twitter (@_localmusicnat) to see what we’re up to all week and stay tuned here for nightly recaps of our adventures!

 

~ Kristen