SXSW Recap: Weds 3/14

Posted on by Kristen

Today was all about seeing music. I saw a lot of bands today. Last I counted it was 14 (two I saw twice). Too many band highlights to include them all. Free BBQ for breakfast, The double dose of both Tournament of Hearts and Queen Caveat, a shot of Free Energy, the Buzzband showcase with Dead Sara, Vanaprasta, and NO, seeing Marcus Foster for the first time, that casual run in with Eve 6…

Instead of detailing all the greatness, I’m just going to share a couple very important lessons I took from today.

Lesson 1: Always plan to change the plan

I would be completely useless without a plan. I have an 11 page detailed list of bands to see with times, places, and access levels. I live by my SXSW schedule. However, part of that plan is knowing that what you end up doing will probably vary from your first option.  Plan A this evening was to head to 1100 Warehouse to see fun. and my top pick Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. After getting in to the crowded sauna and waiting around for over 40min. we realized that this was just not going to happen. In addition, a couple of my favorite bands booked last minute shows at Rusty’s so we left and went there. I ended up having an amazing evening filled with many friends and a couple of my favorite bands. If I were set on sticking to the original agenda, my night might not have gone so well.

 

Lesson 2: It’s good to stick with your friends/high fives make everything feel better

I realized at the end of the day today that of the many bands I caught, only a small handful were ones I didn’t know or hadn’t seen before. I also spent most of the day in a group of people which is unusual for me when it comes to music-festival situations. However, I ended up having a blast! I love all the bands I got to see and the people I saw them with. We started high-fiving each other every time something worked out and I realized that high fives really do make you feel better. So many friendly faces up on stage or dancing with you in the audience just makes me happy and happy seems a very good thing. Side note: I cannot believe just how many people I know here in Austin. Seriously, every time I turn around, there’s another familiar face! I love it!!

I know all that isn’t very band or music specific, but hey, it’s nearly 5am and my free breakfast with Ben Kweller starts in just a few hours.

Speaking of tomorrow, there are several events I’m really looking forward to. Here are few of my musical suggestions:

  • 12pm: Tournament of Hearts at the ATN Showcase (Bayou Lounge 500 E 6th St)- yes, I just saw them twice today, but honestly, that makes me want to see them even more tomorrow
  • 1:15: The Chevin at Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6th St)- loved this Brits when I saw them in LA. Don’t want to miss any opportunity to see a great band that isn’t based in the US. They also play at 8pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
  • 2pm: Twin Atlantic at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- I missed them today. I hope this doesn’t happen again tomorrow. They are also playing 11pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
  • 2:45: We Are Augustines (612 W 4th St at Rio Grande)
  • 3:30: Glen Hansard at Antone’s (213 W 5th St)- another must see SXSW artist
  • 4:45: Ben Howard at 715 Red River
  • 5:15: Semi Precious Weapons at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- SPW invades Austin…YES!
  • 6pm: Adam Arcuragi at Second Stage Showcase/Hotel Piano (3401 S I-25). – Adam also plays at 1am at The Whiskey Room (503 E 6th St)
  • 8pm: The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive (604 E 7th St)- featuring Filligar, Nico Vega, and Imagine Dragons…of course I’m there!
  • 1am: The Silent Comedy at Velveeta Room (521 E 6th St) – I will end the day with a TSC dance party!

Happy SXSW!!

 

~ Kristen

SXSW Recap: 3/13

Posted on by Amanda

It’s 3:30 am (again) and despite having droopy eyes, I’m somehow awake (again). I’m not complaining mind you. I’m just making a statement about life during SXSW. Today was the unofficial start of the festival if you will. This is a day filled with long lines, wristband and badge pick up, hustling, waiting, and all kinds of running around. It isn’t till the evening time that the music really starts. And that, is magic.

Somehow I’ve already amassed 4 wristbands, 3 badges, and a bag of swag. Also managed to score a wonderful free veggie dog from the Hot Dog King cart courtesy of @girlshbo. And this is only day 1. Tomorrow promises to be even crazier but tonight was an excellent start.

Our musical night started with He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister playing as Rain Bro at Bayou Lounge as part of the ATN showcase. Following that was Viva City at Chuggin Monkey (dance party!), and was topped off with a healthy dose of Saint Motel at Treasure Island. It was great to finally see He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister and what better time than at SXSW?! And I must say, it was lovely to have that dance party with Viva City. A year is far too long to wait. And what can I say about Saint Motel other than what a great way to finish off the night. It made my night complete. Also, they have a free download if you head to their site!

Kristen’s Top 10 Bands to See SXSW 2012

Posted on by Kristen

We started the morning in Wilcox, Arizona. Drove 12 hours to get to Austin and immediately went to the Pure Volume House for its Late Night show featuring LMN faves Dead Sara and Foxy Shazam. What a fantastic way to begin SXSW 2012! Tomorrow officially begins the madness, so I thought I’d share with you my top 10 picks for the week:

  1. Twin Atlantic- if there is one band I try to see every time they play in Austin it will be Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. No matter that I’ve seen them three times in the past month. Their CD, Free, has a problem leaving my car stereo. Catch them at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto) Friday night at 11pm.

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2. Queen Caveat– This dynamic rock quartet from LA just released a new EP, Slap on the Wrist, and I cannot wait to see them turn heads and make even more new fans with their energetic live performance. Check them out at The ATN Showcase at The Bayou Lounge (500 E 6th St) Friday night at 10pm

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3. The Silent Comedy– There is no greater joy than dancing with friends at a The Silent Comedy show. Some of my best memories from SXSW 2011 surround this folk-rocking band from San Diego. Only makes sense that 2012 will be a repeat. See them play the rooftop at Whole Foods Friday at 5:15.

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4. The Milk Carton Kids- missing a Milk Carton Kids show is simply not acceptable in my book. This duo sing songs so beautiful my heart melts every time. They are only playing one show, The Hotel Café showcase at St. David’s (301 E 8th St.) Friday night. The line-up at this show also boasts other LMN faves such as Meiko, The Lumineers, LP, and Rachel Yamagata. The Milk Carton Kids play at 9pm.

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5. We Are Augustines- I’ve been meaning to see this NYC-based band for some time now. I am MOST excited to finally get the opportunity in Austin. Their first show is 10pm Tuesday night at Antone’s (213 W 5th St). Seems like a great way to start the week to me…

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6. Tournament of Hearts– Tournament of Hearts is my pick for best unknown band to check out. That’s what SXSW is all about, right? These rockers from LA are in Austin to show the industry that they are a band to watch. Watch them at The Bayou Lounge Thursday at noon (500 E 6th St)

7. Glen Hansard- The Swell Season puts on one of the best shows I have ever seen. It’s something about the way Glen can convey such emotion in his songs. I’m looking forward to seeing him solo Thursday 3:30 at Antone’s (213 W 5th St.)

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8. Maverick Sabre- Two years ago Maverick Sabre captivated me with his song “I Need”. This past year this Englishman finally released his full length album which I looove.  I saw he was playing sxsw this year an instantly blocked out my schedule. Catch him at The British Embassy Saturday night at 11pm.

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9. Marcus Foster– Marcus Foster has already sold out two shows at The Hotel Café later this month. I failed to get a ticket so I must catch him at SXSW. I’m aiming for 9pm Weds night at Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (323 E 6th St).

 

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10. Dead Sara- Dead Sara has been one of my favorites for some time now. Their debut album comes out in April and they are already getting so much buzz they can no longer play smaller venues in LA. SXSW may be the last time I get to see them up close in awhile. Can’t miss that! Catch them play alongside some other fantastic LA bands at the Buzzbands showcase at Freehouse (700 W 6th St.) 1:30 Weds afternoon.

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As for tomorrow, some anticipated highlights include We Are Augustines (10pm) and Band of Skulls (11pm) at Antone’s (213 W 5th St) and fiN at The British Music Emassy (Latitude 30- 512 San Jacinto)

 

Ok, now time for my 3 hour “nap”

 

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 3/13-3/19

Posted on by Amanda

Sorry folks. I seem to have lost a day in travel. Kristen and I left LA on Sunday and stopped in Willcox, AZ with nary the interwebs. It’s currently 4:30 am here in Austin and we will be up around 7:30 to get a start on our day. Since a lot of SD bands are over here in Austin, the week is a little scant on shows. I’ve also included Monday as we will be in transit from Sunday to Monday.

Tuesday: The Paragraphs and Heavy Glow @ Belly Up @8 $8
AND: Mattson 2 @ El Dorado
AND: Ape Machine @ Soda Bar @9 $5

Wednesday: Drive By Truckers @ Belly Up @9 $26/$28

Thursday: The Filthy Violets and The New Kinetics @ Casbah @9 $10/$12

Friday: For The Sender @ Lestats @8
AND: The Loons @ Casbah @9 $10

Saturday: Tyler Hilton @ Lestats @8
AND: The Burning of Rome @ Tin Can Alehouse @9 $8

Sunday: Puscifer @ California Center for the Arts Escondido

Monday: Kaiser Chiefs and Transfer @ Belly Up @9

 

Keep in Mind:
March 20th- Ani DeFranco @ House of Blues
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 21st- Lumineers @ Casbah
March 22nd- Cartel @ Soma
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
March 26th- Imagine Dragons @ 710 Beach Club
March 30th- Into It Over It @ Soma
March 31st- Henry Rollins @ SD Women’s Club $27.50
April 4th0- Hunter Hayes @ House of Blues
April 7th- Transfer and The Blackout Party @ Belly Up
April 7th- CityBeat Street Fest w/Nico Vega, Hyena, and Heavy Guilt
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 16th- Elvis Costello @ Humphreys
April 17th- The Hives @ Belly Up
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2
May 2nd- Say Anything @ House of Blues
May 4th- Thrice @ House of Blues
May 5th- Portugal. The Man @ 4th and B
May 12th- Delta Spirit @ Belly Up
June 3rd- Mogwai @ Belly Up

 

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/12-3/19

Posted on by Kristen

Yesterday was all about intense SXSW preparation. I spend the entire day diligently going through all the party lists and band schedules to put together my best approximation of a game plan. Then I went out to see some amazing bands and got no sleep (I guess another form of preparation?). I hope to get together a list of my top picks posted soon. Also, Amanda and I will of course be updating you all on our adventures all week long via twitter/facebook/etc. so if you want a taste of SXSW, we’ve got you covered!

For those of you still in LA next week, there are a few choice shows for you too:

Monday: NO FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Chris Dallman at The Hotel Café (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Ari Shine and Chi McClean at Room 5 (7,8)
ALSO: Maniac FREE at The Central (9pm)

 

Weds: Lovers Drugs at The Down & Out (10:30)
ALSO: The Pretty Reckless at House of Blues Sunset (8:30)
ALOS: Jane Carrey, Chris Pierce, Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 10)

 

Thursday: Wire in the Walls at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Drive-By Truckers at House of Blues Sunset (8:30)

 

Friday: The Honey Trees and Ry Cuming at The Hotel Cafe (9, 11)
ALSO: Guster at Largo (two shows: 7:30, 10)
ALSO: Umphrey’s McGee at House of Blues Sunset (two shows: 5pm and 8pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (10pm)

 

Saturday: Sara Bareilles at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Berklee Mixer at The Hotel Cafe featuring Rob Giles, Adrianne, Charley Turner, and more (7:30)

 

Sunday: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Charlene Soraia at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

 

Monday (March 19th): The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: NO FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 21st: Boyce Avenue and Tournament of Hearts at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

 

 

The Silent Comedy on Dead Feather Moon

Posted on by Amanda

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t ask The Silent Comedy about their thoughts on Dead Feather Moon. This comes just in time for their show (also featuring The Howls) at the Belly Up this Thursday 3/8. Tickets are still available and you should get one. Now.

Also, you know it’s going to be big when The Silent Comedy brings the horns and strings

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LMN: Band on Band- The Silent Comedy on Dead Feather Moon

Multiple Choice:

What would be Dead Feather Moon’s breakfast of choice: coffee, breakfast burrito, fruit platter, whiskey, never up early enough to eat breakfast

Definitely whiskey! Whiskey in a plastic bottle to be precise. They introduced us to it.

Which band has the nicest hair: The Silent Comedy, The Howls, Dead Feather Moon

It has to be DFM. They have more variety. They’ve got long hair, short, and even the sexy bald look… I wish it was us, but I have to be honest.

Show Drink: Whiskey, PBR, Fruity Girly Drink, Aged Scotch, Water

Whiskey and PBR definitely. Fruity Girly Drink will never be found on a DFM stage.

Fill in the Blank:
Suppose Dead Feather Moon landed in the world of The Wizard of Oz. Who would be who? (You can have multiples of the same character)

I totally don’t know those guys well enough to answer that…

• Dorothy:

• Scarecrow:

• Tin Man:

• Cowardly Lion:

• Wicked Witch:

• Glenda the Good Witch:

• Wizard of Oz:

• Toto:

The tv show or cartoon that Dead Feather Moon should make a cameo in would be.

Scooby Doo

Something we would like to steal from Dead Feather Moon is:

Badass Rock n Roll songs

Essay: (Pick 1 to answer)

What are you most looking forward to about Dead Feather Moon’s set at The Belly Up?

They did their song “Everything I Haven’t Said” acoustically for our Homestead Sessions recently, and I am really looking forward to seeing the full band version. (edit: you can watch that video here)

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Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 3/5-3/11

Posted on by Amanda

I can’t believe next Sunday Kristen and I depart for SXSW! Since the festival is fast approaching, so many SXSW artists are coming through San Diego on their way to Austin. Lots of local San Diego bands are gearing up for the drive as well. Favorites like Ivan and Aloysha are playing Soda Bar tomorrow night, The Silent Comedy, Dead Feather Moon, and The Howls at The Belly Up on Thursday, Stone Foxes at The Casbah on Friday and let’s not forget Fierce Creatures on Sunday at Tin Can Alehouse! That doesn’t even begin to cover the half of it! Whew.

Monday: The Twilight Sad @ Casbah @9 $10
AND: The Broken Column @ Soda Bar @9 $5

Tuesday: Ivan and Alyosha @ Soda Bar @9 $5
AND: A Scribe Amidst The Lions @ Eleven @9 $5
AND: Flogging Molly @ House of Blues @7 $35/$45

Wednesday: Republic of Letters, The Henry Clay People, and Weatherbox @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: John Heart Jackie @ Soda Bar @830 $5
AND: River City @ Riviera Supper Club @9

Thursday: The Silent Comedy, Dead Feather Moon, and The Howls @ Belly Up @9 $15
AND: William Fitzsimmons @ Anthology @7
AND: Maren Parusel, Italian Japanese, and Low Volts @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: Old Tiger @ Riviera Supper Club @9

Friday: The Stone Foxes @ Casbah @9 $10/$12
AND: Saul Williams @ Soda Bar @830 $15

Saturday: The Gallery @ Spring Forward Festival @2
AND: The Heavy Guilt and The Beautiful View @ Casbah @9 $10/$12
AND: Puddle of Mudd @ Sycuan @8 $35/$45
AND: Josh Damigo @ Lestats @8

Sunday: Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $12
AND: Fierce Creatures @ Tin Can Alehouse @10 $5
Keep in Mind:
March 13th-18th- SXSW!
March 16th- For The Sender @ Lestats
March 17th- Tyler Hilton @ Lestats
March 18th- Puscifer @ California Center for the Arts Escondido
March 19th- Kaiser Chiefs @ Belly Up @9
March 20th- Ani DeFranco @ House of Blues
March 21st- Cults @ Belly Up @9
March 21st- Lumineers @ Casbah
March 22nd- Cartel @ Soma
March 23rd- The Ting Tings @ House of Blues
March 26th- Imagine Dragons @ 710 Beach Club
March 30th- Into It Over It @ Soma
March 31st- Henry Rollins @ SD Women’s Club $27.50
April 4th0- Hunter Hayes @ House of Blues
April 7th- Transfer and The Blackout Party @ Belly Up
April 13th- Coachella Weekend 1
April 15th- Rise Against @ Viejas Arena
April 16th- Elvis Costello @ Humphreys
April 17th- The Hives @ Belly Up
April 20th- Coachella Weekend 2
May 2nd- Say Anything @ House of Blues
May 4th- Thrice @ House of Blues
May 5th- Portugal. The Man @ 4th and B
May 12th- Delta Spirit @ Belly Up
June 3rd- Mogwai @ Belly Up