Greetings from Austin, Texas!
Last week I posted an old photo on Instagram asking “Who’s going to Texas for SXSW?” Most of the enthusiastic responses came from my daughter’s friends. Many indie labels and SXSW regulars have decided to sit out this year’s festivities. I would say, candidly speaking, LA and NYC are not representing.
Interestingly enough, a new crop of bands has made this trip so those of us who like to enjoy more than complain about SXSW are having a hell of a good “Texas” time. First and foremost I’m doing what I’ve come to SXSW to do—see bands! In fact I was so inspired by just how many interesting and diverse bands I saw yesterday, I stayed out on the streets watching music.
From UK indie pop Ultimate Painting’s 12:30 PM set to Autre Ne Vous 1:00 AM “PBR urban” closer, it was a fun fun fun day at SXSW. Kicking back and thinking about it, I did the kind of things I used to do down here—shlepped through 6th street to see French punkers, took tips from friends, and I listened to bands from the streets.
Yeah, there were uncool factors like the McDonalds stage and a blogger VIP room and Taco Bell at Hype Machine. Then again Mushroom had a lovely and relaxing cocktail hour. Red Distro fed us sushi.
I’m getting everything I came for. Listen in and check for yourself.
(Oh yeah—and at least one “buzz band” from The New Roads School in LA—go kids go!)
The Idelic Hit of the Week:
Mansionair – Hold Me Down
The Hype Machine party at SXSW has a Taco Bell and this private room for bloggers. Hmmm…at least they have free lemonade.
