SXSW Trip 2009 via New Orleans
Day Three (19th March 2009):
Stop one, the convention center, the original place for registration, if only the UK had these buildings to hand in all large cities like the US. The purpose of the visit was to browse the exhibitor's wares and hob knob with the industry people. A great break from the music itself and a good opportunity to test our music knowledge and 'blag ability'. A veritable cavern of goodies, CD's and freebies galore. Oh, there was also the pleasure of speaking with some interesting producers, disc manufactures, insurers, designers, music paraphernalia vendors etc. A true blast.
What was that, oh, from the conference center located on the 4th floor, it appeared that a queue was developing across the road at the West tent, with what turned out to be the Memphis music BBQ. As interesting as the exhibition was, the call of free drink and food was much more appealing. No queue required, the official SXSW green badge was sufficient and entrance was a formality. Some great Memphis fringe bands played in the background whilst lunch was negotiated in the midday Austin sun. Wonderful.
Next up, the Kerrang party , another pre-registered event featuring the tail end of Rolo Tomassi's set. A seriously screechy hysterical thrash band with fronted by a female singer. Initially, this was a shock to the system, with a unique style of music, but definitely one for a second listen as there was something very original not able to be immediately identified. RT was followed by Attack! Attack! From South Wales, a good pop punk band that would be better appreciated in a better venue than this outdoor narrow rooftop terrace. Looking forward to seeing these bands again, in the future.
Off to Latitude 30 next, to sample the British Embassy Music showcases party. First up, General Fiasco, a good three piece indie band with sounds akin to the Kooks. They were quickly followed by Skibunny from Scotland, two girls, one on drums. Oh dear, the free bar was closing, time to go, sorry, but the tempo needed to be cranked up.
On to The Clash party at The Dirty Dog and the very appealing pop rock band Juliette and the New Romantiques, who put on a great set. I loved her (Juliette Lewis) in Cape Fear, my favourite film of all time. This was followed by Gallows again, for which I am finding it difficult to contain the superlatives, 'kin brilliant. The entire set done was performed on the audience floor where the crowd made a circle after some coaxing by lead Frank Carter. There was only half the crowd size from the previous nights set at Emo's, probably due to being during the day and a private party to boot. Magnificent! Have I mentioned I am running out of superlatives for this band? The final song, Misery, stirred feelings of some great Sham 69 gigs of the early 80's. Oops, showing my age now! The new album out in May is an absolute must on the shopping list.
Next stop was a slow walk up town to Malverde, a significantly up market venue. Oh, we have suddenly been let loose into a room full of ever so lovely people. The likes of Gallows would never be allowed to set foot in such a place, me fears! Two bands on the menu, first an electronica duo, Telepathe. After the set, an ironic, tap on the shoulder of one of the two girl members as they walked past, citing "awesome". Then after an inordinate sound check delay, Little Boots finally made an appearance from the corner of the small stage for the first time of the day. A really good performance, however, since this was now eating into the next stopover, an American music tribute, sorry Little Boots, four songs and we are offski!. Next to Antones, a brilliant larger venue, for what turned out to be a whistle stop intake of the American music tribute with the Doug Sahm tribute band featuring Shaw Sahm, Bill Bentley and Jake Andrews. Great country rock.
Okay, some intermission refreshments were in order, then round the corner to the Cedar Street courtyard open air venue to see Delta Spirit, a Mississippi indie rock and soul band. Superb, I want more. Hey, what was this, next up the decision was quickly made to pay a visit to a seedy biker like bar venue called Room 710 and to see hardcore punk outfit, Annihilation Time. A thrash punk metal outfit that was very loud, very raw and very fast with an amazing lead guitarist. A seriously mental venue, which required navigating past the over spilling facilities at the rear, to get to the room accommodating the band and the near frenzied crowd. The set was excellent and deafening.
Exited only to stop by and see Little Boots for the second time in the same day at Emo's annexe, excellent and much livelier than at Malverde. I am guessing the sound check was spot on this time! Finally, back to the Hilton's top floor to see a complete contrast in the form of Jay Semko, a country five piece band from Canada. This, in front of nine people including two of our party. A great end to yet another event filled day. I am in heaven? Can it be that SXSW is what I can expect in the after life, please?
Two days to go, surely not!