SXSWing: Evan's SXSW 2007 Blog

SXSW 07 Day 4

2007-03-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't explain it, I can only report it.

This plus a stirring discussion with Chuck D of Public Enemy (EXCLUSIVE!) and The Walkmen, once I find my M.I.A. Firewire video cable and get some rest. Stay Tuned.

SXSW 07 Day 3

2007-03-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

It turned out to be a very british day...

The day started with a laugh at a panel dicussion on stand-up on the indie music show scene. David Cross led a discussion about how how all indie rockers look the same, yet think they stand out and don't look like they're enjoying themsleves no matter how funny he is.

Then I ran off to see New Rave Hipsters get their dance on @ Emo's JR with Fujiya + Miyagi and Simian Mobile Disco (This was not their live show, it was only a DJ set)

Simian Mobile Disco
New Rave Hipster Kids (Very Nice)
This guy's Nike Dunks weren't limited edition enough to get into Simian Mobile Disco.
Next year pal.

Sara and I went off to see The Fratellis @ The Spin / Yaris party and were in for a bit of Rock N' Roll history as Pete Townshend shocked the crowd when he burst onto the stage to join The Fratellis for a couple songs. I was one of the few (if only) one who got it on film.

Check it out ---->

Then it was of to the Little Radio day show to check out the MUCH HYPED El-P performace. I was very unimpressed and left early. I blow the doors off an El-P perforance around 7:30 AM every weekday mornign in my shower. Come by anytime, free drinks and apps.

Paul and I think of an excuse to tell El-P why we have to bail.

After a quick dinner, we went back to Stubbs to see Badly Drawn Boy and The Good, The Bad & The Queen, who I was excited to see perform above anyone else at SXSW... here's a look at their first song.

SXSW 07 Day 2

2007-03-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

One thing I forgot before I came here, and I should have known better, was my beard. Luckily for me, every one else brought theirs (ladies excluded of course). Beardos have taken over the city in force.

Day two was difficult due mostly to the fact that many performances didn’t start on time, meaning I was walking all around the city all day missing artists left and right.

One of the day shows I did see was The Fratellis, who are shaping up to be one of the biggest British bands of the summer.The Fratellis @ The Fader party

I also had time to pop into a panel discussion with “Tom” from MySpace, who insightfully declared “running MySpace is hard.” I have since removed Tom from my friends list.

Everyone's friend Tom

After seeing great performances by X-Wife, The Cold War Kids, The High Street Robbers, the night came to an end with a 2 AM to 3 AM performance from Albert Hammond Jr. Enjoy some video below.

SXSW 07 Day 1

2007-03-15T02:08:00.001-07:00

Despite the soggy weather, SXSW continues to amaze me and this year is shaping up to be even better than the last. The whole point of the festival is to expose people to undiscovered bands you wouldn’t normally get a chance to experience. You may think that would lead to a lot of disappointing shows, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The very first artist I watched was Joshua James, a young songwriter from Nebraska. Being that it was 11 AM on the first day of the music festival, to a crowd of about 15 people, I expected James to be predictable. He was anything but. James reminded that SXSW showcases the truly talented, undiscovered artists and in a small way inspired me for what the rest of the week has to offer, despite the lack of big name artists.

Joshua James @ Emos

Canada @ Emo's Annex

I spent the afternoon at the Ioda day party and was really impressed by the artists they showcased - especially The Twilight Sad. They’re from Scotland and have a loud, amazing sound that falls somewhere between Joy Division and Ride.

The Twilight Sad @ Emos Annex

A close second to The Twilight Sad was the tamales made by an old Mexican woman that Ioda brought in. You can hand out all the free schwag you want, but if you want to see people happy, make them tamales.

Little Radio and Good magazine also had a day party with Peter Bjorn & John. Thank you Good magazine for letting little old me into a “list full” party.

Peter Bjorn & John @ Little Radio

Rock icon Peter Townshend from The Who gave an interesting keynote interview where he described the current state of the record industry as “Rome is burning” and stomped on the idea of watching music concerts “on demand.” Townshend feels that people need to connect “live” over the web to experience the magic of artistic performance.

Pete Townshend Keynote Interview

Later, Toyota and Yaris hosted a special event featuring The Rapture, who were amazing live. While no video camera were allowed, I snuck one in and captured this....

I ended a long day by attended an Afro-Punk showcase at exodus featuring Saul Williams and Game Rebellion. Good stuff, more tomorrow.

Game Rebellion @ Exodus

SXSW 2007 - Here we go again.

2007-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

I get into Austin March 13th, check back for my daily reporting on the festival!