SXSW WRAP-UP
I finally had some time on Sunday to reflect upon the wild week it was. How I battled through sickness, bouncers, crazy gut-rot and the odd headache – and came out way on top.
After the amazing day I had on Saturday, I left Austin most excited about the new musical discoveries. Bands like Matt and Kim and Ladyhawk left me stunned. Shit Disco too. One of the first things I did after getting home was track down these bands to figure out how I could buy their records as quickly as possible. There’s nothing quite like a band just totally selling their record with a killer live performance.
Since I’ve gotten back, I keep getting asked who the highlights were – and if you’ve been keeping score, there really were a lot. But if I had to name just a few…
-obviously, the above mentioned new discoveries
-watching Voxtrot, who as I said, were probably the most poised band at the festival, debut songs from their forthcoming record
-Beirut playing probably one of the most unconventional, spontaneous shows they’ll play all year
-Asobi Seksu playing amazingly loud and triumphantly while i absolutely drenched in afternoon sun
-Apostle of Hustle doing all Canadians proud playing 7 shows in 4 days. i saw two and they were both fantastic!
-Headlights, maybe the most underexposed band in America right now, playing an outside patio for my first show of the week… and hearing 'Put Us Back Together' while approaching the venue, I truly knew I’d arrived
-seeing Annuals twice(!), proving too that they’re ridiculously underexposed and poised for greatness. They’re set to open a bunch of dates on the Kaiser Chiefs / Walkmen tour… I can’t wait to hear stories of them blowing both bands off the stage
-all the random BBQs, parties and cool swag I scored (who doesn’t love cool swag)
And pretty much just the Austin vibe in general. It reminded me a lot of Toronto, yet oddly enough, more laid back, and minus the rows of condo towers. I still can’t believe the city let us kids go so wild (though really, I’m sure our presence didn’t hurt the local economy). But you know what, I didn’t hear bout no one gettin’ in no fights or anything. Apparently, the singer from the Walkmen got arrested – but even that was just a big understanding. They totally do it right down there and I’m sure I’ll be back. Thanks for following along.
look at these wicked dogs i found!
Posted by Geoff M at March 20, 2007 06:42 PM
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