SXSW 2012 – Recap - Promising Chord

SXSW 2012 – Recap

SXSW 2012

Thousands of people traveled to Austin, TX for South by Southwest this past week with one thing in common: the music. The streets were filled with music being played almost all day from March 13 – 18 and I was so glad to be there. This was my first venture out to Austin and my first SXSW experience. I loved hearing new music and seeing some of my favorite bands too. I have to admit the chaos really took me out of my comfort zone but that was the beauty of it. You never knew who you might stumble upon or find out a band you like is playing down the street. There was free food and booze almost at every showcase but also yummy food trucks on many streets including my new favorite, Hey Cupcake!.

Kimbra

I was able to see some of the coolest venues in Austin and I saw about 40 bands/musicians within the span of 6 days. I had to support Atlanta while I was there and saw some of my favorites; Pillage & Plunder, Brain, Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun, and Jungol. Another Georgia favorite of mine, Athens natives Futurebirds played an incredible set at the Hype Hotel: Aquarium Drunkard Showcase. That was the best showcase which also included performances by The Alabama Shakes, Bass Drum of Death, and Youth Lagoon. One of the most relaxing showcases was the Warby Parker Circus at the French Legation Museum which I went to two days in a row and saw Yellow Ostrich, The Love Language, La Sera, Dee Dee from the Dum Dum Girls, and more. It was relaxing because attendees got to sit in the grass on blankets, enjoy the music, and the beautiful weather. It was a change from having to stand like at most venues. Bands that blew me away were Guards, Pond, and Dive. All three very different bands that I had never seen before and I can’t wait to see again. New favorites include Emily Wells, The Orwells, Ivan & Alyosha, and Water & Bodies which were all on showcases with other bands I went to see. I love being able to hear something new that I wouldn’t have otherwise! Seeing local Austin band Quiet Company was another special moment because there were so many hometown fans there supporting them. It was great to see how the music scene thrives in a different city than my own. I was walking down 6th street at one point looking for somewhere to go and I stumbled upon Say Anything playing the Equal Vision Records showcase at Lucky 13. It was a great surprise! MTVU Woodie Awards Fest was a must visit and I was able to see the lovely and talented Kimbra. I am already thinking about next year’s SXSW and how it will be even greater! I also want to see Atlanta have a greater presence at the festival and am already planning how to make that happen!

Quiet Company

Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun

I listed out below all of the bands I saw and it is so inspiring to see how far some of the bands traveled. South by Southwest is hard work and I respect every musician that travels out to Austin just to have their music heard.