Another year, another SXSW. An estimated 1,500 bands and artists — not to mention tens of thousands of music industry and other spectators — converged on Austin for the annual music industry showcase, filling hotels, clubs and the streets beyond capacity. Over the next week, I’ll be highlighting the scene, sounds and sayings of this year’s event.
DID SXSW JUMP THE SHARK?
The question of the year was whether SXSW jumped the shark. The event was originally created as an industry conference and opportunity for un-signed bands to showcase for record labels and other professionals. These days, however, there are more signed bands promoting new releases than there are unsigned emerging artists.
In some respects, this shift spirited an ironic return to the conference’s roots. With bigger name artists and over-hyped bands quickly filling venues to capacity, some of this year’s best SXSW moments came from stumbling into random shows featuring up-and-coming artists. It’s rewarding to be lured by the sounds emanating from a small club and enter to find the Low Stars or the Stars of Track and Field playing to small intimate crowds.
DAY PARTIES GALORE!
The number of unofficial day parties exploded this year, rivaling the official evening showcases for attention and making for some really long but glorious music-filled days. Bands took over clubs, backyards and every conceivable location in town to make the most of their SXSW exposure. Of course, the free beer and food that often accompany the day parties doesn’t hurt…
Among my favorite day shows this year were the parties sponsored by Yep Roc Records (featuring Apples in Stereo, You Am I and John Doe), New West Records (Buddy Miller, the Drams) and the Australia Music Collective (You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus). The perennial Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery parties (Great Northern, Frank Smith, Amsterband) and Mojo Nixon’s Mayhem shows (Jon Dee Graham, James McMurtry, Barfield) delivered as usual.
I’D LIKE TO BRING UP MY FRIEND PETER…
In the midst of the many showcasing bands playing wherever and whenever they could, Pete Townsend appeared to be the busiest man in town. In addition to delivering the conference keynote address, Townsend joined artists ranging from the Fratellis (covering “The Seekerâ€), Joe Purdy (“Let My Love Open the Doorâ€) and Martha Wainwright. Townsend also did a brief set of his own on Thursday night and participated in a tribute to Ronnie Lane with Ian McLagan & the Bump Band at the Austin Music Awards.
DO YOU HAVE SOUL?
The apparent musical theme of this year’s event was soul and R&B. On one end of the spectrum you had the old school, including the Stax Records 50th Anniversary party with Booker T & the MGs and the Ponderosa Stomp show honoring the rich New Orleans heritage. On the other end of the spectrum was the new rhythm and blues revival being led by Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini and my personal favorites, Eli “Paperboy†Reed & the True Loves.
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
England’s Pipettes are a retro-soul trio combining 1960’s soul vibe with the manufactured qualities of the Spice Girls or Pussycat Dolls. Don’t get me wrong, they are mighty fine to look at, but give me the gritty soul of New York’s Dansette’s any day.
ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT
For some reason, Saturday night typically ends on a high note. I finished strong with sets from Charlie Sexton, Leeroy Stagger and finally the Tragically Hip, whose Antone’s showcase was, um, tragically shut down by the police around 2:40am.
COMING THIS FALL TO A TV NEAR YOU…
What better way to wrap up the Austin experience than by attending a special taping of the long-running PBS music show Austin City Limits? The show featured Paolo Nutini performing a number of soulful tracks from his debut release (“New Shoes,†“Last Requestâ€) as well as a closing cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.â€
The experience of sitting in the legendary studio was astounding and be sure to watch for me when the performance airs this fall. The camera was often pointed in my direction between songs, although I suspect that it had more to do with the women sitting next to me than the cameraman’s desire to see my mug…
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.