One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2023.
THE SXSW EXPERIENCE
Feel that joy in the air? I’m about to fuck that up. Jon Dee Graham
How about some water. That’s not water. Cian Godfrey of Somebody’s Child after drinking from a glass that someone passed him
I would tell you to drink water but I’m not drinking no fucking water. Kelsey Wilson of Sir Woman (and Wild Child) at an afternoon outdoor show
How’s everyone feeling tonight? I feel “wooh”, too. Jake Whiskin
We are the best band in a 17 block radius. Guaranteed. Jon Dee Graham
Shout out some covers tomorrow. We’ll try then and we’ll fail. Near Beer singer-guitarist Joey Siara
Whatever goodwill we’ve built up with you, we’ve destroyed it. Near Beer’s Siara the next day after the band closed their last SXSW show with a string of covers (they actually rocked ‘em)
If I hadn’t lost my voice before, I’ve certainly lost it now. Annie Hamilton after playing multiple shows and closing her set with a cathartic screamer
Are y’all awake? Because I’m not yet but I will be in about 3 minutes. I literally got out of bed about 45 minutes ago. Jim McCullough, lead singer of punk band Civic, at the start of their 12:15pm set on Friday
When I was asked to play they said you can play it as a duo. I said that sounds terrifying so let’s do it. Bartees Strange, who usually plays with a full band
I was on a boat yesterday and at a campfire until 2am. So no one smell me. Gabe Lee
2 more songs? 3? OK, so 2 and a half songs. Nathan Hamilton
We have time for 2 more? Nobody said no so fuck it. Jon Dee Graham
If anyone knows how to restring a guitar, I could use some help. I don’t know how to do it. I know we’re in a comedy club but I’m not fucking joking. Singer-guitarist Sol Abrahams of UK punk band Bilk after bloodying his hand and breaking a string – they really were playing at a comedy club
Once we draw blood, then we know that it’s time for the set to begin. Near Beer’s Siara after bloodying his guitar
I thought you were a priest for a minute. Confused bartender to me. I then asked for the sacramental wine.
ABOUT SONGS
Mankind has created all kinds of crazy things. One of them is the polyamorous relationships. This song is about finding out you’re in one. Nude party singer Patton Macgee
Most people’s weekends are Friday and Saturday nights but when you’re a degenerate musician, it’s also Sunday and my favorite, Monday. Marco Gutierrez of the West Texas Exiles introducing the band’s song “Monday Night”
There’s a guy I like. He’s called Randy Newman. This is not a Randy Newman song. It’s called “I Want to be in a Randy Newman Song.” Near Beer‘ singer-guitarist Joey’s Siara
This is a song called “Bad Luck”. It’s about bad luck. Marco Gutierrez of the West Texas Exiles
MISCELLANEOUS
Sunny has a new album and it’s rad. And I can say that because I had nothing to do with it. Anthony Da Costa about Sunny War
Be careful when you look into the abyss because sometimes there’s something looking back. Jon Dee Graham
Sometimes you want Mexican food. Sometimes you just want Chipotle. Enumclaw singer Aramis Johnson.
I can’t think of a place where you want a Whataburger more than in Amsterdam. Aaron Beavers
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.