SXSW 2011

(aka that time I went to Austin and nothing bad happened!)

I have bad luck in Austin. I love the city, the music, the food, the lack of hurricanes...but usually when I visit, someone's car blows up, I catch the flu or something equally lame happens. Well, ladies and gentlemen, not this time!

Believe it or not, this was my very first SXSW experience. Insane, right? I'd been in Austin at the time of Southby but I was there for Broadway and wasn't aware of the plethora of free shows.

We started off at Threadgills to see some friends of mine, Ha Ha Tonka. We got there about 15 minutes late and watched Extra Action Marching Band, oblivious to the fact that there was a stage inside, where Ha Ha Tonka was setting up. Extra Action was incredible-I had never heard a marching band (of nearly 30 people, it seemed) playing such lively and just plain awesome music! There were a few guys on stilts, gypsy-looking dancers, and a stage full or drums and brass! I was completely impressed and will definitely be checking these guys out again ASAP!

After Extra Action's set ended, I asked the sound guy about Ha Ha Tonka and he let me know where to go inside. Luckily, they were running about 45 minutes late and we were just in time! The luck of the Irish, right there! My girls and I grabbed a table in the front so I could get good video, but the lighting was weird so my pictures aren't the best. HHT played a short set, but hit all the right songs. I think they had an appropriate mix of new and old material. One of my favorites, Gusto, didn't make the set, but I highly recommend checking that tune out. One thing I love about Ha Ha Tonka is their perfect harmonies. I've never heard a sour note. They really seemed to have the audience's full attention with their foot-stompin' soul! The new songs from their upcoming album, Death Of A Decade, make me think that I'll be keeping that album on constant repeat for a while. Tonka finished with a crowd favorite, 12 Inch, 3 Speed Oscillating Fan-a song originally done by another ozark band, Big Smith. For a short showcase set, I really think they pulled out all the stops and left a great impression on their listeners.

After Ha Ha Tonka, we headed over to the fairground area (not sure of the exact name) to catch Bright Eyes. I admit, I'm not a huge fan. I guess I just never explored all of Connor Oberst's music. After watching most of his set, I feel like I've been missing out. Connor really seemed comfortable on stage-kinda like he could do it in his sleep, but not in the "I'm so over this" kind of way. The energy was great, especially while we watched the "Super Moon" rise over the skyline. I've since downloaded a few tracks and they're growing on me.

Finally, it was time for one of the highlights of our SXSW experience-Greek Fire, The Limousines and Neon Trees! (Extra special thanks to Tyler for getting us in to this one! We REALLY appreciate it and had a great time!)

I have to admit, I hadn't heard of Greek Fire or The Limousines, but I'm so glad that I know them now! Greek Fire hooked me. I didn't know a single song, but I was fixated. They really put on a great show! Definitely check them out!

Next was Limousines. An interesting electronic duo with special effects, lights, the whole nine yards! I'm not sure that their music is something I could keep on my "most played" playlist, but it definitely has it's place on my iPod. If you're into electronica, this may be a band you want to keep your eyes on. I'd say that they're a little more intense thank The Postal Service, especially content wise.

Then Neon Trees took the stage after MUCH waiting. The sound guy was awful. I really hate to knock on someone who's been hired to do such a difficult task, but the horrible acoustics at Emos plus a not-so-experienced person at the mixer makes for a lot of anxious and unhappy people. I recorded "Animal" and "1983," but even with my microphone tweaked for a concert setting, it really doesn't sound like much of anything. Very disappointing, especially when compared to the stellar video at other venues. Tyler has SO much energy on stage and he really gets the crowd going with his goofy dance moves, crowd surfing and powerful presence. Half way through, he asked for prayer for a friend who worked for Neon Trees who had an enlarged heart and was on life support. I heart broke for them, especially after I got news that the guy stopped breathing yesterday. Rest his soul. Despite the difficult emotional situation, Neon Trees gave a great performance, even with the sound being off.

If you ever get the chance to head out to Austin for South By Southwest, please do! You definitely won't regret it! You can go to most shows without a badge and sometimes even badge shows will let you pay a small cover to get in. I'll have a post on my tips for how to survive SXSW soon.

What an incredible weekend full of awesome music and great friends!

Special thanks to Tyler of Neon Trees, Ha Ha Tonka, the scraggly looking guitar player who gave me a hug at our hotel, the man in the cow pants, the man with the mullet in the belly shorts and jorts and the guy with the goofy hat at the gas station who asked me if I knew how to make moonshine.

Peace, Love and fried pickles!
-Jenn