Over the span of 3 days I was fortunate enough to see about 2 dozen bands perform live at the annual South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. I chatted all things music & tech with co-workers and friends. I made new friends (the kind of friendships that only a music festival can foster) and had amazing experiences like taking a pedicab down 6th street at 3am on St. Patty’s Day, the next night being accidentally set on fire, then watching American Apparel-clad hipsters take a turn on various carnival rides while bands like Yacht and Sleigh Bells performed in the distance.
Below, a few of my favorite new finds from the week that is all things music and mayhem.
1. Active Child
According to the lineup at the Filter Showdown on Cedar Street, Minus the Bear was supposed to be playing during this set which created some confusion in the crowd. The general buzz was “wait, who are these guys? They’re GOOD!” If you’re in LA you’re in luck as they’re playing this Saturday at the Echo alongside Surfer Blood and Best Coast.
http://www.myspace.com/activechild
2. SkyBox
4am or not, these guys were a great band to see live. We stumbled across them (literal stumbling wouldn’t be far from the truth) at a loft party tucked around the corner from the craziness on 6th street. There’s a timeless sound to them that I love that features tinkering piano and guitar. You can catch them live coming to a city near you – they’re currently on tour with Tally Hall.
http://www.myspace.com/skybox
http://skyboxmusic.com/
3. Baron Von Luxxury
The Los Angeles-based producer worked in advertising before quitting his day job to pursue music full-time. I was lucky enough to catch a rare performance of his alongside a full band at the Banyan Branch Wine Party on Thursday afternoon. Highlights – the first single named “Terry Richardson” in ode to the famed fashion photographer. According to his website the debut album is coming soon. The tracks on his myspace page don’t do the band justice though – definitely keep this one tucked away for the proper release later this year.
http://www.baronvonluxxury.com/
http://www.myspace.com/luxxury
There were a bunch of bands I wanted to see like Chew Lips, Codeine Velvet Club, Surfer Blood, Neon Trees and Fenech Soler but they’ll have to wait until another time (Surfer Blood in LA this weekend at the Echo! The fun never stops).
What were some of your favorite sxsw discoveries? I’d love to hear! Post a comment below.