PART 3 SXSW 2012 THE WRAP
WEDNESDAY
As always SXSW was such a blur that i didn’t get a chance to share the adventures with you until now. The first artist I stumbled across on the Wednesday was the wonderful MICHAEL KIWANUKA. Judging by the rest of the Aussie’s enjoying his chilled vibes as much as me, I don’t think it will be long until he visits our shores. A feast at Matt’s El Racho followed and prepared us for the evenings activities starting with Van from Port O'Brien’s new band WATERS. The album is a stunner, but they suffered by some untenable common SXSW sound problems. Kiwi 2 piece CAIRO KNIFE FIGHT were next and seem to befriend any audience they meet. They are funny as fuck whilst ensuring your fist is in the air. Next up were politico rock n rollers from NYC, OUTERNATIONAL who remain one of the most unique bands I have heard and seen in ages. Next step was to the beautiful Central Presbyterian Church to witness that magic that is M WARD. Whilst feeling blessed for the opportunity, i felt like being in a different church and headed to Maggie Maes for NATHANIEL RATELIFF from Denver Colorado. I was lucky enough to bump into one of my favourite artists, Matt from Delta Spirit as he was waiting for the same experience. Spiced Rum and great company and the all heart performance of NATHANIEL RATELIFF was a truly magical way to end a brilliant night.
SONG OF THE DAY - NATHANIEL RATELIFF - SHROUD
THURSDAY
First gig of the day was our mates from Rocky, BUSBY MAROU lunchtime at BD Riley’s and they set about starting a trend of leaving US audiences with their mouths agape. We all then made our way to the first DELTA SPIRIT show of the week, this time in the sterile environment that is the Convention Centre where they delivered as always. From there we made our way to the funniest venue in Austin, known as Beerland. An unofficial venue with Hustler posters all over the toilets was the home for one of the buzz bands of this years SXSW. Norwegian 4 piece girl ska popsters RAZIKA have a beautiful naievity that gives the bird to the Hipster wankers while ensuring they join their funwagon. Next stop was to support our QLD mates DZ DEATHRAYS who clearly don’t need any support as they kill it once again. TWO GALLANTS at the Parish were next and this grossly underrated US 2 piece deliver their brilliant songs with a class beyond most of their peers. We rush to the Vice House to make sure we get in for the DELTA SPIRIT midnight show. There was nothing sterile about this show and our only problem was getting close enough to California’s greatest band of the last decade. Have you guessed by now that I am a fan.
SONG OF THE DAY - DELTA SPIRIT - CALIFORNIA
FRIDAY
Is anyone starting to get that Groundhog day sensation. In a really good way of course. Another day started by BUSBY MAROU, this time at the Wholefoods markets. The Weather is beautiful and their tunes cure what ails me. BLIZTEN TRAPPER were next, again at the Convention Centre. Creedence inspired rock n rollers making serious waves. Sunset meant Stubbs was calling and we walked into ED SHEERAN knowing we would bump into plenty of our mates and we weren’t to be disappointed. OF MONSTERS & MEN were next and this Icelandic 8 piece post Arcade Fire meets Mumford & Sons nicely warm the stage for another DELTA SPIRIT gig. Did I mention I was a fan? We make our way to the 18th Floor of the Hilton for the official showcase for our mates from BUSBY MAROU and the intimate setting is filled with all the right people as they continue their US charge. OK, It’s after midnight on Friday and the discerning music fan is demanding some dumb rock n roll and who better to deliver than THE CULT. Playing at the 1.00am at the Chevrolet Sound Garage, THE CULT deliver what was required and then some.
SONG OF THE DAY - THE CULT - LOVE REMOVAL MACHINE
SATURDAY
The last day and it is with a weary soul that i endeavour to make my way to an early meeting before the kick off of the annual SXSW Aussie BBQ. Another triumphant show from BUSBY MAROU started proceedings which decay in madness. When I was a teenager a mate gave me a cassette which included Husker Du which was the catalyst of me dedicating my life to music. BOB MOULD is the mainman from Husker Du and another incredible band called SUGAR and today his band played my second favorite album of all time, Sugar’s Copper Blue in it’s entirety. Let’s just say, i got in. made up front and screamed along to every word with tears of joy streaming down my face for the entire set. Truly life affirming stuff. Back to the Aussie BBQ until dusk for more celebration before heading to Stubbs for BBQ with some great company which ended up being my downfall. Eating before a night out can go either way and in this case send my weary bones to bed for a couple of days before heading to Toronto for Canadian Music Week.
SONG OF THE DAY - SUGAR - HELPLESS
-Asho