My SXSW 2008 Favorites and Missed Connections

Damn, I sure spent a lot of time at Emo's during my time in Austin! Here are my faves from the week of rock and hip-hop at SXSW. Also included are a few bands that I was dying to see but totally missed because of conflicts or I just wrote down the wrong day on my showcase cheat-sheet. Hopefully catch them soon in New York or next year at SXSW 2009!

Hip-Hop Shows:
Kid Sister @ Emo's
Clipse @ Emo's
Time Machine @ Light Bar

Rock Shows:
The Helio Sequence @ Camel Loft
The End of the World @ B.D. Riley's
Kate Nash & Billy Bragg @ Filter Cedar Street Courtyard
The Kills @ Fader Fort
The Wedding Present @ IODA Emo's Annex
Lykke Li @ Pitchfork/Windish Party - Emo's
Lymbyc Systym @ Leafy Green / Emo's Jr
The Dodos @ Leafy Green / Emo's Jr
Akron/Family @ Leafy Green / Emo's Jr
Motorhead @ Stubb's Vice/Scion Party
The Big Sleep (filling in for Switches) @ Filter Cedar Street Courtyard
Grand Archives @ Filter Cedar Street Courtyard
Sam Champion @ Nylon/Guess Lounge/JellyNYC Texas Garage
Cloud Cult @ Lucky Lounge / After the Jump / Indie Outlaw / Paper Garden
Cassettes Won't Listen @ Lambert's Patio / After the Jump showcase

Missed Connections
People's Revolutionary Choir @ Hilton Garden Inn
Ringo Deathstarr @ The Hideout
X @ Stubb's
Jaymay @ Maggie Mae's SESAC showcase

How To Get Through SXSW on Practically Nothing

Ladies and gents, believe it or not I spent about $20 total during my entire SXSW trip and that was for a slice of pizza and some jalapeno poppers one night. Whether I was eating free BBQ every morning at the Filter party or guzzling free Dewars at the JellyNYC Texas Garage, I was scouring for free stuff every day. So you heard it here first, it's totally possible to get through the SXSW with hardly spending a dime! Of course, it helps to have a free wristband, a boyfriend also in the music biz and lots of friends with expense accounts!

Complete SXSW 2008 Photo Gallery!

I took way too many photos and didn't include all of them in my SXSW posts, so click through to the complete Jinners SXSW 2008 photo gallery and experience Austin vicariously through my eyes...

SXSW 2008: Saturday, March 15

Gran Ronde @ Filter Courtyard


In the morning I headed over to the Filter party at Cedar Street Courtyard to eat the free BBQ while Filter recording artist Gran Ronde played their dark Interpol-like rock (as Bob put it, I think). We wandered past the Austin Farmers Market on the west side of town and Bob bought me "Texas Tea Jelly" which is Dr. Pepper flavored jelly. I am so excited. I showed it to a friend -- who then revealed he was related to Dr. Pepper and doesn't like the taste of the soda. First off, I was amazed and excited to hear that someone I knew was related to Dr. Pepper (one of my faves!) and secondly, I was amazed to hear that someone I know actually didn't care for the soda!! It totally blew my mind.

The Big Sleep @ Filter Courtyard


DTL & Belin in effect


Switches canceled last minute at the Filter party so we got the Big Sleep to fill in. They totally rocked it like the badasses they are. I love them! But I was a little sad they didn't play "Pinkies." That song is just dreamy and intense. WhatsHisName (just kidding, kind of!) on drums was pretty good, but I still have love for Gabe, their original drummer who couldn't go on tour because he got into a bike accident.

Sam Champion @ JellyNYC Texas Garage for Nylon/Guess Lounge


Yummy Mix @ JellyNYC Texas Garage for Nylon/Guess Lounge


Delta Fiasco @ JellyNYC Texas Garage for Nylon/Guess Lounge


After their set, I jetted over to the JellyNYC Texas Garage to see Sam Champion at the Nylon/Guess Lounge upstairs. I sat poolside, lounging and rocking to Noah and the boys. I felt like I was in Miami on vacay. It was sunny, there were two pools, and lots of free Dewars and chicken enchiladas. The power went out during the Champ's set but they just shrugged it off and waited for it to come back on. Then they played one more song and called it a day, ever so nonchalantly. Next, the Delta Fiasco from Liverpool went on stage and pulled out an impressive set. I hear they are going on tour with Ladytron...

Nylon/Guess Lounge @ JellyNYC Texas Garage


Saucony Shuffleboard @ JellyNYC Texas Garage, Scurvy Pirate wins!


Bob and I headed down to the garage level and played Saucony Shuffleboard. We challenged two other festival goers and it was them (Taco Ideas) versus us (Scurvy Pirate). They talked a lot of game, but in the end, Scurvy Pirate kicked their booties. Ah yeah.

Grand Archives @ Filter Courtyard


We ran back to the Filter party to see Grand Archives, which has that dude Mat Brooke who used to be in Band of Horses. Oh my, they create such delicate, pretty, gentle music, and they totally captivated me with their humility. The set was spot on and unpretentious.

Bill P (Soundbytes/BlogFreshRadio), Ian (Indie Outlaw/Musebox) and Jen Kellas (Music Slut/After the Jump) @ Lucky Lounge


Cloud Cult @ Lucky Lounge for After the Jump/Indie Outlaw/Paper Garden party


Cloud Cult @ Lucky Lounge for After the Jump/Indie Outlaw/Paper Garden party


Then I swung around to the After the Jump/Indie Outlaw/Paper Garden day party to see Cloud Cult. They played an outrageously gorgeous set and in the end, there was an intriguing painting of a girl -- the highest bid for the painting when I left was $400. Now, I love that they combined two mediums of art into one show -- I think it ups the value and interest of both the music and the art when the two are intertwined like that. I'm not sure if the painting would have brought in that much money without the emotional experience of watching it get made during the course of the show. I get all voyeuristic when I was art being made, be it a band practice or watching this guy paint something pretty cool right in front of me. It's easy to say "Oh I could do that" but not entirely that easy to actually do it. That's what separates artists from the rest of us. They go and do it, while the rest just talk about doing it.

Kate Nash with Billy Bragg @ Filter Courtyard


I ran back yet again to the Filter party after their set to catch a surprise guest performance of Kate Nash with Billy Bragg. I had listened to her album and remembered liking only a couple songs. After seeing her live, I really ended up adoring her and her snarky spunk. I think a lot of her songs came off better in person because of her personality.

Sugar High Social: Austin, TX Edition, 2nd Year in a row!


Sugar High Social: Austin, TX Edition, 2nd Year in a row!


Sugar High Social: Austin, TX Edition, 2nd Year in a row!


Sugar High Social: Austin, TX Edition, 2nd Year in a row!


After the party ended, we celebrated with Absinthe shots. Mikers and I ran to Stubbs afterwards to join The Big Sleep and DTL for our second Texas edition of Sugar High Social, our dessert club. We bought all the desserts on the Stubbs menu (a la mode, of course) and brought it back to our hotel room for consumption. The pecan pie was oozing with caramel, and it was amazing. The banana bread pudding was awesome. The blueberry cobbler and apple crisps were delectable. I also ordered some savory items, including a brisket sandwich and fried green tomatoes. Overall, a big YUM to everything.

The End of the World @ B.D. Riley's for Flameshovel Showcase


After a bit of a food and sugar coma, DTL and I went over to B.D. Riley's to see the End of the World. This is my first time seeing Stefan as a singing drummer, which apparently started about 6 months ago. I really adore this band so much, and every time I see them, I fall a bit more in love. Their rhythms are seductive, their guitar strumming is romantic and the addition of Sam Axelrod on bass is totally hot. They have an album coming out soon on Flameshovel -- I can't wait to hear it, the new songs are simply amazing.

Helio Sequence @ Camel loft party


I was sad I missed Helio Sequence all week so I ran over to the Camel loft party with DTL to see their set. Those boys blow me away every time I see them, and this was no exception. Sometimes I just can't believe that those powerful sounds come from merely two dudes on stage. I absolutely adore the new album so I was jamming out to everything. Loved it!

After the Jump roll call! @ Lambert's Patio


Matt & Abbey @ Lambert's Patio


Cassettes Won't Listen @ Lambert's Patio for After the Jump Showcase


Speaking of loving, I really loved loved and was completely mesmerized by the Cassettes Won't Listen performance at the After the Jump showcase at Lambert's. Everytime I see Jay, I get more and more impressed with his songs (and covers). This time around, he brought out a little shoegaze with his shimmering guitar, and mixed with the catchy beats and samples, CWL really made me all smiley inside. I was so happy I saw him -- he's really developing his own unique retro/contempo sound.

My Blurry Boys in Austin, TX


Carol, Jay, Dave @ Vice Late Night Party


Dark Meat @ Vice Late Night Party


Jesse & Sam @ Vice Late Night Party


Afterwards, I met up with Mike on the other side of town. He was just finishing up work and I hadn't seen much of him all week so I really wanted to see his adorable face. We tried to make it back to the JellyNYC Texas Garage, but it was closing up when we got there. We waited for our friends to come out of the party and then decided to head to the Vice party. It was in the same building as the Playboy party had been in. When we got inside, Dark Meat was just about to go on. I ran into Ian from Musebox again and he told me the band was going to be signed to Vice as the next big thing. After the set, I thought the biggest thing about the band was how many members and random noise sounds they had. I didn't think it was music as much as it was a circus spectacle. Interesting...

Salt Lick Breakfast Taco @ Austin Airport


The next morning, we went to the airport and headed for home. Mikers and I stopped by the Salt Lick Taco Stand to grab a Breakfast Taco - mine had brisket, egg and cheese, please and it was a perfect way to end SXSW for me. Oh, and Kate Nash was on my flight! I heard her talking about her week at SXSW and how she was so excited to be playing with Billy Bragg. She's a cute one.

Peace out, and let's do it again next year.

SXSW 2008: Friday, March 14

Breakfast at Las Bonitas with Jedd


BMI Brunch at Four Seasons


On Friday, I started my day with Jedd having breakfast at Las Bonitas, my favorite Mexican brunch place in Austin. My wrist was getting itchy from the wristbands as it was 90 degrees. After breakfast we headed to the BMI brunch at the Four Seasons and enjoyed the free mimosas and bloody marys, right by the water. It was beautiful back there, a serene scene from the party madness of 6th street.

Lykke Li @ Emo's for Pitchfork/Windish Party


We met up with a bunch of people and walked towards Emo's for the Pitchfork/Windish party to see Lykke Li. She is a cute folky quirky singer from Stockholm who totally captured my attention with her earthy vibes. She is what I would call "cute smart" -- which sets her apart from most of the "cute annoying" girl singers of late. I hate cute and trendy, but can respect cute and thoughtful. Plus, the girl had rad shoes.

Jay Reatard @ Emo's for Pitchfork/Windish Party


Jay Reatard took the stage after her and brought on a tough, roaring set. I really liked their aggressive music, and admired the swish of their frizzy hair in the air. I talked to their lawyer, and he confirmed for me what I had been debating all week -- it is pronounced like REE-TARD, not RE-AH-TARD.

A Place To Bury Strangers' Jay & Johnno @ Hilton bar


A Place To Bury Strangers' Ollie & Matt Conboy of Sisters & Famous Amos (Death By Audio represent!) outside of Red Eye Fly


Afterwards, I headed over to the Hilton with a couple friends for drinks at the hotel bar and ran into Jay and Johnny from A Place To Bury Strangers. They were just chilling and trying to relax a bit before their performance at the Pitchfork/Windish party later that afternoon. They said their tour was going really well and they were getting along and loving Holy Fuck. I was glad to hear the tour was awesome and I've been s happy that the Strangers have finally been getting much deserved attention. I simply love their music and hail Ollie as a genius, and humble and friendly to boot. When I saw him in Austin, he gave me one of those spinning around and around and around hugs, and it made me so deliriously happy. Things have finally turned around for this talented boy, and we were both celebrating and all smiley! He was hanging with pal and fellow Death By Audio pedal maker and venue booker, Matt Conboy of Famous Amos and Sisters.

Vampire Weekend @ Stubb's for Spin Party


I tried to get into the AAM/Insound party at Club Deville, but the long line scared me away to Stubbs of all places for the Spin party. I wasn't really thinking I wanted to see Vampire Weekend, but it was right there and there was absolutely no wait to get in, so I just ended up there. The Vamps played a great set, though I wish the lead singer would smile and hop around and groove to his music a bit more. I know there is backlash against these guys these days, but I actually think they are good songwriters. They just got caught up in the hype of the modern day music industry so people are calling them "overrated." It's not their fault, for chrissakes. It's all of their people's faults. Instead of "artist development," it's all about artist "blow-the-fuck-up-overnight." Sigh, it's the age we live in unfortunately. I hope sometime in the near future, the focus will return to what it should be -- about the music, not the hype.

Unfortunately I had to miss X (damn damn damn!) because of a dinner meeting with some Women in Music, but I enjoyed spending time with some new friends. This business is so tough that you really do need a good support system of ladies around you to handle what could often be called a boys club of an industry. I guess I didn't mind missing X as much because I saw John Doe and Exene at the Tribeca Film Festival last year and it was delightful.

Mikers @ The Boiling Pot


Lymbyc Systym @ Emo's Jr for Leafy Green Showcase


The Dodos @ Emo's Jr for Leafy Green Showcase


Akron/Family brings their percussion to The Dodos set


Also unfortunately, my Sidekick died -- I guess it couldn't handle all the extreme SXSW texting! I ran back to my hotel to recharge it, and in all honestly, to recharge myself. I needed a bit of a rest from all the running around. I started to miss Mike so I ran quickly to watch him eat seafood at the Boiling Pot (I have trouble eating seafood, makes me want to vomit). I held my nose for as long as I could and then ran to Emo's Jr for the Leafy Green showcase. I saw Lymbyc Systym, who toured with Dirty on Purpose and the Album Leaf a while back. They took me into a trance, and I really enjoyed their instrumental goodness. The Dodos took the stage next and had the Akron/Family in the crowd upfront making a percussive ruckus.

Aloha @ Habana Calle


Habana Calle moat


Afterwards, I met up with Jedd to check out Aloha at Habana Calle. They played a decent well attended set, though for some reason I found it hard to pay too much attention. It sounded like very traditional indie rock, but their last number punched it up a bit. The smelled of fish and garbage from the water and made us realize how much waste and litter the festival creates in Austin in such a short amount of time.

Akron/Family @ Emo's Jr for Leafy Green Showcase


Kid Sister @ Emo's for Biz 3 Showcase


Clipse @ Emo's for Biz 3 Showcase


Aziz Ansari @ Emo's for Biz 3 Showcase


I went back to Emo's Jr to catch the end of the Akron/Family set and sneak into the Kid Sister/Clipse show next door for the Biz 3 party, but I ended up waiting in the wristband line for over an hour. The dude controlling entry was only letting badges in, and I was starting to get pissed though I still waited patiently. My friends were inside, so I just decided to wait to get in. It was the only line I stood in for the whole festival. Eventually, I made my way in (when there were no more badges left in line) and watched a bit of the hippie freak folk of Akron/Family before wandering to Emo's proper for the Kid Sister set. She came on late, but got the crowd of (mostly white indie kids) pumped up. I liked it as it made me shake my booty. Then Clipse took the stage and represented for Virginia Beach. The crowd had thinned out a bit, and they decided to play their hits -- "Mr Me Too," "Got It 4 Cheap" and "Keys Open Doors." At the end of the set, Aziz Ansari came out on stage. I headed back to the hotel afterwards and called it a night.

SXSW 2008: Thursday, March 13

I started my day off on Thursday with Seattle's Best bagel, which is definitely worse than even New York's Worst bagel. It was chewy and doughy and the cream cheese was watery. Yuck.



I headed over to Filter's party over at Cedar Street Courtyard, where I enjoyed the free BBQ while listening to the first band. It was kind of a grey morning with a gentle cool breeze. Perfect for a casual sit-down.

No Age @ Mohawk for Rhapsody Rocks Party


Peggy & Shirley of New York Noise @ Mohawk for Rhapsody Rocks Party


Then I decided to go with friends to hit No Age at the Mohawk for the Rhapsody Rocks party. They are a two-piece punk outfit signed to Sub Pop, who I felt bad for because it was a sucky crowd who either weren't awake enough to be at a punk show in what No Age called the "light time" or the crowd didn't have any sense of humor or energy. It was probably a combination of these. I think maybe it would have been better in some basement where the kids were sweaty and drunk...

I also saw Motorhead at Stubbs for the Vice/Scion party. There was a long line but it moved quickly. It was awesome to see that instead of clapping after and during songs, this crowd was pumping metal fingers. Rawk. When the band played "Ace of Spades," the audience started going more apeshit and finally started to throw beers on stage. I love it when that happens. That means you don't care about getting drunk, you care about living in the moment.

Yo La Tengo at Fader Fort for Lou Reed Tribute


Afterwards, I shot over back to the Fader Fort to try and get into the Lou Reed tribute going on over there. I have big love for the Velvet Underground and Lou Reed. I missed his screening of his Berlin concert, so I wanted to try and catch this. I wondered if he was there. Is it painful to hear different versions of his songs? We got there as Ezra Furman went on to do a cover of "Heroin" that had punk 'tude, but I really didn't need to hear Joseph Arthur's version of "Pale Blue Eyes." Yo La Tengo hit the stage, and brought a cuddliness to Lou's songs that I actually really loved.

Jo & Ilirjana


Jo & Mike


I ran into the Apache Beat gang over at Fader, and I was reminiscing about the days of the Blue Sparks -- a band that Phil from Apache Beat used to be in -- and of The Realistics. I believe the first time I saw Blue Sparks and the Realistics together, it was at this sort of illegal space called Space (I think) on 14th street, and it got busted by the cops. Yes, basically, it was amazing. Blue Sparks used to have this song that really got me going called "Tell Me What You Want" where it was a call and response between Phil and Alanna -- "Tell me what you want..." -- "I want, I want, I want!" -- "Tell me what you need!" -- "I need, I need, I need!" I wish I had a recording of that one in my vaults. I was sad when they broke up, but now Phil is back in action with his sis Christina, Ilirjana on mic, Mike (of Realistics) on bass and Neil on drums (doublecheck).

Time Machine @ Light Bar


Daniel dragged me over to Emo's for Howlin' Rain, who are composed of people from Comets on Fire. They are like like metal meets Creedence. Crazy. Later I was walking past Fader again and heard NERD in effect. I was grooving a bit outside the gate as frat boys walked past me and asked "What is going on here?" Then I ran over to Light Bar to catch Time Machine, who are a hip-hop group I've been following for a couple years now but never ever had a chance to see in New York. We saw Bushwick Bill walk in -- he's been crashing a lot of parties and guesting spontaneously, which is pretty cool. The venue had bad sound, but the group pulled off making me dance and feel good by the end of their set with their punchy coordinated dance moves, beats and rhymes. They also performed their MIA remix, which was awesome. I was into it. I spotted Roxy Cottontail shaking some booty and snapping pix at the show. I hope the boys come to New York again some time soon.

The Spits @ Emo's Jr


We ambled past the Playboy party afterwards and decided not to wait in line for the party, even though I really wanted to see Justice. It was a bit too much douche for my taste, and I didn't want to spend the night "finagling." I did want to see Justice, but I'm sure they will play again sometime in New York. Instead, we headed over to catch The Spits at Emo's Jr, but we got there just within the last seconds of their last song. As we were going in, some punk rock girl was being kicked out of the venue with her foot in the air (it looked like she was going to kick the bouncer and he caught her foot in the air and then shoved her out the door). I wish I had seen the whole thing transpire.

Fried Pickles From Daddy's on 6th Street


I was going to see Times New Viking next, but was really hungry and popped over to this place called Daddy's for my second round of fried pickles of the week. Yikes, it was so good, but I probably didn't need to add that spicy grease to my belly.