SXSW Redux :: Day Three
Bands Watched : 8 (running total : 25)
Celebrity Sightings : 2 (running total : 3)
Beers Consumed : 0!
Tragically Bad Bands Seen : 0!
SXSW Friday started off with two awesome performances at the DirectTV soundstages in the Austin Convention Center. We got to see The Proclaimers and Third Eye Blind tape sessions that will eventually be aired on DirectTV. However, what was most impressive were the soundstages SXSW had constructed for these tapings.
The Proclaimers performed as an acoustic duo, sans backing band, but were still on point. You can tell these guys have been at this business for a while. They are consummate professionals who know their craft well. Whether or not you like The Proclaimers, that much is undeniable. I was also pleasantly surprised that they covered a Kings of Leon song during the taping.
Third Eye Blind’s taping was surprisingly packed. Maybe I underestimated Steven Jenkins & Co., but the lines for both wristband/badgeholders and ticketholders wrapped around the corner from the soundstage and disappeared into the bowels of the convention center. While waiting to get in, I saw Matt Pinfield with a completely unnecessary three person security detail. Third Eye Blind’s set was a mix of new songs and old hits. Their older songs still sound great, but the new ones are kind of tragic. Subject matter ranged from non-dairy creamer to a showerhead.
After arriving at Karma Lounge to see Ryan Gosling’s band Dead Man’s Bones, we found out their performance had been cancelled. Disappointment was the theme for the night, as immediately following Karma Lounge, we unsuccessfully tried to get into Ace’s Lounge to see The Airborne Toxic Event. Due to a tiny capacity, Ace’s was only allowing badges in, so wristband holders like myself had to wait in line and were told there was zero chance of getting in. Nice.
Niña Dioz’s midnight set at Club Fuze didn’t disappoint, despite technical difficulties. As you’ll recall from my interview with Dioz, this was her first show in the United States. After about four songs, she grew frustrated with the lack of bass in the mix. Seeing as this is how rappers keep the beat, Dioz’s frustration was completely understandable. After a twenty minute delay, Dioz played her final song and called it a night, visibly upset with her U.S. debut. Despite the sound problems, it is apparent that his Mexican MC is going places. I’ll be waiting for her full length debut later this year.
Wrapping up the night, I saw Asher Roth and Kid Sister at Club Deville. I didnt’ know much about either of these artists but was checking them out on a recommendation. Was a bit concerned when laptop “DJ” Autobahn of Flosstradamus was on stage, but it all worked out well. Asher Roth was my sleeper hit surprise of the day. He doesn’t have a lot of substance (besides illegal ones) to his rap, but it’s perfect music when all you want to do is have a good time. Kid Sister was also impressive. She has a lot of energy and an engaging rap style that draws you in.
I capped off the night with a celebrity sighting. Walking back to the car, I saw Amy Ray from The Indigo Girls walking solo along Cesar Chavez. Completely unpretentious and real. No entourage, no security. Just Amy, walking around enjoying downtown Austin. It was pretty refreshing after a day where I witnessed a lot of ego on the part of some performers and one bald celebrity.
Today’s potential shows include Manchester Orchestra, The Cool Kids, The Cannabinoids featuring Erykah Badu, Explosions in the Sky, Tinted Windows, Janeane Garafalo, The Gin Riots, Invincible, and Shiny Toy Guns. SXSW definitely saved some of the best acts for last.
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