From the viewpoint of a SXSW rookie, this event can be quite overwhelming yet completely eye-opening. I arrived in Austin ready to take on the challenge of meeting bands and listening to more music than I could ever hope to fit on my iPod. With my GPS guiding me, I found the Fader Fort and quickly understood how all of this works: badge line, wristband line, second wristband line…and so on. Luckily, the guys of Athens-based Dead Confederate were there to show me the ropes and give me the inside scoop of where to be and who to see. From there I headed to the Texas Membership Celebration featuring Blue October and Los Lonely Boys. It was great to see my Academy family and catch up on everyone’s SX experiences so far.
After the party I headed to Barbarella for the Memphis Music Foundation’s showcase. The event kicked off with upcoming GRAMMY GPS artists Star and Micey featuring Memphis Chapter Trustee and drummer for Big Star, Jody Stephens. The stellar line-up included Hill Country Revue, Harlan T. Bobo, Cory Branan, Lord T. & Eloise, and Memphis favorites 8Ball and MJG. I camped out for the rest of the night at the Red Eyed Fly where I heard Austin’s The Wooden Birds, singer/songwriter Rocky Votolato, and one of the sure to be “I saw them when…” bands, Phantogram. Fellow attendees included reps from Seattle’s own Barsuk Records and Richmond’s Blood and Ink Records. I’m looking forward to seeing the slew of awesome bands that I’ll stumble upon today including Band of Horses and Murder By Death!
