Articles tagged with SXSW

Over 2,200 bands played over 100 venues (official and unofficial) at SXSW 2013. It’s quite daunting to sum it up, but one of the best parts of the festival is the “choose your own adventure” nature of things. Everyone has a completely different experience based on chance encounters, flippant decisions, and what their weariness will allow them to accomplish after days and days of hoofing …

KCRW returns to the Cedar Street Courtyard during SXSW March 14 –March 16 for a series of day showcases called Showdown at Cedar Street, featuring Surfer Blood, Shout Out Louds, Local Natives, Haim, The Neighbourhood, Wild Belle, Willy Moon and more.
They are open to the public (RSVP here!) but they fill up very fast so, if you’re headed to Austin, get there early!
Check out the lineup …

Every March, Filter Magazine takes over the Cedar Street Courtyard for a series of three day showcases during the SXSW music conference featuring a wide range of artists. Every year — without fail — I discover one of my favorite new bands there.
KCRW is proud to be the radio sponsor for these showcases and many artists we love (Keane, Fanfarlo, Graffiti6, Kaiser Chiefs, Tristen, …

SXSW is my favorite music festival. It’s technically a “conference” but it’s really just a week of music in one of my favorite cities — Austin, TX.
The amount of music is overwhelming and the best moments are often the surprise discoveries. But, after seeing a handful of bad bands back to back (and there are plenty of those too), you often just need something …

From KCRW DJ Anne Litt:
SXSW inspires me every year.  Here are my 2011 highlights.  If you are a music lover and you are looking for a way to maximize that love, you owe it to yourself to go just once.

Best live performance – James Vincent McMorrow.  He’s an Irish singer-songwriter who elevates his craft with precision, purity, …

From KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox-
As I sit here nursing my post-SXSW cold & sickness — something that happens to me every year (probably a combination of the booze, malnutrition & lack of sleep) — I realize that this annual Austin music festival takes a real toll on the body.
I’m still feeling it in my feet (from all the walking, standing and occasional stationary …

From KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad:
Austin’s annual SXSW Music Conference joined the quarter century club this year, so it was an honor to participate. Got a chance to meet and introduce the very talented Jessica Lea Mayfield to a great audience at KCRWs official day showcase.
I like her music even more having met her – her warmth and sense of humor made my day.
Also, got …

Cults were definitely one of the most talked about bands at SXSW. I missed them three times – once by about 5 minutes. I eventually realized it wasn’t meant to be. But I was happy to hear about the release of a new tune from the band as soon as we all settled back in from Austin.
“You Know What I Mean” will be featured …

While dealing with long lines, sore feet, little sleep and a city (Austin) busting at the seams with corporate brands screaming for your attention, these moments make it worth it. My memorable moment breakdown:

Best Sing Along:
Foster the People — Pumped Up Kicks
(I was above the stage at Filter Magazine’s Cedar Street showcase looking down at the crowd and watching them sing …

On my final day, I had very few plans to see specific bands. Sometimes that’s a beautiful thing because you can float around and respond to text messages that say “I’m watching a great band right now!”
Which is exactly how I found Little Comets, an excellent UK pop band. I literally ran a few blocks to catch the end of their set and it …