I went to SXSW without a badge. Here’s my experience and artist highlights.
I have a tendency to do things by impulse, and my SXSW experience was no exception. Having never been, I was toying with the idea but never committed. Then, a week before, my incredible friend Ashley McGregor Dey text me with “so are you coming or what?”. I’m not one to pass up a free place to stay, so I booked a $300 flight and headed out.
I was there Tuesday-Friday with very little plans or structure in place. I put my blinders up to official shows since I didn’t have a badge and focused more on the free ones. I also had to work during the mornings so that was a bigger priority. I was there to hopefully meet some internet friends, sticker some stuff, and try to spread the word about A Song A Day.
I did a pretty terrible job of marketing but I did spread some stickers at Cheer Up Charlies the last day I was there. And I only hung with friends, but that in itself was worth the trip. I also saw some stellar shows, some I had seen before, most I hadn’t and wanted to for a while. I went mostly to afternoon shows which I prefer anyway (live music in the daytime is my happy place). And showcases are the perfect length for catching a bunch of artists in one day. However, if I do it again, I’ll try to get a badge or press pass to have access to more showcases and see acts I’ve never heard of.
I got to meet a few artists I had been emailing with about booking shows and naturally made some of them super uncomfortable with my awkwardness. But it would’ve been weirder if I didn’t say hi, right? Shrug.
Anyway, here are my show highlights. Catch these artists when you can because they’re hardworking, talented musicians who deserve your support! (side note: I do wish I saw a more diverse genres, but alas time was limited.)
Wand @ Historic Scoot Inn
I’ve been going to a lot of chill shows lately so a dose of real rock and roll was welcomed. I’ve been a big Wand fan for quite some time and have never seen them live, as they usually play wherever I’m living when I’m away. Anyway, I finally saw them and am so happy for it. I’d go as far to say that they’re a new top fav live band. Led by Cory Hanson (who’s playing our NEA benefit show in LA on 4/5!), each member of Wand are clearly skilled musicians who’s chemistry when together brings out the best in each.
Their opening song, which I think may have been new (?) had some Shins vibes tbh and was on the soft side but in a catchy, well constructed way. From there, they broke into their psych-tinged, glam-inspired rock they’re best known for. I especially appreciate Hanson’s folky, fantastical lyrics set against an early 70s-esque psych rock/punk backdrop that brings out impulsive head bobbing/banging by even the most docile concert goer.
Jess Williamson @ Beerland
I only learned about Jess Williamson over the last year, but quickly became a big fan. And her live show (presented by Keeled Scales) was even better than expected. She’s an engaging storyteller and her and her band’s live performance embraces equal parts soul and grit. Her beautiful lyrics are equal part haunting and sweet. I’m a sucker for the intersection of folk and garage rock and they nailed it. Check out her Paste session below.
Aldous Harding @ Cheer Up Charlies
Holy cow, I can’t begin to explain what a delight Aldous Harding was. I’m grateful for the chance to see this New Zealand artist perform during AdHoc’s unofficial showcase. New York-based Invisible Familiars joined her on keys and the two were great together. But even better was Aldous’ onstage presence — it reminded me a bit of Alex Cameron’s. But rather than take on a fictional character, she was just her. Her emotive facial expressions matched perfectly to her powerful lyrics. She’s funny and so, so talented.
Alex Cameron @ Cheer Up Charlies
Speaking of Al Cam, him and Roy are always a delight to see (they were kind enough to headline our Planned Parenthood benefit in January!). Their set time was at noon and they were not shy to admit that it had been a long week of performances and general SXSWing (poor guys got their van towed). But that didn’t stop them for putting on a stellar performance sprinkled with the entertaining banter in between songs they’ve become known for.
I’m a huge fan of Alex Cameron’s debut full-length, Jumping the Shark so of course, I enjoyed the set. I was happy to hear a couple new songs as well. One even resembled a pop song. If you’re not familiar with their music, it’s storytelling at its finest — dark, thoughtful, dramatic, and catchy af.
Vagabon @ Cheer Up Charlies
I have a lot to say about Lætitia aka Vagabon. For one, her debut album Infinite Worlds will definitely be at the top of my best of 2017 list. For two, I almost cried during her performance at SXSW. She may be soft-spoken when speaking, but her performance is powerful and full of emotion. Her sweet presence combined with her personal lyrics makes you feel uniquely comfortable and at home, even when you’re thousands of miles away.
PWR BTTM @ Cheer Up Charlies
Queer rock and roll is the best type of rock and roll. Liv Bruce and Ben Hopkin of PWR BTTM sing about things like guys not texting back, about gender pronouns and how their loved ones are trying to change their habits — about modern day challenges and normal life experiences they face. But these pop lyrics are set against thrashing guitar solos and punk-driven drum beats. Their performance was super energetic and fun — their on-stage banter is hilarious. They also made sure to let the audience know that they were in a safe space and reminded everyone to treat each other well.
Molly Burch @ Historic Scoot Inn
Austin local Molly Burch gave us a taste of modern Americana, making a trip to Texas complete. Her first full-length album, Please Be Mine, released on Captured Tracks is another highlight of 2017 so far. Her modern take on classic folk/alt-country as she sings about a tumultuous relationship is a welcome break from the indie pop that’s perfectly fine but everywhere.
Hand Habits @ Cheer Up Charlies
This was my second time catching Meg Duffy aka Hand Habits this year and it was just as much of a treat. Don’t be fooled by her soft, lo-fi sound at first, the woman can shred (as first proven by her role as lead guitarist in Kevin Morby’s touring band). She also wasn’t shy to shit on SX, especially relating to the controversy with the immigration clause in the contract. A few of the artists seemed to grapple with the commercialism of the festival vs its incomparable opportunity to get in front of industry big leagues. And honestly, although I didn’t buy a badge, I did too.
Anyway, Duffy’s songs are atmospheric and sweet as she sings about fleeting relationships and self-reflection in her debut album Wildly Idle. I’m going to steal a line from my buddy Jeffrey because he explains Duffy’s music far better than I can: “Duffy’s lucid vocals float comfortably atop golden guitar-tones and a no-nonsense rhythm section.”
Other highlights included Girlpool, Joan of Arc, Marika Hackman, and Weaves. Bands I wanted to see but didn’t included Mothers (seen before but never gets old), Rick Maguire of Pile (huge fan), and a bunch more. Here’s my idea of marketing…
Did you go to SX? What were your highlights?
