SXSW Report 2007: Part I

by Rachel Pesin
8 April 2007

While many find it easy to complain about the state of the music industry and music in general in today’s download-everything-for-free, Pussycat Doll-loving market, South by Southwest proves that there is some good left in the music business. Sure, the festival caters to the industry folk who, for the most part, are pretty blasé about the 1000+ great bands that play each year. And yes, a lot of people spend their time doing the schmoozing and back-patting that is obligatory in this business. But overall, for a true music geek/lover like me and those of us at The Big Takeover, SXSW is a dream come true. It is all about seeing bands you already love and discovering new ones to love in the future.

While you get little sleep, eat even less, and drink nothing [besides alcohol], there is plenty of music to check out in Austin, Texas’ numerous venues, not to mention the clothing stores, parking lots, and front lawns that also serve as makeshift stages. At my first SXSW, in 2005, I had no idea what to expect—I didn’t even know about the day parties! This year, I was over-prepared, armed with about fifty pages of notes (God forbid you find yourself at 12 PM/AM with no band to see!), comfortable walking shoes (standing/walking for thirteen hours straight is not easy on your feet), an umbrella (because we all know the only way to ward off rain is to be ready for it to downpour), and, most importantly, a press badge and RSVPs to every party under the sun, allowing me to see every band my little heart desired. In the end, I wasn’t able to catch every band on my list, but I did see over thirty bands; here are the highlights from the first day, Wednesday, March 14, 2007.

In typical SXSW fashion, while making my way to see my first band of the festival, I walked past a venue and really liked the sounds I heard coming from within, so I went in to check it out. Of course, the band, RADEMACHER, finished just moments after I entered the venue, but I’d heard enough to be impressed. They’re not rewriting the book on music, but their indie pop-rock was just what I needed to start my SXSW off right.

The first full set we caught was also accidental. There are numerous Emo’s venues—Emo’s Annex, Emo’s Outside, Emo’s Jr., etc—and while trying to find THE Ms (whom I unfortunately never saw!) among those venues, I stumbled upon OFFICE. The group, from Chicago, reminded me of a surf-pop version of OK GO. They’re not your average indie band either; three out of the five members are women, which is a nice change from the typical male-dominated industry.

The next band on my list to see was THE SIGHTS from Detroit. I’ve seen them before but I will take any opportunity to see them live. The three piece play rock ‘n’ roll as it was meant to be played: loud, intense, and scuzzy. When I saw them again the next day, (I can’t help it; they’re great), frontman EDDIE BARANEK, who sings as if the devil is trying to come out of him, literally shook the stage so much with his stomping that he spilled beer all over the place and I worried that the speakers might fall too.

The last band of the day for me was HOT CLUB DE PARIS. I saw this Liverpool band twice as well because they too put on a great show. Their day show at the Levi’s/Fader Fort was lost on the uninterested hipster crowd, but their showcase the next night at Rio (formerly The Real World Austin house!) was better received. I don’t see how anyone couldn’t love their witty lyrics, jerky pop punk songs and a cappella breakdowns.

Wednesday night was low-key for me, as I was beginning to feel the effects of jetlag (I have a newfound respect for bands traveling abroad with entire posses and excessive amounts of luggage). The first band I saw was THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND from Leeds, England, and they blew me away. It was their first show in the United States, and I can’t imagine a more exciting way to be introduced to America than by playing to a packed crowd at NME’s Stubb’s showcase. Somehow their brand of indie dance sounds new, fresh, and exciting. Every song was big, anthemic, and simply exhilarating. I’m often hyperbolic when describing bands, but I believe this band deserves all the praise I can offer.

I came back to Stubb’s a few hours later because my friend wanted to see LILY ALLEN. Sorry, but I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Her singles were catchy and fun, but the rest just sounded unoriginal and boring to me! Next up at Stubb’s was the always energetic RAZORLIGHT. I’ve seen them numerous times, but they always put on a fun show, and this was no exception.

After Razorlight, I rushed over to Antone’s to catch Merge Records’ “Special Guest,” SPOON. Yes, this was my twenty-somethingth time seeing them, but as usual, they were wonderful. The new songs sounded great; they always manage to expand on their take of indie rock without losing their distinct voice. And it’s always nice to see them in their hometown where they are always warmly received by the audience. I can’t think of a better way to end night one of SXSW 2007!

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