The trip to Austin made me fall in love with the city. The conference itself was okay, but being able to explore a little bit of Texas with my friends was even better. We ate texas barbeque, celebrated halloween in a hotel with hoards of other college students there for the conference running around costumed and maybe a little tipsy, and even learned a thing or two from the sessions we attended.
We heard lots while we were there about the SXSW concert which took place all last week, and it made me want to come back to Austin this spring. It seems, though, that my busy college schedule got in the way. I am determined to make it there eventually though, since all this week I've been listening to some SXSW bands in an effort to feel like I'm there.
Here are some of my favorites...
Harlem
A pleasant new find for me. These Austin locals make lo-fi, pseudo British punk rock-y sounding indie-ish music. Too confusing? Just give it a listen. I'm still figuring it out.
Latest release: an EP titled "Free Drugs ;-)"
Try: "Gay Human Bones" or "Friendly Ghost"
Free Energy
Happy and addictive music, I haven't stopped listening to it since picking up the EP in October.
Perfect for driving, sing-a-longs, sunny days, and getting ready in the morning.
Latest releases: their first full length "Stuck on Nothing," released on the heels of the self-titled EP.
Try: "Free Energy" (off either) or "Something in Common" off the EP.
The Very Best
This name is not an exaggeration. My friend passed along their self-titled album over the summer and it took me forever to finally listen to it, and once I did I couldn't believe I hadn't listened sooner.
TVB is made up of Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit, who together make a sort of afro-pop mash-up while sampling artists such as M.I.A. and Vampire Weekend to create something totally unique.
Try: "Warm Heart of Africa" (featuring Ezra Koenig of VW) or "Kamphopo"
When we were in Austin we got to meet Ben Kweller, outside a bar called Emo's.
Listening to the SXSW artists can only do so much, it's not quite the same thing as being there in person. So I am patiently waiting until I have the time and money to attend the festival, because I love Austin, and I love the great bands they continually bring to SXSW each year. Let me know if you have any other band recommendations, or better yet, if you have a SXSW story to share!
Molly
