SxSW: Day One
So my first day here at South by Southwest was pretty damn fun, I must say. While the festival is a bit overwhelming, I think I’m getting the hang of how things work around here. It does help that everyone in attendance (that I’ve run into thus far) has been really cool, really friendly. The people of Austin have been amazing but the imports have been really cool, too. I got to see 4 performances last night — Janelle Monáe, Ladyhawke, Alaska in Winter and Young Love — here are a few photos:
Janelle was a nice surprise. I had heard her music before but never got to see her perform live — she’s amazing. She’s like James Brown and Outkast all packaged into a tiny little woman. Her whole stage persona was really fun and her show was really spectacular. Ladyhawke doesn’t have much stage presence but her music is really phenomenal. Altho she looks like James Hetfield from Metallica circa 1985 and dresses like Debbie Gibson circa 1988 her musical talent cannot be denied. I love all of her songs, I’m really glad my friend Tony introduced me to her music. Alaska in Winter was another surprise … he’s a one man band that brings the Fischerspooner sound into the hipster realm. I liked his whole performance, it was very inventive and fun. Young Love, as always, was a blast. I wanted to dance and YL did not disappoint. I’m really glad he’s got new music out cuz I really love his debut album a lot.
After the shows, I made my way out to the Red Bull Tower Party on the outskirts of Austin and chilled with my good friend Rachel and her friends. That party went until 5am but I had to leave by 2. Ugh. There is so much to do but I really have to pace myself or I’ll die ;)
Along the way, I got to meet some awesome Pink readers … I have to say hey to Denise, Alice, Keri, Gabby, Katie (who’s in Detroit and can’t be here but I heart her anyway) as well as Roberto and Jocelyn (who I met at the SESAC showcase at Volume) — who I got to take a pic with:
There is so much to do … I’m just trying to take as much in as I can and still function :) Tonight is Tori Amos and I’m so excited. I’m planning on seeing The Von Bondies and Peter Murphy before Tori so it should be a fun night. I hear there is a Chick-Fil-A around here somewhere … I’m planning to grab some food there before I get back to the fun. Expect Tweets from me all night long … Woot!
Tags: Alaska in Winter, Janelle Monáe, Ladyhawke, Young Love
RSS
Feedburner
March 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
It’s been confirmed that Christina Aguilera has covered “No Delirium” by Ladyhawke for her upcoming album.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
SO AWESOME!!! Janelle sounds really cooL!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Oooh, enjoy the Von Bondies!!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Omg! I have never seen a singer or entertainer with my name! W00t!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
So jealous! This is the first year in a long long time I’ve missed SXSW, as a native Austinite, it kills me not to be there. Be sure to enjoy some Torchy’s Damn Good Tacos on S. 1st Street before you go, they’re awesome!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Yay! Ladyhawke hails all the way from New Zealand! I’m glad you like her Trent! She’s just becoming pretty big over here! Although I’m not sure what Christina Aguilera would do for “My Delirium”.. Ladyhawke’s voice is too unique/quiet-ish compared to Christina’s powerful one
March 19th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
in terms of Chick-Fil-A, the closest ones are probably going to be on UT campus in the Student Union if it didn’t close for spring break, Barton Creek Mall food court or off of 2244 aka Rollingwood in a little shopping center. Austin does not have NEAR enough Chick-Fil-A; that’s about the only negative thing i have to say after living there for 6 years! And while you’re in Texas, you HAVE to try Whataburger if you’ve never had it before!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
You have to go to Trudy’s for the best tex-mex ever!!! Also for a great bang for your buck drink you must try the Mexican Margharita there. It is delicious and very potent.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Peter Murphy? Wow!
But of course an even BIGGER WOW goes to the upcoming Tori show. I just got the 500 Miles download via Undented and it sounds sooooooooooo-weet! Yay, happiness abounds.
Can. Not. Wait. for tweets about the show tonight – good luck, have fun, blow her a kiss from the crowd from me, I’m so dying for how great the show’ll be and sad-faced over the fact that I can’t be there. Ah well, enjoy it, I know ya will :-)
March 19th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Chick fil a is great, but be sure to check out Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop on 1st Street in Austin for cupcakes and other sweet treats. Their cupcakes are the best in TX! They have a website, you can check out their menu: http://www.sugarmamasbakeshop.com
March 19th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
sniff. wish i *could* have flown out to be with you for Tori! take lots of pics!!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Trent, you should come down San Antonio way and have some margaritas!
March 19th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Ladyhawke herself has said in previous interviews about her stage presence or the lack of it, she has asperger’s sydrome but her album is amazing!
March 19th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Have fun Trent. Austin is a beautiful city. :)
March 19th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
As an ex-Austinite, I have to recommend in between shows that you eat as much as possible from non-chain restaurants like: Kerbey Lane, Magnolia Cafe, Hula Hut, Z Tejas, Threadgill’s, Hut’s Hamburgers, and County Line! I’ll be in Austin this weekend too… hope to see you around town – and I hope you have tons of fun!!
March 19th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I second everyone’s restaurant suggestions and add Sonic in the fast food category. I miss it so much up here in NYC! Please send me some tater tots with cheese and a Route 44 Cherry Limeade! If you had the time, I would say you need to drive out to drfitwood to go the The Salt Lick, too, but it seems that you are pretty busy!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Ladyhawke..amazing..first heard one of her songs on Ugly Betty..Paris is burning…amazing and fun and i love her album!!
March 20th, 2009 at 5:02 am
I am so glad your having a great time!! You go boy!! Is that a Blue Ribbon in your hand !
:)
March 20th, 2009 at 5:40 am
3 Chick-fil-a locations within driving distance of downtown Austin:
10901 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78759
12501 N. Mopac Exp.
Austin, TX 78727
24th & Guadalupe
Austin, TX 78713
But while in downtown Austin, I recommend:
P Terry’s Burger Stand
404 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
It’s a little south of downtown but well worth the drive and wait (there is always a line).
March 20th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Trent-any plans to see Tinted Windows (Taylor Hanson’s new band)? I am really curious if its any good.