While this is all fine and good, these cyclical raises some interesting questions, such as who should we be paying attention to? What are the best places to see original music. What unknown bands or artists out there are worth looking at? Where is the best place to get a hot dog after a great show? Those types of questions come to mind.

This blog will attempt to offer some perspective over the next few months. Until then, we’ll just explore randomly.

SXSW 2012 Closing Observations from Antknee

Day 4: The Free (and cheap) Stuff

For those who can’t or don’t want to spend money on an official SXSW badge or wristband, there are several free opportunities to catch shows for free. Here are just a few ways to do it on the cheap:

* Subscribe to @sxswpartylist on Twitter. This gives you access to dozens of parties that are typically sponsored by a music magazine, record company or brand that showcase a variety of artists as well as promoting their products. Free drinks, food and swag are not uncommon, which good or bad, draws a lot of people. When a list goes live to RSVP, you have to be quick about signing up.

* Auditorium Shores shows: http://sxsw.com/music/shows/auditorium_shores Shows this year included free sets by the Shins, Counting Crows and the Cult. Due to their free nature, planning ahead is advised and plan to wait for hours if you want a good seat.

* Street Musicians: If you wander from W. 6th St on down to the main hub of action at E. 6th street, you’ll find many solo and group acts setting up shop on the street. Case in point, check out this video I shot of a funky drummer on 6th and Congress.

* Perez Hilton One Night In Austin Showcase: For the past five years, this showcase has gained credibility for breaking new acts such as Katy Perry and Robyn, as well as hosting some of Hilton’s favorites, ranging from singer-songwriters, dance artists and R&B/Hip-Hop. This year, the party was open to badge holders as well as those who paid $25 for guaranteed entry, all of which went to the VH-1 Save the Music Foundation.

Speaking of Perez Hilton…

Day 5: Perez Hilton’s One Night In Austin Official SXSW 2012 Showcase

You’re probably wondering why someone who loves discovering new music would go to something that is seemingly geared towards promoting acts that are already signed and at various stages of their careers.

The reality is that when SXSW began in 1987, the intent was to do just that: Discover new talent and sign them to a label. The focus has changed from an industry-only focus to promoting new releases from beginners all the way to legends like Bruce Springsteen. The vast majority of artists I saw this week played tracks from their new and forthcoming albums releasing in the next few months.

While one could argue this is a bad thing, the upside is that some of the musicians who have been around for a long time are still struggling to find a wide audience. By showcasing their music at SXSW to potential new buyers, it adds a new dimension to marketing their music.

With that in mind, here’s my review of the good, bad and the downright sad aspects of the showcase last night.

As good intentioned as Hilton is, singer-songwriters often get sandwiched in between dance acts and hip-hop stars. Fortunately, this year’s crop managed to stand out on their own and receive acclaim. The first act, Rosi Golan, managed to captivate the crowd with her three song set of melancholy tunes. http://rosigolan.com/

Faring even better was UK solo artist Ed Sheeran, whose uncanny vocal resemblance to Jason Mraz can’t be ignored. He brought his own twist however and managed to gain some new fans during his set. http://edsheeran.com/

Vampire Diaries star Kat Graham came on next. After a small technical delay, Graham’s brand of dance pop was on full display with her two back up dancers. The beats were hard and the choreography tight, however I was dismayed with the performance as it relied more on a sex kitten vibe than demonstrating musical talent. It’s a shame that some artists choose to resort to these antics. While it may titillating, I might as well have been watching the Playboy channel music hour. Downright shameful. For those that may be wondering, I’d say the same thing if it were a man doing it. http://katgraham.com/

Washing away all of my grumpiness was Canada’s Dragonette. In full disclosure, this is not a new band for me (my fourth time seeing them), however they have recently gained notice with their contributions to Martin Solveig’s international dance hit “Hello” and Kaskade’s “Fire In Your New Shoes”. They wisely included both of these in their five song set, as well as debuting two brand new tunes from their upcoming album. To round out their set, their electro-rock classic “Fixin’ To Thrill” gave the showcase the kind of energy it needed. This band is poised for a breakthrough and let’s hope their tenaciousness pays off in 2012. http://dragonetteonline.com/

My enthusiasm didn’t last long with the appearance of Kreayshawn. Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of hip-hop and rap but this set displayed every bad stereotype, with blatant references to drug use and childlike behavior. Again, it’s sad to see this kind of behavior with attitude and dress that’s simply unnecessary to promote your music. http://www.facebook.com/kreayshawn

Hip-Hop master Timbaland finally showcased true talent in the genre by reminding the crowd of his hits with Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and Keri Hilson as well as previewing two brand new tunes. His heavy beats had the crowd dancing and singing as the night drew to a close. http://www.timbalandmusic.com/

Playing a brief but well-received set was the duo of DJ Mia Moretti and violinist Caitlin Moe (http://miamoretti.com/ and http://caitlinmoe.com/). This unique pairing continued the vibe created by Timbaland with old and new dance classics.

Rounding out the night was B.O.B. whose playful attitude added a soft side to the hip-hop breakout star. With only minutes to spare, he blazed through his set and closed out the night at 2 a.m. to a very exhausted crowd that had been there since 6 p.m. http://www.bobatl.com/

The Wrap-Up

In summary, this year’s SXSW festival provided some new acts to watch and exciting showcases for established artists’ new work. One can’t help but wonder however if festival organizers will take a different approach for future years. This was my second year and I’ve already noticed the surge in attendance. Last year, I rarely waited in lines and never ID’d. This year was completely different, leaving me somewhat concerned that new artists might have a harder time breaking out in a sea of people just looking to see their favorite act perform in a small venue. While I have my pop leanings, my tastes are varied and I love to see new acts give their all, without any of the pretense that comes from knowing you’ve already made it.

I’ll either cross my fingers or write a letter to SXSW organizers because in the end, it’s all about the music. Adele’s record-smashing album “21″ is a recent example of an artist that can sing and is focused on the artistry of music, not a circus sideshow of slick moves and revealing outfits. Let’s hope that spirit can remain alive with SXSW.

Antknee
http://www.twitter.com/mrantknee

Pace yourself. That’s the first thing that people tell you to do before you hit your first SXSW festival. This being my second year, I’ve kept that same mentality in mind, which means that:

* I don’t drink until the last night
* I map out my shows in advance
* Naps and breaks are good
* Hydrate with WATER

Day 2:

Keeping that in mind, Day 2 was relatively low-key. In anticipation of her forthcoming album, Fiona Apple joined the SXSW stage at Stubb’s to debut new material from her first studio album in seven years. Apple’s sound doesn’t fall far from her musical tree (yes, I went there) but nonetheless, her unique blend of alternative pop with jazz undertones manages to lull you into her world. Her quirky on-stage behavior resembles your sister waking up from a nap and stumbling around. Endearing. http://www.fiona-apple.com/

Kimbra, enjoying recent success with a duet on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”, forged out on her first American trek with a host of SXSW showcase dates this week. The New Zealand native’s brand of pop/rock kept the crowd in a frenzy at the Warner Sound showcase at La Zona Rosa. http://www.kimbramusic.com/frontpage

Day 3:

“Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!” SXSW’s 2012 Keynote speaker, Bruce Springsteen, gave a rousing history lesson of his musical origins, intertwined with several sung snippets of his favorite songs throughout the speech. Unexpectedly amusing, the key theme of Springsteen’s speech focused on inspiring musicians to give their all and at the same time, act like it’s no big deal.

DISCO LEGEND Gloria Gaynor was joined by opposing sides of legal counsel to discuss the 1978 Congressional decision on “reversion” that allows artists to reclaim their works after 35 years. The lively discussion sparked emotions in the panel about whether artists are work-for-hire and therefore owned by the record company per standard contract language. Towards the end of the panel, Gaynor shared the little-known story of how “I Will Survive” was intended as a b-side and only released as a single after she shopped the single to Studio 54 and other DJ’s in New York, with no support from the record company. This only added more questions to the debate about the services provided by the label at the time and will prove to be key testimony in any litigation in 2013.

Gloria Gaynor and panelists

Seattle natives Ann and Nancy Wilson spoke to Ann Powers about their upcoming career-spanning box set, biography and new album. The sisters also shared their experiences as women rock musicians in the 70′s and 80′s, much to the delight of the female artists in the room who later came up to share during the Q&A how much they were influenced by the duo.

Ann and Nancy Wilson with Ann Powers

The original plan after four hours of panels was to go home and take a break. Not so fast. Upon learning that Kaiser Chiefs and Keane were playing at the Filter Showdown at Cedar Street, I headed over to the packed outdoor patio.

Kaiser Chiefs played several new songs from their new album, mixing art-rock with electronic flourishes. As you’ll see from the photo, it was nearly impossible to film quality video from the performance but still entertaining. http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/

Kaiser Chiefs

Snaking my way onto the patio, I got a bit closer for Keane. The piano pop group is a longtime favorite of mine (my fifth time seeing them) and gave way to equal parts new and old material. Standouts included “Starting Line” and the classic “Bend and Break” http://www.keanemusic.com/

Keane

Three hours later than planned, I returned to my home base for a break. Three hours later, I was back at it.

Drop the Lime, mostly known for his DJ work, came to SXSW melding that world with a rock vibe. Taking center stage with guitar, his set was surprisingly good, not just someone trying a new genre to be different. It played very well with the audience and I expect will be a hit with listeners when the album is released. http://www.dropthelime.com/

Afro-Colombian marimba band Duran played a rousing set at the Speakeasy on 4th and Congress. The rhythm and personality of this four piece band had the floor dancing and singing along. This SXSW’er has absolutely no idea what he sang about during the show and doesn’t care. Although we must mention that he picked up on the fact he was blatantly hitting on a lady at the front of the audience. Some things defy language. http://www.yosoyduran.com/

California folk rockers Milo Greene played to a rowdy crowd up on Maggie May’s rooftop. A true band in every sense of the word, each member had their turn at the mike when they weren’t harmonizing and rocking out on drums, bells or guitars. Despite the girl fight that broke out in front, the band members managed to find the humor and addressed them from the stage. This band is incredibly cohesive and it shines in their performance. http://www.milogreene.com/

Ending the long day on a high-note, The Gossip came out in full force, with lead singer Beth Ditto taking full control of the audience and even the staff at Maggie May’s. Ditto’s impassioned vocals and irreverent sense of humor was the focus of the show, weaving throughout the crowd with a carefree attitude as if she was singing in a park with nothing attached to her. When it came down to the wire, Ditto sang a capella when it hit 2 a.m. and they cut her mic. A true performer. http://www.gossipyouth.com/us/home

There’s two more full days ahead. Watch for my recap on Sunday.

Antknee
http://www.twitter.com/mrantknee

Forwarded to Seattle from Austin

Day 1 of SXSW 2012 began with the electronic duo “Teengirl Fantasy” at Mohawk patio. The duo’s dreamscape sound, a collision of synth and world instrumentation, began with an ambient tempo and steadily built to full-on dance mode. The 40-minute set used vocal samples sparingly, giving the drumpad an equal spotlight at Nick Weiss’ discretion. http://www.facebook.com/TeengirlFantasy

Singer-songwriter Joshua James played the first of two shows at SXSW at Club 606. His soulful voice and introspective lyrics hide the fact that he’s 25, the only clue being the energy output from start to finish. Part Americana folk/part rock, James lyrical focus ranged from love to family tragedy, all unraveled in real-time and with deep emotion. James is one of those performers you want to see again and if time permits, that’s where I’ll be. http://www.joshuajames.tv/

The name “Little Hurricane” is misleading. The blues-rock of this San Diego duo is anything but tiny. Their fiery performance is more rock and roll than blues as they readily admit, but this serves them well. Their set was well-polished and well-received. http://littlehurricanemusic.com/

One of the things you quickly learn when you attend SXSW is that you can’t see everything. Keeping that in mind, when you’re in a packed venue trying to decide where to go next, you stay for the next show to see if the next act is any good before leaving. Fortunately that plan worked out well. “Miniature Tigers” proved to be enjoyable with their indie-pop/rock styling’s. The good thing is that they don’t take themselves too seriously, especially with song titles like “Sex on the Regular”. http://miniaturetigers.com/

“Motopony” was next, gracefully sharing half of their set time with Daniel Johnston. The Seattle-based band played an abbreviated set (even by SXSW standards) of rhythm and soul infused rock and managed to give a searing crescendo worthy of an arena rock-band nearing the end of a 2-hour show. Acquiescing to Johnston, they backed him on several songs that were passable at best. Motopony fortunately has other shows at SXSW to expand their audience. http://motoponymusic.com/

The last set of the night was a surprise. SXSW routinely books “Special Guests” without announcing who it is. Winnipeg-based Pop-tronic band “Lost Weekend” did a pleasant 30-minute set on the back patio of Club 606 but could have been better served in an environment where people were paying close attention. It’s 1 a.m. after all…

Watch for Day 2 highlights coming tomorrow

Cheers,
Antknee
http://www.youtube.com/antknee

9pm – The Co. Insidence
10pm – The Fred Roth Revue
11pm – Emergency Volcano Evacuation Route

Doors open at 8pm

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Hey hipsters! Join ana-them records on twitter. Follow us at twitter.com/anathemrecords now! We’re kind of excited about this new development.

Join us as we attempt to move the music scene in the northwest forward, slowly one step forward and then five steps back. We will wow you with our outdated information and corny jokes. When it comes to music, no one wants to hear it. When it comes to loving what we do though, there is no better place than with us baby!

Tuesday night live music champions will be out in full effect!

Fred Roth Revue plays the comet

Those strangely odd people that stay up late on a weeknight just to see a band they don’t even know

You ever read one of those invites on Facebook, about a local band playing some gig at some smelly ole’ venue on a weeknight? You know what I’m talking about; the show that starts at 10pm and wraps up sometime around 12:30am! The only guy left in the room other than the bands is the bartender who is almost apologetic for kicking you out so he can get home. Hey! I’m not calling out the bartender here! In fact, I applaud his efforts day in and day out. If you ever want to know what is the best live music in town, you can always go to one of these wonderful people for a frank discussion about what’s hot and what’s not.

My point is that most musicians will find themselves playing a show on a weeknight. If they are lucky, they will be playing for a few more people each time until they become a regular weekend band. Until then, they will be cutting their teeth on Tuesdays.  Live local music is about as apple pie as it gets.

Those strangely odd people that stay up late on a weeknight just to see a band they don’t even know are the true heroes of this scenario. These are the peeps that come out, spend a few bucks, and listen to a variety of sounds. Some sounds they like, some sounds they don’t like. Then they get home at some unspeakable hour, of course they can’t sleet right away, so they stay up even later. The next morning, they don’t even know their own name because they are so tired. Some people consider this experience to the worst ever. That’s a perfectly reasonable reaction. Then there’s the people, who wake up just as tired but these people somehow feel better or it. These are the hard core music listeners. They can’t get enough of the thrill of hearing a band for the first time.

If this sounds like you, then you are the one I’m talking about. It’s not for everyone! Here’s to you weeknight warrior. This coming Tuesday (March 22nd), my band will be playing at the Comet Tavern with Chyeah Chyeah, Grand Atlantic from Brisbane Australia, Dirty Sidewalks and my band the Fred Roth Revue (ana-them). It’s a big show on a Tuesday night. Maybe we’ll see one person there or maybe we’ll see 100. No matter what, we will still be playing! If you are who I think you are, you won’t care who else is there. Just so long as you are!

Come up and see me, Fred Roth (a dreaded fellow) at the show. Tell me what you think about live local music and I will tell your story to the world. Until then, I will simply say thanks! See you Tuesday night.

This Wednesday night, the Fred Roth Revue will be playing at the Rendezvous (2nd Ave between Battery and Bell in Belltown) with The River Rust and Reed Turner. It’s a late show, but as a fan of original music, you don’t care about that. We would like to thank you by making you an Ana Them Records VIP. If you come to this show, and mention this blog, you will be entitled to a free CD from the upcoming Fred Roth Revue CD Fred Not Amused, A free beverage at the show (water, tea or whatever) and a mention in our next newsletter about how YOU support US. So come on out and see this show this Wednesday night?

The Fred Roth Revue is one of the band on Ana Them Records. This is a band that gets to play live shows on week nights. Weekends are few and far between. Their motto is Week Night, So What!!! The members of this band is Fred Roth (aka Cedric Ross), Scott Griggs, and Merch DeGrasse and Jim Knodle. These musicians work their day jobs and perform at night. They love to play music and they put a lot of time in each performance.