SXSW 2009 RECAP

Peelander-Z @ Hot Freaks - Day 2 (Photo by Ryan Suffern)

How can you go to a place where you get a serious sun burn and come home with a cold? It's the non-stop nature of SXSW, the choose your own adventure aspect of it where everyone comes home burnt out with a farmer's tan and a dozen stories.

I was thinking about doing a day-by-day recap but it's now all blurring together like the steady stream of electro-indie bands coming out these days. Instead, here were some of the highlights.

BEST BAND THAT I SAW FOR THE FIRST TIME: SHILPA RAY & HER HAPPY HOOKERS

The lovely Shilpa Ray could be our generation's JANIS JOPLIN. Big words? Perhaps, but that raspy growl, that sweet inspiration, her contagious enthusiasm for music gives her a fighting chance. I compared her to ROSEMARY CLOONEY ("Come On-a My House") but let's be clear that Shilpa Ray is NO retro act. It's relevant, it's dark and dirty, and it's completely refreshing. I know, the photo is horrible, it's me after a couple of Jager shots with my Blackberry camera.

Photo by Ryan Suffern

BEST LIVE SET OF MUSIC: THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT@ SOHO LOUNGE

I caught them a couple of times in Austin, but Saturday night's show for the Irish Music showcase was special. From song one the boys punched us in the mouths until the final song, a real mother-fucker of a jam, closed out as loud as THE WHO. Here's what the IRISH TIMES had to say about it.

BEST PARTY: HOT FREAKS

Both days of HOT FREAKS at The Mohawk and Club De Ville were amazing. Think about it, THE DELTA SPIRIT, THE HOLD STEADY, CAMERA OBSCURA, SEBASTIEN GRAINGER, OBITS, THE WRENS, THE ROSEBUDS, PORT O'BRIEN, LEMONADE, SHILPA RAY, GIRLS, HARLEM, JEREMY JAY, and on and on and on, together with Torchie Tacos on the deck and you have some amazing music.

Here's what CHROMEWAVES had to say about it > http://www.chromewaves.net/2009/03/camera-obscura-the-grates-and-peelander-z-and-more-at-sxsw/

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

LOCH LOMOND's heavenly voices at the Brooklyn Vegan party on Wednesday night. FRANCIS & THE LIGHTS turns into PRINCE with a bit of JIM CARREY at the Levi's Fader Fort. THE ETTES drummer is a super star playing the Noise Pop/Take Root Records party, why aren't they a household name yet?? THE TEMPER TRAP displaying "Sweet Disposition" outside near The Continental Club, then stumbling into THE FEROCIOUS FEW playing on the sidewalk around the corner in front of the HOTEL SAN JOSE. EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS going late late night on Saturday at PureVolume.

Again, everyone's personal SXSW is their own adventure, but I'm always surprised people go all the way to Austin to see Metallica, or Echo & The Bunnymen, Kanye West or Ben Harper. Really? Don't they all come to your town over and over again? Haven't you seen them before? The festival was built on the idea of having a place where fans and industry could go to discover new artists, and it really has gotten away from that. Why do some bands get 3 official SXSW showcases, and others don't get in? Play all the parties you like, but allow for the little guy to get their shot more often. Something needs to give. You saw a lot less 'free' this year, as sponsors and everyone gets hit by the economy, but more parties than ever before. The unofficial party circuit keeps expanding so far east now that you are almost in Lubbock. I love SXSW, but by Saturday night when the bridge-and-tunnel crowd comes in and things become Mardi Gras on 6th Street, it's time to get out.

GEARING UP FOR HOT FREAKS @ SXSW

Blogging will be at a minimum this week at SXSW (twittering will have to do), there's just too much music, bbq and beer to be had. Come to the HOT FREAKS party on Friday and Saturday if you are in Austin - incredible line up on both days at both venues - Club De Ville & The Mohawk.

For the schedule, go here > http://www.thehotfreaks.com/schedule

LISTEN TO FUTURE SOUNDS ON WOXY 3.09.09

Listen HERE

Here's today's playlist...

Future Sounds #15 - March 9th, 2009

Golden Silvers – Magic Touch – Magic Touch – XL Recordings
Lissy Trullie – Forget About It – Self-Taught Learner EP – Unsigned
Megapuss – Theme From Hollywood – Surfing – Unsigned
Leopold & His Fiction – Sun’s Only Promise – Ain’t No Surprise - Native Fiction Records

BREAK

May 68 – The Duke Is Dead – Demos – Unsigned
Solid Gold – Get Over It – Bodies Of Water – Unsigned
The Sound Of Arrows – M.A.G.I.C. - M.A.G.I.C. – Labrador Records
Ballerina Black – Microphones In The Mattress – EP – Unsigned
Lilofee – She Breathes Electric – Lilofee – Unsigned

BREAK

HOT FREAKS SXSW 2009 SET
Camera Obscura – Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken – Let’s Get Out Of This Country – 4AD
Vivian Girls – Where Do You Run To – Vivian Girls – In The Red
Harlem – Witchgreens – Free Drugs – Female Fantasy Records
Sebastian Grainger – When You Go Out – Foggy Sea, Foggy Dew – Saddle Creek
Jeremy Jay – Gallop – Slow Dance – K Records

BREAK

Awesome New Republic – Digital World – Rational Geographic Vol 1 – Honor Roll Records
BrakesBrakesBrakes – Worry About It Later – Touchdown – FatCat Records
Violens – Spectator & Pupil – Violens – Unsigned
Joel Hamilton – Physical Love – Joel Hamilton – Unsigned
Golden Gram – Yr Heart – Master Of None – Unsigned

BREAK

Leader Cheetah – Bloodlines – The Sunspot Letters – Spunk Records
Local Natives – Airplanes – Gorilla Manor – Unsigned
Dag For Dag – Silence Is The Verb – Boo – Unsigned
The Builders & The Butchers – Golden & Green – New Album – Unsigned

BREAK

The Answering Machine – Cliffer – Another City, Another Sorry – Heist Or Hit Records
Simon Says No – Sleeping Heart - Ahoi De Angst – Unsigned
The Brothers Movement – Someday – The Brothers Movement – Unsigned

BREAK

THE HOT 5
The Ettes – No Home – Danger Is EP – Take Root Records
Fitz & The Tantrums – Breakin’ The Chains Of Love - Songs For A Break-Up Vol.1 – EP – Unsigned
Peter Conway – I Am Not A Yes Man – Sampler – Unsigned
The Limousines – Very Busy People – Working… - Unsigned
The Joy Formidable – Cradle – A Balloon Called Moaning – PureGroove


END OF PROGRAM

LISTEN TO FUTURE SOUNDS ON WOXY 3.2.09

Listen HERE

Here's today's playlist...

Future Sounds #14 - March 2nd, 2009

Mister Loveless – June – In Wonder – Unsigned
Leader Cheetah – Alibi – The Sunspot Letters – Spunk Records
Blue Giant – Clean The Clock – Target Heart EP – Unsigned
Teitur – Catherine The Waitress – The Singer – Cheap Lullaby
Local Natives – Airplanes – Gorilla Manor – Unsigned

BREAK

Lilofee – Possession – Lilofee – Unsigned
The Hundred Days – So What – Demos – Unsigned
Plugs – Imaginary Friend - The Imaginary Friend EP - People In The Sky
We Have Band – Oh! – Oh! Single – Kitsune
Dark Room Notes – Let’s Light Fires – We Love You Dark Matter – Unsigned

BREAK

HOT FREAKS PARTY AT SXSW
Delta Spirit – Trashcan – Ode To Sunshine – Rounder Records
The Hold Steady – Chips Ahoy! – Boys & Girls In America – Vagrant Records
Port O’Brien – Close The Lid – All We Could Do Was Sing – Unsigned
Handsome Furs – What We Had – Plauge Park – Sub Pop Records
Richard Swift – Lady Luck – The Atlantic Ocean – Secretly Canadian

BREAK

Django James & The Midnight Squires – In Trouble – Demos – Unsigned
Let’s Wrestle – I Won’t Lie To You – I Won’t Lie To You – Stolen Recordings
Golden Silvers – Magic Touch – Magic Touch – XL Recordings
The Answering Machine – Cliffer – Another City, Another Sorry – Heist Or Hit Records
The Setting Son – Soulmate – Spring Of Hate – Bad Afro Records

BREAK

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY THE BUILDERS & THE BUTCHERS
@ Art Insound Studios

Black Dresses

In The Branches
Bringing Home The Rain

BREAK

The Joy Formidable – Austere – A Balloon Called Morning – Pure Groove
Dag For Dag – Silence Is The Verb – Boo – Unsigned
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Mexico One & Three – Demos – Unsigned
Palomar – Alone – All Things, Forest – Misra Records

BREAK

THE HOT 5
The Limousines – Very Busy People – Working… - Unsigned
Surf City – Dickshakers Union – Surf City - Unsigned
Jeremy Jay – Slow Dance – Slow Dance – K Records
Fitz & The Tantrums – Breakin’ The Chains Of Love – Songs For A Break-Up Vol. 1 EP – Unsigned
{Jam Of The Week}
Peter Conway – I Am Not A Yes Man – Sampler – Unsigned

END OF PROGRAM

* Bold denotes debut band on Future Sounds radio

FUTURE SOUNDS ON LITTLE RADIO: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH

Tune into www.littleradio.com

September 9th, 2008: 10AM-Noon (Pacific)

Clare Maguire – Strangest Thing – Demos – Unsigned
Gotye – Learnalilgivinanlovin – Like Drawing Blood – Unsigned in US
Hacienda – She’s Got A Hold On Me – Loud Is The Night – Alive Natural Sound Records
Tenlons Fort – Forever Is A Long Time – Forever Is A Long Time EP – Haunted Maggot Records
Violens – Violent Sensation Descends – Violens Single – Unsigned

BREAK

HOT FREAKS PICKS
The Heavy – Girl – The Heavy - +1 Music
The Wolfmen – Cecilie – Modernity Killed Every Night – Damaged Goods UK
{{{Sunset}}} – Diamond Studded Caskets – Bright Blue Dream – Autobus
Mother Mother – Body Of Years – O My Heart – Last Gang Records
The Heavy – Dignity – The Heavy - +1 Music

BREAK

FLASHBACK…FOUR SONGS FROM FUTURE SOUNDS 09 (2003)
Film School – 11:11 – Demos – Unsigned (Later signed to Beggars Banquet)
The National – Slipping Husband – Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers – Brassland
The Rosebuds – Kicks In The Schoolyard – Make Out – Merge Records
Kasabian – Cutt Off – Kasabian – Unsigned (Later signed to RCA/Columbia)

BREAK

Bonnie “Prince” Billy – (Keep Eye On) Other’s Gain – Lie Down In The Light – Drag City
The Builders & The Butchers – Bottom Of The Lake - The Builders & The Butchers - Bladen County Records
Port O’Brien – Alive For Nothing – All We Could Do Was Sing – Unsigned in US
The Cotton Jones Basket Ride – Midnight Monday & A Telescope – The Archery EP – Quite Scientific Records
Destroyer – The State – Trouble In Dreams – Merge Records

BREAK

JAM OF THE WEEK…..
The Silents – See The Future – Things To Learn – Ivy League Records

BREAK

HARD WORKING CLASS HEROES FESTIVAL IN DUBLIN…
The Minutes – Ukraine – Demos – Unsigned
Grand Pocket Orchestra – Little Messy – EP – Unsigned
Crayonsmith – Anything – White Wonder – Out On A Limb Records
Frightened Rabbit – Modern Leper – The Midnight Organ Fight – FatCat Records
Fight Like Apes – Jake Summers – Jake Summers EP – Unsigned

BREAK

The Weight – Had It Made – The Weight Are Men – Colonel Records
Blitzen Trapper – Gold For Bread – Furr – Sub Pop
My Pet Saddle – Gimme My Soul – EP – Unsigned

BREAK

Hannah Georgas – The Beat Stuff - The Beat Stuff – Unsigned
Heavy Young Heathens – Drawn From Memory – Record 1 – Unsigned
White Belt, Yellow Tag. – You’re Not Invincible – Demos – Unsigned

END OF PROGRAM

FUTURE SOUNDS ON LITTLE RADIO: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND

Tune into www.littleradio.com

September 2nd, 2008: 10AM-Noon (Pacific)

Hacienda – She’s Got A Hold On Me – Loud Is The Night – Alive Natural Sound Records
Violens – Violent Sensation Descends – Violens Single – Unsigned
King Tuff – Sun Medallion – Was Dead – The Colonel Records
Golden Animals – The Steady Roller – Free Your Mind And Ride A Pony – HappyParts
Bombay Bicycle Club – Evening/Morning – Single – Unsigned

BREAK

HOT FREAKS PICKS
Girls – Lust For Life – Girls – Unsigned
Mason Proper – Point A To Point B – Olly Oxen Free – Dovecoat Records
Hockey – Curse This City – Mind Chaos – Unsigned
Pop Levi – Style Called Cryin’ Chic – The Return To Form Black Magick Party – Counter Records
Gringo Star – All Y’All – Gringo Star – Unsigned

BREAK

FLASHBACK….4 SONGS FROM FUTURE SOUNDS 08
The Fitness – Chauffeur – Call Me For Together – The Control Group
The Shins – Fighting In A Sack – Chutes Too Narrow – Sub Pop
Devotchka – Ocean Of Lust – Una Volta – Cicero Recordings
Ray Lamontagne – Please – Introducing Raycharles Lamontange – Unsigned

BREAK

SPECIAL GUEST DJ: BRANDON FULLER OF HUSH HUSH ATTACK!
Hannah Georgas – The Beat Stuff - The Beat Stuff - Unsigned
Capra – Gypsy Jones – 4 Song EP – Unsigned
Hello Saferide – My Best Friend – More Modern Short Stories from Hello Saferide - Razzia Records
The Wolfmen – Jackie Says – Modernity Killed Every Night -Damaged Goods UK
Ida Maria – I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked – Waterfall Records/RCA UK

BREAK

Human Highway – The Sound – Moody Motorcycle – Suicide Squeeze
The Age Of Rockets – Avada Kedavra – Hannah – Unsigned
Passion Pit – Sleepy Head – Pretty Penny – Neon Gold
The Wombats – Kill The Director – Kill The Director – Kids In America
The Panderers – Come On – Hotshot’s Boy – Snack Bar Records

BREAK

Lemon Sun – Edge Of Defeat – New Album – Unsigned
Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire – Sex On Fire – RCA Records
Benji Hughes – Tight Tee Shirt – A Love Extreme – New West Records
Le Switch – Big Ol’ Tree – And Now…. – Autumn Tone Records
Afternoons – Say Yes Cooley – Demos – Unsigned

BREAK

The Black Box Revelation – I Think I Like You – Set Your Head On Fire – PIAS
Sons & Daughters – Gilt Complex – Gilt Complex 7” – Domino Records
Pistol Pistol – La Policia – The Cause – Unsigned
Magic Bullets – Heatstroke – A Child But In Life Yet A Doctor In Love – Words On Music

END OF PROGRAM

FUTURE SOUNDS ON LITTLE RADIO: TUESDAY AUGUST 26TH

Tune into www.littleradio.com

August 26th, 2008: 10AM-Noon (Pacific)

Pop Levi – Sugar Assualt Me Now (Part 1) – The Return To Form Black Magick Party – Counter Records
The Ringers – Jaguar Moves – Headlocks & Highkicks – Unsigned
Fujiya & Miyagi – Knickerbocker – Lightbulbs – Deaf Dumb & Blind
Violens – Violent Sensation Descends – Violens Single – Unsigned
The Panderes – Come On – Hotshot’s Boy – Snack Bar Records

BREAK

HOT FREAKS PICKS:
Buffalo Killers – Get Together Now Today – Let It Ride – Alive Records
Les Gars – Rat Race Mob – La Physique – Unsigned
The American Gypsies – I’m Not A Woman – Sunshine EP – Unsigned
The King Left – The Storm In A Teacup – New York Nothing – Unsigned
Blonde Acid Cult – Kick The Funk – Demos – Unsigned

BREAK

FLASHBACK…3 SONGS FROM FUTURE SOUNDS 7
Spiritualized – Never Goin’ Back – Amazing Grace – Sanctuary Records
Razorlight – Rock N Roll Lies – Rock N Roll Lies Single – Universal Music UK
Rogue Wave – Every Moment – Out Of The Shadow – Sub Pop

BREAK

JAM OF THE WEEK
Benji Hughes – Tight Tee Shirt – A Love Extreme – New West Records

BREAK

INTRODUCING……KING TUFF
From: Vermont
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kingtuff
Label: Colonel Records

King Tuff – Sun Medallion – Was Dead – Colonel Records
King Tuff – King Of Guy – Was Dead – Colonel Records

Interview with The Colonel

King Tuff - Lady - Was Dead – Colonel Records
King Tuff - Just Strut - Was Dead – Colonel Records

BREAK

Telekenisis! – Tokyo – Ideas – Unsigned
Nico Stai – Dead Pony – Dead Pony – Unsigned
The Golden Dogs – Never Meant Any Harm – Demos – Yep Roc Records
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – Who’s Asking – Weepy EP – Unsigned
Mean Tambourines – Airwolf – Demos – Unsigned

BREAK

Two Door Cinema Club – Something Good Can Work – Demos – Unsigned
Kristoffer Ragnstam – Swing That Tambourine – Wrong Side Of The Room – Blue Hammock Music
Human Highway – The Sound – Moody Motorcycle – Suicide Squeeze Records
The Ums – Wear Her Out – Men Of Science – Cloud 13 Records
Vertigo Smyth – Comfort Me – EP #1 – Unsigned

BREAK

White Denim – Sitting – Explosion – Transmission Entertainment
The Black Box Revelation – I Think I Like You – Set Your Head On Fire – PIAS Records
Lykke Li – Little Bit – Little Bit EP – Moshi Moshi
Golden Animals – The Steady Roller – Free Your Mind and Ride A Pony – HappyParts (US)
James McMorrow – Down The Burning Ropes – Demos – Unsigned

END OF PROGRAM

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HOT FREAKS PARTY IN AUSTIN

Hot Freaks! @ SXSW 2008: Day One from PROJECTMILL on Vimeo.

SXSW RECAP

Freaks? Nope, HOT FREAKS

I've never had so many tacos in one week in my life as I did last week in Austin at SXSW. Beer, BBQ and tacos. I saw more bands that any year ever and spent a lot of time at HOT FREAKS at the Mohawk, surviving the sun and downing Tochie's Tacos. I'm still recovering from the late flight and all the poison, but here's a brief recap of my trip.....

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE OF SXSW 2008:

CHRISTOPHER DENNY & THE OLD SOLES @ Club Deville

Finally caught CD with his band, The Old Soles, and it was better than imagined. It's refreshing to see actual, undeniable TALENT, that has nothing to do with fashion and hype.

RUNNER UP:

WHITE DENIM @ The Mohawk (Hot Freaks)

Hometown boys were the belle of the ball all week. All I have to say is, "Turbo! Turbo! Turbo!"

MOST INSANE SHOW:

PEELANDER Z @ The Mohawk (Hot Freaks)

If you missed this performance, you'll have to read about it forever. A spectacle in the best sense of the word.

Fantastic to see our dear friends SHOUT OUT LOUDS @ The Parish for the Merge showcase. SOL's and then DESTROYER was a highlight of the week for me.

OTHER STANDOUTS:

GRAVEYARD @ Bourbon Rocks
Sweden's WOLFMOTHER - close your eyes and it's ZEPPELIN - a voice from another time.

CATHY DAVEY @ Soho Lounge (Irish Showcase)
Dublin's superstar in the making. Another huge voice on a beautiful person.

BIRDS & BATTERIES @ The Beauty Bar (Bay Area Takeover)
Barely missed being my runner-up show. Even better live than on the CD I adore.

THE DODOS & BON IVER @ The Mohawk
I put these two together because they were two sets that sored beneath HUGE vocals and emotionally charged lyrics. Breathtaking.

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS, FILM SCHOOL and FIGHT LIKE APES were also tremendous. The Skewer Party at Maggie Mae's was also excellent, running up and down the steps to each stage helped work off the brisket and Lone Star.

It was far and away my favorite SXSW, and I did my best to stay away from every over-hyped party full of bands we've all seen a hundred times before and get back to what the festival was set up for initially - to showcase new and rising talent.

Thanks to Ryan Suffern for the photos and to HOT FREAKS for the hospitality.

HOT FREAKS PARTY @ SXSW ANNOUNCED

Our good friends at HOT FREAKS announced their SXSW party today - a 2 day event at The Mohawk that has tons of amazing young bands to check out.

Plenty of Future Sounds favorites in the mix:
THE DODOS
WHITE DENIM
BLITZEN TRAPPER
BRITISH SEA POWER
JENS LEKMAN
THE WHIGS
FILM SCHOOL
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS
THE JEALOUS GIRLFRIENDS
BODIES OF WATER
WHITE RABBITS
LYKKE LI

Damn, someone there has good taste. Lots of new folks to check out like Bowderbirds, Evangelicals, Le Switch, Frankel, and The Acorn.

For the full line up - go to HOT FREAKS.

VIDEO: PEELANDER-Z "MAD TIGER"

The HOT FREAKS just sent me this video from Japan's PEELANDER-Z, and this thing is ripe! I'm told they'll be a SXSW this year and I haven't seen these kind of stage antics since VAN HALEN did the "Panama" video.