photos and words by Shannon Claire

SXSW, I am here, and I am excited. I may not have a badge, or a wristband, but I have my love for music, my camera (luckily with a little green photo pass on it), and my own two feet. It's only day one and I hit the pavement hard to capture anything and everything that came my way.

Races (Los Angeles) were high on my must-watch list. I got turned onto them when they were known as Black Jesus — an old friend of mine is the bassist. Their sound to me is whimsical indie pop that will send you floating up spinning with a ear-to-ear grin. They have a new name, a new record — French Kiss Records — recent raves from Rolling Stone and Pitchfork, and a recent tour with El Ten Eleven. I'm eager for their album, Year of the Witch, to release on March 27. You can check out their EP Big Broom and pre-order Year of the Witch on iTunes.

The best thing about SXSW is that the music literally floods out of bar and venue windows into the streets. It whips around you, brushes against you, and leaves you with no choice but to be engaged. Whether you get sidetracked by a guy beating on a trash can with a girl as his backup dancer, or you finally got into see the band you've been waiting in a line thre blocks for, it's all the same. Everyone is here for the same purpose: music.

Speaking of block to block lines, I tried to make way to see Friends (Brooklyn, NY), however the line was absolutely absurd and quickly discouraged my attempt. I decided it was perfect time to just pop in and out of bars and catch some acts I wasn't familliar with. I popped into Dizzy Rooster to find Austin's own The Continuums. A young bunch of fellas with a whole bunch of rock 'n' roll. Having a mix of hard classic rock to today's modern sound, these guys were impressive and fun. As I left I noticed a chick with long bleach blonde hair and punk attire carry equipment into The Thirsty Nickel. Intrigued, I ventured over with thoughts of hearing a rad girl-punk band. However, their performance didn't grab me as I hoped, and their "one more minute and we'll be all set" discouraged me before they even started playing. They weren't even late playing, they were actually three minutes early, they informed the crowd. So why announce every minute, one more minute? 

At this point I was ready to get pumped back up. Luckily I heard loud chaotic sounds coming from The Velveta Room. Brite Futures (formerly known as Natalie Portman's Shaved Head) hail from Seattle, Wash. I have heard of their prior band name, an homage to Portman's appearance in V for Vendetta. They claim their music is for "fruit snacks and partying," and I think that's appropriate. Their energy kicked ass and they had a great following. They got me hyped up from the prior band and I was ready to hit the streets for more.

Not having a wristband can make for some challenges at this festival. However, if you walk the walk and talk the talk, you might have a chance at getting in some places, and carrying a camera can also help. I was really looking forward to seeing Youth Lagoon (Boise, ID) here at SXSW. For those that know me via FB they are on a weekly rotation at minimum via Spotify. The IFC Crossroads House was packed like sardines. The music gods decided to grant me my wish and I was able to score a pretty sweet spot up on the stairs. Perfect view to take it all in. They are playing a couple free day shows this week, and I'd be totally down to see them again.

Built to Spill, (Boise, ID) was next on the bill at IFC Crossroads House. You'll notice that at these festivals, some good ol' '90s bands will come through to give the crowds a bit of nostalgia. For the younger generation, it's a chance to see a legendary alternative band that has influenced so many bands they're into today. Built to Spill was so mellow while performing I couldn't tell if they were all on Valium or if they just got super high before taking the stage. Regardless of their lethargy, they plaid a great sounding and classic set.

I had seen my top three for the night, and with it being the first night of four, I decided to take it a bit easy and continued to stay among 6th Street. I stopped into The Rooftop and came across a two-man group called Gobi. They were decent, had a good following, a few girls dancing up on tables to their electro hard hip-hop sound, while the fellas busted some moves and attempted to flow alongside. I stuck around for one song and proceeded to take in the Rooftop view of all the madness happening below. At this point of the night, alcohol and whatever else had kicked in to a large percent of the festival goers and the streets were getting a bit messy.

There's also another fest that happens here during SXSW. The Red Gorilla Fest has been going alongside SXSW for about 10 years now, and gives upcoming bands a great opportunity for some exposure. I stopped into Touche where I caught a great group of guys synthesizing it up. Kid Savant (Brookly, NY) reminded me The Killers but a little less pop and more concentration on heavy synth and deep bass.

Anytime you hear Queen blaring from the inside a Piano Bar one needs to take note and run in and see what's going on, and so I did. It was great! Pete's Dueling Piano Bar was packed and featured two gentlemen singing to the top of their lungs Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," beating the ivory keys. It was fantastic and they received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The night was slowly coming to close. There was tons of music still being played from all parts of this great town, and especially downtown. I was able to catch Lost Bayou Ramblers an energetic crass bluegrass band from Lafyette, La. Gentlemen were spinning their ladies 'round and other guests knee slapped and cheered while finishing their drinks in back of the bar. The crowd grew large outside as well as their sound bellowing out of B.D. Riley's large open windows and the dancing took to the sidewalks. I would love for this band to come to Lincoln and play The Zoo Bar. It'd be a treat to see them in such a small soulful venue.

I thought my first night of SXSW was almost complete, then I noticed an extremely large wagon and crowd approaching, dancing down the street, to the sounds of Crystal Castles being DJd by yet another street performer. There is nothing I love more than having a party in the middle of the streets. His sign read "Occupy Austin – Ingredients: 99% Party 1% Wagon." The night couldn't have finished off more perfectly.

Shannon Claire is a HN contributor. You can reach her at shannonc@hearnebraska.org.