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We invite readers with questions to email our staff at editorial@hearnebraska.org.
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Harouki Zombi is a geisha-donning dance duo that mixes DJ sets and intense visual performance art, taking two opposites to create a world of utter madness.
The sectors making up the Zombi are Orenda Fink (Azure Ray) and Nina Barnes (Of Montreal).
These two women, while originating their project a mere few months ago, have made a triumphant name for themselves and their live shows by incorporating sword dances, blood vomiting and body painting. They have also debuted their first music video via Rolling Stone.
Harouki Zombi has solidified a spot in this year’s SXSW, and it will be the first time they perform out of their comfort zones — Omaha and Athens, Ga.
“We’re so excited for SXSW, although it is a little frightening to perform for our first non-home crowd!” Fink says.
One thing that will make the transition run smoother for Fink and Barnes is that they will have the close support of family and friends alongside, with Todd Fink, Orenda’s husband, sharing the same bill with his side-gig, Depressed Buttons.
“I think it will be a nice complement to Harouki Zombi, and we’re so happy for us to be partying alongside Todd for our two sets,” Fink says.
For Harouki Zombi, being in Austin for the festival will only be half of the fun, as they plan to shoot a music video along the way that will document their journey to SXSW.
“It’s an 18-hour drive to Austin, so we will be stopping in New Orleans along the way,” Fink says. “We will shoot a music video on our journey, so we expect many antics and a lot of laughing.”
Since this marks Harouki Zombi’s first performance at SXSW, Fink thinks it will test her boundaries as a performer.
“It will also be my first SXSW where our gear only consists of laptops – yes!” Fink says.
Hear Nebraska’s crew of industrious reporters is descending upon Austin on Wednesday afternoon. We will be tweeting, recording interviews with musicians and festivalgoers on SoundCloud throughout the day, as well as taking photos for Flickr for daily photo essays and writing reports for daily posts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A list of Nebraska or Nebraska-related bands at SXSW:
Saddle Creek/Western Vinyl SXSW Showcase with Big Harp, Icky Blossoms, The Mynabirds
Friday, March 16, Lamberts (Saddle Creek bands play first. Starts at 7:30 p.m.)
Big Harp
Thursday, March 15, Mean-Eyed Cat (DMX Showcase at 2:30 p.m.)
Friday, March 16, Lamberts (Saddle Creek/Western Vinyl SXSW Showcase at 8:35 p.m.)
Eli Mardock
Thursday, March 15, Uncorked (Paper Garden/My Old Kentucky Blog party at 9 p.m.)
Saturday, March 17, Crow Bar (Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie Showcase at 5:45 p.m.)
Harouki Zombi
Saturday, March 17, Elysium (following Depressed Buttons at 10 p.m.)
Icky Blossoms
Thursday, March 15, Waterloo Records (2 p.m.)
Friday, March 16, Lamberts (Saddle Creek/Western Vinyl SXSW Showcase at 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 17, Emo’s East (Mad Decent Party at 12 p.m.)
Midwest Dilemma
Wednesday, March 14, Uncorked (Paper Garden Records at 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, Crow Bar (Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie at 2:35 to 3 p.m.)
The Mynabirds
Thursday, March 16, The Jackalope (Waynestock II Party at 3 p.m.)
Friday, March 16, Lamberts (Saddle Creek/Western Vinyl SXSW Showcase at 9:30 p.m.)
Orion Walsh
Wednesday, March 15, The Carousel Lounge (9 to 9:25 p.m.)
PUJOL
Wednesday, March 14, Hotel Vegas/Volstead Lounge (Brooklyn Vegan party at 1:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 14, Beauty Bar (Panache Booking SXSW showcase at 11:30 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, Spiderhouse (Austin Psych Fest at 1 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, The ND 501 Studios (Live 4 Ever UK at 3:15 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, Longbranch (Impose Party at 8:45 p.m.)
Friday, March 16, The Stage on Sixth (Third Man showcase at 10 p.m.)
Saturday, March 17, Austin Symphony Square (Rollo & Grady Showcase at 1:45 p.m.)
Sunday, March 18, Beerland (Panache Hangover Party at 3 p.m.)
Two Gallants
Thursday, March 15, MWTX Lot (Mess With Texas at 2 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, The Parish (VICE/Noisey.com showcase at 10 p.m.)
Friday, March 16, 9th and Trinity (Google/YouTube Rooftop Party at 2:30 p.m.)
Whispertown
Saturday, March 17, St. David’s Historic Sanctuary (Hotel Cafe at 11:30 p.m.)
FILM: Electrick Children with music from Conduits
Wednesday, March 15, Violet Crown 1 (10 p.m.)
Thursday, March 15, Violet Crown 2 (5:30 p.m.)
Steven is a Hear Nebraska contributor. Catch all the Nebraska this year at SXSW. Reach Steven at stevena@hearnebraska.org.