MEDIA

INTERACT

COMMENTS

03/23/08

Text: Nina Stotler
Photographers: Nina Stotler

The overwhelming schedule of this year's South by Southwest music festival included so many emerging and established bands, seeing even a fraction of them proved impossible. Choosing between performances by The Kills of their masterful new release, a sweaty daytime romp from Cut Copy, the driving rock of the Ravonettes and quirky, genre busting ladies like Kid Sister and Anthem coverstar Santogold was a difficult task.

The streets around downtown Austin remained packed day and night with industry professionals and civilian music fans, roaming between the daytime showcases and evening dance parties. Parking lots were jammed with rental cars and long lines formed at taco stands and open bars, colored wristbands accumulating on forearms throughout the week. Trudging between the various bouncer protected entryways, some of the standout events Thursday included the aforementioned Cut Copy, who whipped a packed venue into a frenzy while delivering songs from their new album in addition to the well known hit "Hearts on Fire," the crowd clutching plastic cup cocktails and enduring the 90 degree temperatures in a tented parking lot. Across town we caught a Lou Reed tribute show, closing with the legend himself backed by Moby, bringing out a sea of camera phones capturing this incongruous spectacle. As the sun set and the air cooled, N.E.R.D. returned to the stage with new material, the night finally ending late with a journey to a house party featuring DJ sets by Hollertronix, stacks of donated energy drinks and dips into a red-lit, in ground pool.

With the heat soaring to a brutal 96 on Friday, it seemed like the "Texas Garage" party venue was the most prudent destination, advertised with two pools as well as performances by Diplo, Har Mar Superstar, Santogold, Roxy Cottontail and Simian Mobile Disco. Turns out there was only one pool in the upstairs VIP section, ringed with signs that warned "No Swimming," so after a brief exploration of this multi-level parking garage, complete with video game stations and shuffleboard competitions, we decamped for some authentic Texas BBQ at a legendary restaurant attached to a gas station off the highway. Under the cover of darkness we returned to catch Simian Mobile Disco and a stripped down energetic set from Brooklyn's Matt and Kim.

The final day, most everyone stayed in bed late, recovering from the stretch of events and draining weather. We retreated to Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool in the middle of town, a spring fed oasis of year-round 68 degree water. After this refreshing break, it was back to the fray for 2 Live Crew's typically dirty rhymes, followed by a trip to a three stage festival area, where Simian Mobile Disco performed again, right next to the Breeders. Showing up to promote their new album, Kim Deal's legendary skills kept the audience rapt and waiting for the first notes of "Cannonball", this time interpreted via acoustic guitar.

Gossip blog star Perez Hilton closed SXSW, packing a new venue with fans desperate to see N.E.R.D. once more. Many enjoyed the complimentary booze, snaps in Rony's Photobooth and hair styling from Got2B (which employs Perez in its latest campaigns), while Pharrell Williams' onstage stomping riled up the packed house until well after three in the morning. Finally finished with the frantic pace, spilled drinks and soaring decibel levels, we retreated to our Mustang convertible and airport adjacent hotel, thoroughly satisfied with an expansive exploration of great music, creative parties and new connections.

Stay tuned for Alex Wagner's full SXSW photo gallery.