SXSW Issue 2017

GARY CLARK JR. T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E TO

AUSTIN Featuring

Black Angels / Shakey Graves / Okkervil River Nina Diaz / And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead + more

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W E

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Cover photo courtesy of Greg Giannukos

table of contents

06.

WELCOME TO AUSTIN

08.

MEET YOUR AUSTIN GUIDES

14.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

20.

DINE OUT

26.

LANDMARKS

32.

AFTER DARK

38.

SOUNDS OF THE CITY

44.

GARY CLARK JR.'S BEST OF AUSTIN

52.

SXSW PICKS: VISITING ARTISTS SHARE THEIR AUSTIN FAVORITES

Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

WELCOME TO AUSTIN

KNOWN AS A LIBERAL HAVEN IN THE GIANT RED STATE, Austin, Texas, has been striving to keep it weird for years.

The city is constantly evolving, and quickly — just look toward downtown and you’ll notice the ever-present cranes and construction. Locals contend with the city’s perceived change, which is different depending on who you ask.

To some, it seems Austin has forsaken its weirdness for growth in industry, welcoming tech heads, filmmakers, and of course, musicians. During a few weeks out of the year in March, the city transforms to accommodate an array of music lovers and media enthusiasts for SXSW, but there’s a completely different side of Austin present through all other times of the year.

Located in central Texas, the capital city smells of wildflowers that bloom throughout March and July and are more effervescent after a hard rain. As noted by Sweet Spirit: weed, sunscreen and barbeque infuse Austin’s air.

Austin is springs and swimming holes in the summer, with taco trucks and Tex-Mex abounding, and bars and restaurants cropping up in converted houses throughout colorful, walkable neighborhoods.Whether you’re here for a festival or during the off-season, there’s plenty to do in the “blueberry in the red state.” But don’t take our word for it — we’ve asked the city’s best musicians, from Shakey Graves to Okkervil River to Gary Clark Jr., where the locals hang out.

MEET YOUR AUSTIN GUIDES

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

Originally from San Antonio, Austin-based Chicano artist Alejandro Escovedo was formerly a member of the ‘70s San Francisco punk band The Nuns, and has familial ties to Santana drummer Pete Escovedo and daughter Sheila E.

...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead formed in the late ‘90s in Hawaii. They’ve since relocated to Olympia, Washington, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, eventually landing in their now-home of Austin, Texas. The duoturned-four-piece has released nine studio albums to date.

BEN KWELLER

Indie folk darling Ben Kweller was writing songs at age eight, and was a skilled musician by the time he was a teenager, having formed the band Radish when he was just 15. Kweller went on to tour with Death Cab for Cutie as a co-headliner, and has also gone on the road with Juliana Hatfield, Guster, and more.

BOB SCHNEIDER

Austin music scene veteran Bob Schneider was formerly a member of Ugly Americans who often opened for Dave Matthews Band, and a number of other local bands. As a solo artist, the alt country artist has released about a dozen albums, mostly on his own label Shockorama.

THERE’S ALWAYS COOL SHOWS HAPPENING, AND THE PEOPLE AND VENUES THAT PUT THEM ON NEVER QUIT. THEY KEEP THE PARTY GOING. — NIGHT BEATS

ELIJAH FORD

After touring Europe and US, Austin-based musician, songwriter and producer Elijah Ford returned home to release his sophomore record As You Were. Recorded at Austin’s legendary Arlyn Studios, Ford is currently touring the new album, which was released in fall 2016.

MICAH NELSON

The son of Austin native and legend Willie Nelson, Micah Nelson is the guitarist, vocalist and percussionist for Insects vs. Robots, a five-piece band currently based in Venice, CA.

MY JERUSALEM

My Jerusalem says of Austin,“ Without it we’d be nothing, so it plays every part [in our music].” Formed by Jeff Klein, formerly of The Twilight Singers and The Gutter Twins, their sophomore album was recorded by Spoon drummer Jim Eno. In the past the band has toured with Courtney Love, Heartless Bastards, Spoon and others.

NIGHT BEATS

Now based in Seattle, Washington, psychedelic garage trio Night Beats — guitarist/vocalist Danny Lee Blackwell, bassist Jakob Bowden, and drummer James Traeger — grew up in Austin and Dallas, Texas. They sum up the city’s music scene by saying, “There’s always cool shows happening, and the people and venues that put them on never quit. They keep the party going.” Their third and newest album Who Sold My Generation is out now on Heavenly Recordings.

9.

I FELT LIKE THE MOST UPTIGHT PERSON IN AUSTIN, BUT AUSTIN SLOWLY TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOOSEN UP AND RELAX. — OKKERVIL RIVER

NINA DIAZ

Known for her work with Girl in a Coma (named after the Smiths song, “Girlfiend in a Coma,”) which formed in 2001, Nina Diaz has since embarked on a solo career. Though Diaz was just 12 years old when she started performing with Girl in a Coma, the band caught the attention of Smiths producer Boz Boorer with whom they recorded their first demo, as well as Joan Jett, resulting into their being signed to the Blackhearts label.

OKKERVIL RIVER

Raised in New Hampshire and now living in New York, Okkervil River’s Will Sheff says, “I felt like the most uptight person in Austin, but Austin slowly taught me how to loosen up and relax.” The folk rock band, also comprised of Cully Symington, Will Graefe, Benjamin Lazar Davis, and Sarah Pedinotti released their newest album Away in 2016.

RINGO DEATHSTARR

Founded by Elliott Frazier, who relocated to Austin from Beaumont, Texas, Ringo Deathstarr caught the attention of UK label AC30 in 2010 when they performed at the Reverence festival. The shoegazers released their latest album Pure Mood in 2015. To the band, Austin sounds and smells like “cicadas in the summertime and that specific scent just after it rains.”

SHAKEY GRAVES

Alejandro Rose-Garcia AKA Shakey Graves is a former child actor turned folk troubadour. The southern americana solo artist embodies Texas in sound, and released his EP Nobody’s Fool, the follow-up to the astounding And The War Came in 2015.

10 .

©2017 Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc.

IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN

A LIMITED EVENT SERIES

THE RETURN MAY 21 9PM

11 .

AUSTIN SMELLS LIKE WEED, SUNSCREEN AND BBQ. AUSTIN SOUNDS LIKE GARAGES AND STORAGE FACILITIES AND DOWNTOWN VENUES EXPLODING WITH BASS, DRUMS, CYMBALS, GUITARS. — AS NOTED BY THE BAND, SWEET SPIRIT

SWEET SPIRIT

Fronted by Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog), Sweet Spirit is a soulful rock nine-piece with strong roots in Austin. “Austin smells like weed, sunscreen and BBQ. Austin sounds like garages and storage facilities and downtown venues exploding with bass, drums, cymbals, guitars,” they tell us. Check out their latest full-length release, Cokomo.

THE SWORD

Metal band The Sword formed in 2003, and have toured the country with the likes of ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead among others. Founded by J.D. Cronise, the band also includes guitarist Kyle Shutt, bassist Bryan Richie, and drummer Trivett Wingo. Their album High Country was released last year.

WILD CHILD

Alexander Beggins and Kelsey Wilson are co-songwriters, lead vocalists, and the core duo of Wild Child, who are “lucky to call Austin [their] hometown.” In addition to violin, (Kelsey) and ukulele (Alexander), the band also includes Evan Magers, Sadie Wolfe, and Matt Bradshaw, who make up their full, energetic, genre-defying sound.

Their outlook on the Austin’s music scene is positive: “Everyone wants each other to succeed and is willing to help in any way possible,” they tell us.

WILDFIRES

Taking their name from a series of natural disasters in central Texas in 2012, Wildfires is a folky, dream-pop fourpiece that formed in Bat City. To them, Austin is an ideal city for music lovers: “From a fan perspective, this is a heaven. You are never left wanting,” they tell us.

12 .

©2017 Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc.

IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN

A LIMITED EVENT SERIES

THE RETURN MAY 21 9PM

13 .

LADY BIRD LAKE

Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

t h e great outdo o r s

WARM ALL YEAR ROUND, some of the greatest activities in Austin include swimming holes, springs, and hiking trails where you can cool off and take in the city’s natural beauty. Here’s where the locals spend their time outdoors without breaking the bank.

“AT CO-OPS, THE COKE MACHINES WOULD BE FILLED WITH BEER, SO AFTER A GIG WE WOULD LOAD UP AND TRY AND SNEAK INTO BARTON SPRINGS POOL.” — ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

BARTON SPRINGS POOL Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

“I LIKE THE PEOPLE- WATCHING AND PLEASANT URBAN VIEWS AT THE LADY BIRD LAKE HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL. IT’S ALWAYS BUZZING WITH AUSTINITES, AND HAS GREAT VIEWS OF THE LAKE AND THE SKYLINE FROM THE BIG BOARDWALK PART OF IT.”

— WILDFIRES

LADY BIRD LAKE Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

17 .

HAMILTON POOL Photo by Kevin Muncie

FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: “TOPLESS SUNBATHING. IN AUSTIN, WOMEN AND MEN HAVE EQUAL RIGHT TO APPEARING TOPLESS IN PUBLIC. NOT INDOOR, TYPICALLY, BUT IN ALL PLACES TOPLESSNESS MIGHT BE DEEMED NECESSARY: SWIMMING HOLES, PARKS, MUSIC FESTS...”

—SWEET SPIRIT

18 .

Best Of HIKING THE GREEN BELT

recommended by Sweet Spirit, Wild Child

BARTON SPRINGS

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo, Bob Schneider, My Jerusalem, Nina Diaz, Okkervil River

ABC KITE FESTIVAL

recommended by Bob Schneider

LADY BIRD LAKE

recommended by Wildfires

HAMILTON POOL

recommended by My Jerusalem, Wildfires

EMMA LONG PARK

recommended by Ringo Deathstarr

ABC KITE FESTIVAL Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

FRANKLIN BARBECUE

Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

di ne out

FROM THE MINUTE YOU STEP OFF THE PLANE IN AUSTIN, you can find yourself with a High Brew coffee in hand, and begin to enjoy the flavors of the city. Most days here start with breakfast tacos, followed by the endless choices of barbeque and Tex Mex for lunch and dinner. Although those are the city staples, Austin is also a foodie destination with more experimental and global offerings.

“RAMEN TATSU-YA: NOT ONLY DO THEY EMPLOY ME FOR THE RARE WEEKS I AM HOME BETWEEN TOURS, THEY WIN FREQUENT NATIONAL AWARDS FOR RAMEN. PEOPLE COME EVERY DAY FROM OTHER CITIES, TO FULFILL THEIR DREAM OF EATING PERFECT RAMEN.” — SWEET SPIRIT RAMEN TATSU-YA 22 .

Photo by Chris Corona

UCHIKO Left photo by Paul Bardaji; right: Erica Wilkins

“FLAVORS [OF AUSTIN]: WARM CORN TORTILLAS, FRIED EGGS AND BACON AND CHILES, MELTED CHEESE, STRONG HOT COFFEE. BEST COMBO IN THE WORLD.” — OKKERVIL RIVER

23 .

“THE TWO THINGS THAT I ALWAYS MAKE SURE PEOPLE TRY WHEN THEY COME TO TOWN ARE THE BREAKFAST TACOS AND THE BBQ, BECAUSE YOU CAN’T FIND EITHER AS GOOD AS WHAT WE’VE GOT HERE IN AUSTIN. ” — BOB SCHNEIDER GUERO'S Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

Best Of CENOTE

recommended by Okkervil River

RADIO COFFEE

recommended by Ben Kweller, Shakey Graves, Wild Child, Wildfires

FIGURE 8 COFFEE

recommended by ...And You Will Know Us

By The Trail Of Dead, My Jerusalem, Ringo Deathstarr

UCHIKO

recommended by Okkervil River, Ringo Deathstarr, Wildfires

RAMEN TATSU-YA

recommended by Sweet Spirit

POLVO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

recommended by Okkervil River, Shakey Graves

GUERO’S

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo, Night Beats, Bob Schneider

VEGGIE HEAVEN

recommended by Nina Diaz

VESPAIO

recommended by The Sword

FRANKLIN BARBECUE

recommended by Bob Schneider

CHEZ NOUS

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo

CENOTE Photo by Eric Pohl 25 .

TEXAS STATE CAPITOL BUILDING photo courtesy of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

LANDMARKS

TO SEE THE SIGHTS IN AUSTIN YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE — AND WHEN — TO LOOK. One of its most distinctive features is the bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge, earning Austin one of its many nicknames, Bat City.

Our guides clue you into the coolest landmarks under the surface.

GRAFFITI PARK AT CASTLE HILL Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

28 .

“I LOVE CASTLE HILL, WHICH IS A PARK WHERE ANYONE CAN COME AND SPRAY PAINT WHATEVER THEY WANT. IT’S A LIVING, BREATHING, ALWAYS CHANGING PIECE OF ARTWORK.” — BEN KWELLER

“WE HAVE THE LARGEST URBAN BAT POPULATION IN THE WORLD, AND THEIR BIGGEST COLONY IS RIGHT DOWNTOWN ON THE CONGRESS AVENUE BRIDGE. AT DUSK IN THE SUMMER, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF BATS POUR OUT OF THE BRIDGE FOR OVER AN HOUR. LARGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE BRING BLANKETS AND WATCH IT EVERY NIGHT.” — WILDFIRES

BATS AT CONGRESS AVE. BRIDGE Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

ALAMO DRAFT HOUSE Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

END OF AN EAR RECORDS Photo courtesy of End Of An Ear Records

“RIGHT AFTER YOU GO TO POLVO’S, YOU CAN STUMBLE INTO END OF AN EAR. THEY GOT SOME GREAT SHIT MAN...THEIR RARE RECORDS ARE REALLY INTERESTING AND THEIR SUGGESTIONS ARE SPOT ON.” — SHAKEY GRAVES

Best Of TEXAS STATE CAPITOL BUILDING recommended by Wildfires

PETER PAN MINI GOLF

recommended by Ben Kweller, Okkervil River

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA recommended by Ben Kweller

GRAFFITI PARK AT CASTLE HILL recommended by Ben Kweller, My Jerusalem, Sweet Spirit

TORCHY’S TACOS

recommended by Micah Nelson

BARTON CREEK GREENBELT

recommended by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Elijah Ford, Micah Nelson, Night Beats, Sweet Spirit, Wild Child, Wildfires

BLUE HANGER GOODWILL recommended by Wild Child

BATS AT CONGRESS AVE. BRIDGE

recommended by Bob Schneider, Wildfires

EMMA LONG PARK

recommended by Ringo Deathstarr

LAGUNA GLORIA GALLERY AT CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN recommended by Sweet Spirit

END OF AN EAR RECORDS

recommended by Okkervil, Ringo Deathstarr, Shakey Graves, Sweet Spirit, Wildfires

WATERLOO RECORDS

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo, ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Bob Schneider, Sweet Spirit, Wildfires POLVO'S

HOTEL VEGAS Photo by Charles Ferraro

AFTER DARK

MARGARITAS, TOPO CHICO, AND SPICY MICHELADAS: these are the flavors of Austin’s bar scene.

Stumble into any dive and you’re bound to find a happy hour special there. See what the locals choose for their go-to neighborhood bars, plus their drinks of choice.

JUSTINE'S Photo by Anna Hanks

“JUSTINE’S HAS A GREAT OLD FASHIONED.” — ELIJAH FORD 34 .

THE MOHAWK Top photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau; Bottom: Nash Cook

HOTEL VEGAS Top photo by Stephen Rudd; Bottom: Dustin Downing

BAR AND DRINK OF CHOICE: “A SHOT OF WHISKEY, HOTEL VEGAS.” — ...AND YOU WILL

KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD

36 .

Best Of HOOVER’S COOKING

recommended by Sweet Spirit

SAXON PUB

recommended by Bob Schneider

CHEER UP CHARLIE’S

recommended by Wild Child

DONN’S DEPOT

recommended by My Jerusalem

THE YELLOW JACKET

recommended by Wildfires

KING BEE

recommended by Ringo Deathstarr

OLICAN HARRY’S

recommended by Micah Nelson

JUSTINE’S

recommended by Elijah Ford

THE WHITE HORSE

recommended by Night Beats

CEDAR DOOR

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo

CASINO SOUTH

recommended by Shakey Graves

HOTEL VEGAS

recommended by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead

CEDAR DOOR Photo by Gary J. Wood

37 .

ACL LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATER photo courtesy of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

SOUNDS OF THE CITY

AS HOME TO MUSICIANS LIKE WILLIE NELSON AND PATTY GRIFFIN, as well as the SXSW festival in March, Austin is well-known as a musical epicenter.

Important venues exist here, from small clubs like Hole in the Wall where artists like Shakey Graves and Alejandro Escovedo got their start, to the notable Hotel Vegas, which Sweet Spirit says has a Max’s Kansas City vibe. Take home a piece of the music with you by snagging some vinyl at record shop staples like End of an Ear and Waterloo.

“AUSTIN HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE KIND OF TOWN WHERE, EVEN ON A MONDAY NIGHT, THERE ARE AT LEAST 100 BANDS PLAYING SOMEWHERE. ON THE WEEKEND THAT NUMBER CAN EASILY JUMP TO 1,000.”

— THE SWORD STUBB'S Photo by Nan Palmero

THE MOHAWK Photo courtesy of Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

“THERE’S A LOT OF QUALITY MUSIC BEING MADE. THERE ARE POCKETS OF PUNK ROCK, GARAGE ROCK, PSYCH, AMERICANA, BLUES, ELECTRONIC, AND HIP-HOP EVERYWHERE. IT’S REALLY A MELTING POT.” — MY JERUSALEM

HOTEL VEGAS Photo by Dustin Downing

42 .

Best Of HOLE IN THE WALL

“THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT NEW AND OLD IN AUSTIN. I’M ALWAYS SURPRISED AT HOW MANY BANDS CALL AUSTIN THEIR HOME...WHAT’S GREAT IS EVERYONE IN THE SCENE IS SO SUPPORTIVE. EVERYONE WANTS EACH OTHER TO SUCCEED AND IS WILLING TO HELP IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE.” — WILD CHILD

recommended by Alejandro Escovedo, Night Beats, Okkervil River

HOTEL VEGAS

recommended by Night Beats, Ringo Deathstarr, Sweet Spirit, Wildfires

THE SCOOT INN

recommended by Wild Child

MOHAWK

recommended by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Night Beats, Nina Diaz, Wildfires

MOODY THEATER

recommended by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Nina Diaz, My Jerusalem, The Sword, Wildfires

C-BOY’S HEART & SOUL

recommended by Shakey Graves

THE PARAMOUNT

recommended by Elijah Ford

STUBB’S

recommended by Ben Kweller, The Sword

SPIDERHOUSE

recommended by Micah Nelson

NUTTY BROWN

recommended by Bob Schneider

THE PARAMOUNT Photo by Matthew Rutledge 43 .

GARY CLARK JR. Photo courtesy of Greg Giannukos

AUSTIN AND GARY CLARK JR. GO WAY BACK: not only was he born and raised in the Texas capital, he is also one of its biggest musical exports, having jump started his career at one of the city’s oldest and revered blues clubs, Antone’s. The late Clifford Antone was a mentor to not only Clark Jr., but to other guitar greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan.

With a legacy on his shoulders and a guitar in hand, Gary Clark Jr. has become one of the music industry’s biggest players, known for his smooth vocals, impressive guitar skills and high profile collaborations. His recent take to the Grammy stage is nothing new (he won Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2013) but only helped to cement his place as this generation’s king of blues.

With his roots running deep in Austin, who else would we turn to for a SXSW guide to the city? Keep on reading to find out where the prolific Austinite likes to eat, drink and play.

Best pre show meal: TACOS. Best breakfast taco: DONUT PALACE (OAK HILL).

Favorite SX venue to see a show: ANTONE'S. Best hangover restaurant and meal: CHUPACABRA.

Photo courtesy of Greg Giannukos

Best BBQ: BEN THE SANDALED CHEF. Best late night haunt: MAGNOLIA CAFE. Favorite non-SX activity: JUST WATCHING PEOPLE THE OUTFITS ARE CRAZY! Best part of town during SX: EAST 6TH ST IS REALLY POPPING OFF.

Photo courtesy of Greg Giannukos

SXSW FOOD PICKS

Most shows played in 1 day: 4 MAYBE. DON'T REMEMBER. IT'S ALL A BLUR WHEN IT'S OVER. Favorite SX show you've seen: I SAW BIG KRIT A FEW YEARS AGO. THAT ONE IS A STANDOUT FOR SURE. Best SX swag: WHEN YOU CHECK IN AS AN ARTIST THEY GIVE YOU A BAG FULL OF ALL KINDS OF STUFF. Favorite show drink: JAMESON.

S FROM ARTISTS

Photo courtesy of Greg Giannukos

SXSW PICKS VISITING ARTISTS SHARE THEIR AUSTIN FAVORITES

Dapsul Zabelthau/CC Flickr

SXSW CAN BE A HARROWING TIME: whether you’re a musician or an attendee, you’re probably not getting a ton of sleep, you’re trying to choose which show to catch and your friends are probably all arguing over which Austin joint has the best queso. That leaves little time to decide where you’re going to grab that life sustaining grub and where you’re going to spend that little down time you have post-meal.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list, made up of contributions from this year’s SX bands, both seasoned and new to the fest. Enjoy picks from artists like Mozart’s Sister to Hippo Campus and everyone in between.

Favorite

BREAKFAST TACOS

TORCHY'S TACOS

AUSTIN DOES NOT TAKE BREAKFAST TACOS LIGHTLY, with numerous competitions and longstanding eateries keeping the flame alive with passion and artistry.

Whether one looks to award-winning restaurants or taco trucks hiding in plain sight, even the most picky of eaters can find something to their liking. With so many outlets competing to have their recipe recognized within the community, visitors may need a bit of guidance to find the gems in the rough. Luckily, those raised in the Texas capital know how to navigate the myriad of options. Some of the city’s best musicians and cultural contributors have disclosed the taco dispensaries that they look to in the middle of Austin’s robust and layered food scene and culture. Austin will expand perceptions of the breakfast taco beyond a fast-food snack for the wee hours of the morning.

54 .

TAQUERIA LOS ARBOLITOS. Gold Star BACON AND EGG TACO FROM THE TINY WESTLAKE MART. A WOMAN MAKES THEM FRESH EVERYDAY. THEY DON'T LAST LONG! Hunter Sharpe MIGAS WITH ONION AND TOMATOES FROM JUAN AND A MILLION. High Waisted

Clockwise from left: That Other Paper/CC Flickr, Lars Plougmann/CC Flickr

YES TO AVOCADOS. Lillie Ma I’VE NEVER HAD A BREAKFAST TACO, BECAUSE I’VE NEVER BEEN TO TEXAS BEFORE. BUT EVERYONE TELLS ME (FROM OBAMA TO MY MANAGER) THAT TORCHY’S IS WHERE IT'S AT. I'M GOING THERE FOR SURE. Charlie Cunningham TOUGH ONE. EL CHILITO AND VERA CRUZ. Carrie Elkin BACON, EGG, CHEESE, AND SRIRACHA SAUCE. BeLL ANY TACO CAN BE A BREAKFAST TACO IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH. Running Touch SAUSAGE AND EGG MCMUFFIN...

TACO. The Ceremonies LOOK, HOUSTON SIMPLY CANNOT BE OUT TACO'D. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. I'LL SAY THIS THOUGH, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT TAMALE HOUSE DOES THE ABSOLUTE BEST BREAKFAST TACOS IN AUSTIN. GET THAT MEXICAN ICED COFFEE TOO FOR THE ULTIMATE MORNING TACO EXPERIENCE. Birthday Club

THE TACO BUENO AT PUEBLO VIEJO WAS GREAT TIME EVERY TIME. SO, SO, SO GOOD. Dude York EVERYONE LIKES THE MIGAS SITUATION AT TAMALE HOUSE. I GUESS THAT'S NOT TECHNICALLY A "TACO" BUT IT'S WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST MOST EVERY SXSW. Tacocat GUEROS TACOS ON SOUTH CONGRESS WITH A COFFEE FROM JO’S NEXT DOOR IS MY GO-TO! Hamish Anderson MI MADRES. Hidden Ritual EL PRIMO. J GRGRY A TACO SPOT DOWN THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE CALLED FLORES IS MY FIRST STOP FOR ROAD TRIPS AND VACATIONS. I USUALLY GET A TACO CALLED THE MIGHTY TIGER. Residual Kid GONNA HAVE TO SAY RUDY'S BBQ. MARK IS A TEXAS BOY AND SHOWED US THIS PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME OUR LAST TIME THROUGH. GUESS IT'S A WELL KNOWN ONE TO ANYONE FROM TX, BUT TO OUR VIRGIN MOUTHS THEY HAD A HECK OF A BREAKFAST TACO. THEY MAKE A WHOLE BIG TO-DO ABOUT IT WHEN YOU'RE THERE FOR THE FIRST TIME. The Dig

Favorite

POST-SHOW MEAL

TOFU BANH MI

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, MUSICIANS DON’T EAT THEIR RECORDS. Music can become a full-body workout when one spends an hour playing from a stage to an ecstatic crowd, leaving both performers and audience members out of breath and hungry.

Musicians from all over the stylistic map have a diverse palate when it comes to recovery meals. Some just need that caffeine rush to keep them from nodding off, while others require something compact and filling. Either way, Austin’s standout artists know what will carry them over whether they’re hitting the road or staying in town. Austin provides more than enough for the appetites of both local musicians and touring bands passing through, with hole-in-the-wall goodness or mainstay joints. Both patrons and artists alike will find plenty of spots to recuperate and enjoy the city’s night life.

56 .

TACOS FROM THE TRUCK AT WHITE HORSE. Gold Star THE ITALIAN FROM BEST WURST FOOD TRAILER, SERIOUSLY MY FAVORITE. Hunter Sharpe, High Waisted MY LONE STAR AND ALL OF MY BANDMATES' LONE STARS. Las Rosas 24 DINER. Carrie Elkin TACO BELL MEXIMELTS. BeLL

Clockwise from left: isaac'licious/ CC Flickr; Phil/ CC Flickr

THE SHADY GROVE IS THE PLACE TO BE. Running Touch RIGHT AFTER A SHOW, IT'S GOING TO BE SOME TOFU BANH MI. YOU'VE GOT YOUR STUPIDLY HOT JALAPENO IN THERE ALONG WITH SOME CRUNCHY BREAD/ CILANTRO AND SOME TOFU. EVERYBODY LOVES BREAD. IT'S PERFECT. Birthday Club IN N' OUT BURGER: ANIMAL FRIES MANDATORY. The Ceremonies GUS’S FRIED CHICKEN OR MOONSHINE: TODD AND I CELEBRATED OUR ANNIVERSARY THERE ONE YEAR. SHRIMP CORNDOGS AND CHAMPAGNE. YUMMM.....

Closeness MASALA DHABA (RAINEY ST).

Dear Boy A VEGAN BURGER FROM ARLO'S MADE A BELIEVER OUT OF THE MOST DEVOUT MEAT-EATER I KNOW. Dude York COOPER'S PIT. J GRGRY

POST SHOW IS WHEN I PIG OUT. FRANKLIN’S IS A FAVORITE— OR REALLY ANY BBQ IN AUSTIN Hamish Anderson THE SOULS OF THE OTHER BANDS PLAYING. Hippo Campus SOMETHING GREASY AND CLOSE. Mozart’s Sister MORE MEXICAN FOOD. LIKELY A QUICK STOP ON THE WAY OUT OF THE VENUE, AND THE RESTAURANT LIKELY HAS TACO IN THE NAME. Residual Kid BURGERS, BBQ. Run River North ROYAL JELLY. Tall Heights PROBABLY GRAB ANOTHER FEW TACOS AT THE STAND NEXT TO THE MOHAWK. The Dig I'M VEGETARIAN SO PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING I CAN FIND IN THE WAY OF A TACO TRUCK OR SOME OTHER EASY / NON-MEAT THING WORKS FOR ME. I FEEL LIKE WE'RE ALWAYS JUST KIND OF EXHAUSTED AND TIPSY AFTER A SHOW (WHICH IS OFTEN BEFORE ANOTHER SHOW OR INTERVIEW OR SOMETHING) SO EATING WHATEVER YOU CAN WHEN YOU CAN IS THE KEY TO STAYING ALIVE HAHA. Tacocat

Favorite

HANGOVER MEAL

TORCHY'S QUESO DIP

IT’S NOT AN EXAGGERATION TO SAY THAT AUSTIN MAY HAVE THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF HANGOVERS in the country during SXSW. Given the hundreds of shows to both play and attend, there’s bound to be a few mornings where the night never stopped loving you back. Musicians know the show must go on regardless of how they feel, so a solid meal can help them start the day off right and get their heads on straight. Not about to let people go it alone, Austin offers plenty of comfort foods for those wishing they’d stayed in bed, whether that be a smoothie to jumpstart your energy or a hearty brunch to revive you just in time for the next show.

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MAGNOLIA. Gold Star JUST GO TO JUICELAND AND SAY, "I NEED HELP," AND THEY WILL SAVE YOU. Hunter Sharpe TORCHY'S QUESO DIP. High Waisted

Clockwise from left: Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charles Wagner/CC Flickr

CHUGGIN MONKEY, WHATEVER'S ROOM TEMP. Las Rosas MAGNOLIA CAFE

WAIT, I KNOW THIS ONE. MAGNOLIA OR KERBEY LANE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONES, AREN'T THEY? Charlie Cunningham

FRANKLIN BBQ. Hamish Anderson

EL SAPOS (HAMBURGERS)!

Carrie Elkin

MI MADRES. Hidden Ritual

KERBEY LANE CAFE / KERBEY QUESO. BeLL

ANYTHING AT KORIENTE. Hippo Campus

I DON'T DRINK AT ALL, BUT HEY, YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH LUCY’S FRIED CHICKEN. Running Touch IF PARTYING HARD EVERY NIGHT DURING SX IS YOUR PLAN, YOU NEED TO GET VERY FAMILIAR WITH MAGNOLIA CAFE. THEY'VE GOT THE MOST MIND MELTING CHICKEN QUESADILLAS THAT YOU CAN ORDER ALONG WITH A REALLY WEIRD, BUT AWESOME, QUESO DIP CALLED "MAG MUD." CHECK IT OUT. Birthday Club BISCUITS & GROOVY, HANDS DOWN. The Ceremonies SMOOTHIES FROM WHEREVER, A MISCELLANEOUS ASSORTMENT OF WHATEVER COMPLIMENTARY COCONUT PRODUCTS CAN BE FOUND IN ALL THOSE DRINK BUCKETS, SELTZER. CONSUME, REPEAT, HOPE FOR YOUR HEAD TO STOP FEELING LIKE A WASHING MACHINE. Dude York

WHOLE FOODS. RAW GINGER AND COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN (FOR EYES ONLY).

Mozart's Sister BBQ HELPS A LOT OF THINGS. A GOOD DOWNTOWN SPOT FOR CALMING YOUR ILLNESS IS BERTS BBQ ON 24TH STREET. THEY'VE GOT ONE OF THE BEST FRITO PIES IN TOWN. Residual Kid POTENTIALLY WHEREVER WE HAVE OUR FIRST BREAKFAST TACO Run River North BISCUITS & GROOVY. ALL ABOUT THE GLORIA GAYNOR! Tall Heights LELAH AND BREE GOT THIS RAMEN BURGER LAST YEAR FROM A FOOD TRUCK THAT REVIVED THEM. I GO FOR THE CHILAQUILES AT TAMALE HOUSE! Tacocat CHICKEN & WAFFLES AT FRANK. The Dig

Favorite

ESCAPE

EASY TIGER

SOME CAN GET AWAY WITH MORE THAN A WEEK OFF OF WORK FOR SX, allowing even more time to explore, learn, relax, or recuperate from the projected misgivings of the week. Though staying in Austin for a few extra days or more would no doubt prove to be a good choice, it is by no means the only choice.

While Austin is saturated with culture, entertainment, good food, and some great swimming spots, it is also surrounded by camping, watering holes, and some fine wilderness. The artists we caught up with discuss where inside and outside of the city they escape to during the madness that is SXSW. For those looking to plan a little getaway during the week, those who choose to extend their stay, or those who come visit on any given day of the year, this is where some of SX’s best artists go to unwind.

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THE GRAND. Gold Star THERE IS REALLY NO ESCAPING IT! Hunter Sharpe BARTON SPRINGS FOR AN EARLY MORNING SWIM. High Waisted, BeLL, Teen Daze, Tall Heights

Clockwise from left: Nan Palmero/CC Flickr; Luis Tamayo/CC Flickr

I RECKON BARTON SPRINGS IS GOING TO BE A PRETTY PEACEFUL SPOT TO GET AWAY FROM THE DOWNTOWN HECTICNESS. Charlie Cunningham THE YMCA'S HOT TUB OR MY COZY HOUSE. Carrie Elkin BACK TO YOUR HOTEL TO CATCH UP ON SLEEP! Running Touch NOT TOO FAR OUTSIDE OF AUSTIN, THERE'S A PRIVATE CAMP GROUND CALLED KRAUSE SPRINGS THAT HAS A REALLY, REALLY COLD SPRING FED POND THAT YOU CAN ROPE SWING INTO WHILE YOU THINK ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT YOU REALLY WANT TO GO BACK INTO THE LOUD AND SCARY CHAOS OF DOWNTOWN AUSTIN. YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF ACCIDENTALLY QUESTIONING YOUR LIFE CHOICES OR WONDERING IF YOU LEFT ENOUGH TOYS OUT FOR YOUR CAT BACK HOME, BUT THOSE THOUGHTS WILL SOON FADE INTO THE NICE, COOL WATER. EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE. Birthday Club

SX: EASY TIGER: THE GARDEN IS CRAZY BUSY, BUT SOMEHOW THE BAKERY UPSTAIRS IS ALWAYS THE CALM WITHIN THE STORM… I JUST LOVE IT. Dear Boy LAST YEAR'S SHOWS AT STUDIUM: ALL THE PARTS OF THE CITY THAT SX MAKES IT SO HARD TO ACTUALLY GET OUT TO. Dude York JUSTINES. Hamish Anderson THE DO512 LOUNGE. Hippo Campus A BOTTLE OF TEQUILA AND A DRY DITCH OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL — PARASOL'S RECOMMENDED. J GRGRY THE RIVER RIGHT UNDER THE STREET. Mozart's Sister DEFINITELY MY HOUSE, ABOUT 20 MILES SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN. IT'S GOT A CALM, COUNTRY VIBE, AND BANDS LOVE TO STAY HERE WHILE THEY ARE IN TOWN. Residual Kid THE RANCH. Run River North THE W BAR. The Dig WE ONCE GOT DRUNK AND ENDED UP AT A TARGET BECAUSE WE NEEDED TOOTHPASTE AND THEN SOBERED UP AT THE FOOD AREA Tacocat

YOU CAN ESCAPE SX?! THIS IS NEWS TO US, PLEASE SHOW US THE WAY. The Ceremonies BARTON SPRINGS

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Favorite

DOWNTIME ACTIVITY

MOZART'S COFFEE

THOUGH SX TAKES UP THE MAJORITY OF TIME THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, the rest of Austin awaits for exploration or relaxation before show time, during breaks, and for those who are still going hard late after the show ended. Though SX may sneakily suck you into various activities you may or may not have set out to do, the eclectic and energetic nature of Austin keeps it far from difficult to find something to do, see, drink or eat outside of the festival. Some may be too occupied by making new connections and soaking up the hectic and exciting environment that is SX. For the rest, our favorite artists have shared what they do during their off-time during the festival, beit to relax or utilize their inspirational surroundings for a productive purpose. This includes, but is not limited to bat-watching.

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BATS. Gold Star CHILLING BY A POOL AND SOAKING IN SOME SUNSHINE. High Waisted ANYTHING MUSICAL, LYRICAL, CROCHET OR CRAFTY! JOKES JOKES JOKES! Lillie Mae

Clockwise from left: Gorekun/CC Flickr; Jill Shih/CC Flickr

TRYING TO ESCAPE SX FOR BARTON SPRINGS. Charlie Cunningham JUST WALKING AROUND TOWN DURING SX BRINGS ME A WHOLE LOT OF JOY. I LOVE ALL THE ACTION, AND THE SPIRIT OF THE CITY. Carrie Elkin MOZART'S COFFEE BY LAKE AUSTIN. BeLL MAKING MUSIC IN MY HOTEL ROOM. Running Touch CARD TRICKS. Birthday Club

BUYING RECORDS AT ANTONE’S RECORD SHOP. Hamish Anderson GARDENING. Hidden Ritual GETTING READY FOR SX. OR SLEEP. Hippo Campus HANGING WITH YOUR FRIENDS FROM YOUR OWN TOWN THAT YOU DON'T OFTEN GET AN EXCUSE TO HANG WITH. J GRGRY MAKING MUSIC ON THE HOTEL BED. Mozart’s Sister PROBABLY SKATEBOARDING: IT'S FUN, IT'S TRANSPORTATION, IT'S EXERCISE. Residual Kid PLAYING SMASH 4.

Run River North SWIMMING/LOUNGING AT BARTON SPRINGS. Tall Heights

GOING TO THE LAEMMLE TO CATCH A FLICK, DOES THAT COUNT? The Ceremonies

A FEW OF US HAVE SOME FAMILY IN AUSTIN, SO GOING TO HANG WITH THEM, MAYBE PLAYING SOME SETTLER OF CATAN. The Dig

REFLECTING ON MY CHOICES. Dear Boy

THRIFTING! Tacocat

EATING DELICIOUS FOOD AND SEEING OUR FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE — SEEING OUR FRIENDS FROM AUSTIN, WHO ARE ALL ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, AS MUCH AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE IN SPITE OF THE CHAOS AND THE 2000 SHOWS THEY'RE PLAYING, WORKING, AND MAKING SURE THINGS RUN AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE. Dude York

MOZART'S COFFEE

WE’RE ALL A LITTLE DIFFERENT

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