What have been some of your whisked right in. The hall was half full, and they started playing Led Zeppelin oddest moments III. Not the huge hits, but songs I knew at the festival? It was the late 90s, and we were at Emos, back at the old location when it had two sides. My friends wanted to see the band on one side, and I wanted to see the band on the other. So I walk in, and there is a chick on stage. I was so close that I got smacked by the cords. Then the chick on stage took off her shirt and threw it into the crowd. I look around and the audience is basically a topless lesbian mosh pit. It was a bit risqué. My friend walked in, so I have proof that it happened. Another time, I saw a band that knocked my socks off. I walked out, and a guy turned to me and asked me what I thought. He told me it was Robert Plant’s son. It was Logan Plant, but I hadn’t even put it together. I had no idea! Knocked my socks off. Good looking kid, too. Totally fit the image. Oh! I met Rachael Ray at South By. Her husband is in a band; John Cusimano from The Cringe. They played here. I admit that I picked that one because Rachel might be there, and I got my picture with her
really well. I was blown away, and I walked out in a daze. Monumental moment. Anything can happen at South By.
So who are bands that you can’t miss this year? I’m only through about 300 bands so far. But let’s see… Louise Goffin, Carole King’s daughter, is coming. Gonna go check her out.
Any other really outstanding Emily King, Grammy nominated singer, another R&B performance. music experiences?
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What other music festivals do you recommend?
Pecan Street is starting to have some good bands. They had about 10 bands What are your play last year, and it was a pretty good selection. They had Residual Kid, which favorite venues? Dirty Dog, without a doubt. I love seeing is made up of a group of kids. Before the show they were just skateboarding shows there. They’re a rock venue. around. They were, like… 8 years Emos and Steamboat used to be my favorites. Sister Seven was the last show old. You gotta check them out. The drummer is unbelievable. He abuses his I saw at Steamboat. It’s a huge loss. drum set. Really, the little kid is ripping it They do a Steamboat Reunion show at Threadgills now, and I saw Pushmonkey apart, free scale. there. Also, the Black Cat turned into Formula One also had some really the Nook, and I’ve seen some good good free stuff downtown. They have shows there. had some really excellent shows.
Sonny Night and the Lakers is a big R&B band that charted in 1956.
Robert Plant was playing Austin Music Hall. We thought, “No way are we getting in there.” But we weren’t very far away, so we walked over. We got
East of the Wall, which is progressive genre-bending. Doctor Awkward, rap.
Gochag Askarod Ensemble is a traditional Azerbaijan band that looks really interesting.
Last, do you have any tips to survive SXSW for our readers that have never been before? Pace yourself. You might be able to have a beer at every venue., but if you have two… you’re not going to make it. Also, you’re not going to get into every show you want. You really need to have second choices. Don’t waste your time - see as much as you can. Also, if there is anything I’ve learned from doing this project, it’s that it’s important to do your research. Find out who’s here. It’s an amazing opportunity. **Check the back inside page for some great links that accompaniy this article