SXSW: It doesn't get better - Day Four

Waking up after all the free vodka at the Playboy Party was not a high point of the trip. There were thoughts of staying in bed permanently but I had an interview with Akron/Family so I dragged myself to their show.

Hangover and all, it was one of the most amazing musical experiences I have had. They were playing at a showcase held by their record label in this air conditioned design store and the crowd just sat on the floor, less than a metre away from the band and digested their brilliance. There were tears in the audience it was that good. Straight after I had an interview with the lead singer, Miles Seaton who is not only a great musician but a really nice guy with an phenomenal outlook on life and art. I’ll let you in on more another day.

After the interview I went and caught the New Zealand showcase. It was in this tent space right next to the Convention Centre and it felt like our own wee slice of home. For all the tent parties at SXSW, I had never seen such a huge line of people waiting to get in, Cut of Your Hands kicked things off and I was surprised by how many people knew their songs. I’ve heard heaps of people rave about these guys throughout the festival so it’s been cool to hear of their success on an international scale. They didn’t disappoint. Next up, was Midnight Youth, this is the first time I had seen them play, and while these boys are at the earlier points of their career their talent was evident.

By the time Bang! Bang! Eche! Rolled onto stage I was wondering if anyone over the age of 25 played music in NZ. Watching these guys thrash the stage I decided that perhaps being in a band was best left to the young and agile. Finally we had Ladyhawke. People are insane about her. Crowds gathered around the fences just to catch a glimpse and her set was the perfect way to end the showcase. I have no doubt the showcase impressed. Full of Kim Crawford wine, I went up the hub of the festival on 6th to get myself some pizza only to meet a friend who told me that Metallica was about to play down the road so off we hopped to watch the legends of rock play. The crazy thing about SXSW is all these huge bands seem to appear at some random party out of nowhere as has Kanye West, and Jane’s Addiction. Where else in the world does that happen?

I left Metallica early to catch Awkward I only to have my sandal break. I had to have it taped on my foot by some people who were putting up posters nearby who then told me no one would notice but by all accounts it looked ridiculous. Awkward I played at one of the little churches near by and it was nice to sit for a second and listen to beautiful music with more soberer contingents of the festival.

This is where things started going downhill. My mate Amelia had my wallet and was at a packed out Okkevril River gig and I couldn’t get in because the lines were massive. My shoe then fully broke and my phone went dead. So I was broke, shoeless and uncontactable. Most people would cut their losses at this point but my friend had told me I had to go see Shearwater play so I went to the Hilton Garden Inn where they were playing in bare feet. I then found a seat, which happened to be next to the guys from Akron/ Family and I felt pretty dam stupid but that’s life. The saving grace was that Shearwater were phenomenal. I had heard a little bit of their music on itunes but live, they are something else. I urge anyone, if they ever get the chance, to come see this band in action.

With no money for a taxi, I began my trek home with a nice homeless guy to keep me company. Despite everything,, another brilliant day.