by Andrew Calvio
SXSW 2024 is done! Countless hours and thousands of photos later the team can rest until the next round. So much entertainment to consume in a week’s time. The goal is to always capture the next big thing but it’s impossible to not see the big names that roll through town.
This year Hulu went large with their Freaknik showcase at Stubb’s. Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke hosted various artists including Flo Milli, DJ Drama, Bun B and Big Boi as they celebrated the release of the documentary that tells of ‘The Wildest Party Never Told’. It was a full night of partying with ATL’s finest.
Snooper hailing from Nashville, TN was a top set this year. Their true to punk sound and stage antics were unforgettable. We stumbled across a street party on ‘The 13th Floor’s’ patio Friday evening. There was tree climbing, hanging from rafters, guitarists crowd surfing, a giant mosquito looking thing and just all out chaos! What a great time to be alive!
Another great set came from a New York band with a name that you don’t want to say too loud in public, cumgirl8. Their set at the Marshall Funhouse was in their words a “sausage fest” (ha ha). Don’t be fooled by their good looks though, these ladies can lay down some thrashing tunes.
Not to be outdone, a surprise vancert (van concert) rolled down Red River late Sunday night after a Metalcore Mohawk show was ending. Hemorage out of San Francisco ripped faces off from inside their van that was impressively well rigged. Apparently this is their thing, traveling the country doing street shows in a van. Very cool concept that has amassed a substantial following.
Austin’s Die Spitz! What more can be said that we haven’t spoken of before? They always put on a great show. We caught them twice this year. At Marshall Funhouse they were just starting their run of shows and had the energy that we are used to. On Saturday for the SPIN showcase at Stubb’s, things had changed. Two of the members had come down with a sickness and it was noticeably painful for them to carry on. However, they pulled it together and put on another fantastic show even though it completely drained them.
Sparta also played the Marshall Funhouse. This set was full of nostalgia drawing memories back from the early 2000s. There was a mix of diehard fans in attendance singing every word and youthful music lovers experiencing their show for the first time ever. Ho99o9 (pronounced Horror) had a high-energy punk/rap set at Lustre Pearl. I’ve been saying the name wrong for so long!
Legendary bassist Bootsy Collins and Zap lit up the mega stage outdoors at Auditorium Shores with some funk. Everyone was dancing and singing. Early in the set, the sound went out but that did not stop the crowd from singing along acapella with the band. A good memory for those that were there.
Internationally speaking, the British Music Embassy did not disappoint. Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls headlined a night that included Ash, The Manatees, Skinny Lister, and Neon Waltz. There were quite a few other acts that we caught up with. Tokyo Syoki Syodo had sweet innocent looks but when the music started, the perspective was immediately changed. So much unexpected crowd surfing from singer Sheena. I was kicked in the head, had water spit on me and my hat knocked off my head. Overall, 10/10 great experience.
From Columbia, BALTHVS had music that caressed your ears and created a chill vibe that was the perfect ending to a night. Meagre Martin consisting of four Americans living in Berlin were on the money. I first saw them when they came through Austin with AltJ. Singer Sarah Martin has a voice reminiscent of Tanya Donelly of Belly; I knew I needed to see them again. They were as good as I remembered.
Nadya Tolokonnikova brought Pussy Riot to Cheer Up Charlies. There is something about her show that you’re afraid to blink or you might miss something. Midway through this set Boyfriend stepped out and collaborated on Hatef*ck, a song they wrote together with Slayyyter.
Hong Kong artist Mui Zyu played an intimate set at Central Presbyterian Church. A beautiful voice in a beautiful setting. This venue is a priority every year. Holly Macve is probably an angel sent to spy on us. Her voice is mesmerizing. This Ireland born artist could probably coerce you into just about anything. Ako at Elysium was an accidental highlight to close out Friday night. Although I did not understand a single word of this Japanese pop artist, I was instantly captivated by her sound.
Last but certainly not least, the big names. I caught the X Ambassadors at Speakeasy Ballroom on Congress. First of all, I didn’t even know that this place existed! I hope that the future brings more bands here. What a great spot to have an intimate gig but still pack some people in. The band played a six song set that started with “Renegades” and ended with “Unsteady.” It was a good sandwich of hits to showcase.
The Easy Eye Sound Review at Stubb’s had The Black Keys as headliner! The night started with Jon Muq, a Ugandan born Austin based artist. He kept the crowd entertained with his humorous stories between songs and sang in a peaceful tone that held attention. Soulful New Orleans artist Britti followed with a set that tested her voice saying that it was the fifth set of the day. Alejandro and Etevan Gutierrez known as Hermanos Gutierrez were up next with their classical guitar instrumentations. Even though there’s not any singing, it does not matter when these two are on stage. So peaceful to hear and watch. Shannon and the Clams out of Oakland CA followed with a doo wop / surf vibe. Overall a good combination of artists to represent Easy Eye. The headliner of the night was The Black Keys. What a performance they put on! Watching two guys who sell out arenas play at a 2,500 capacity outdoor venue was a special treat. They played a set packed with hits that spanned their career. A pretty perfect night at SXSW in Austin TX!
