Now that the dust has settled and our bodies have finally recharged, Austin 101 Photographer Brooks Burris, ranked his top 10 moments of the 38th Annual SXSW Film and Music Festival.
10. Marshall Funhouse Activation
Sound amplification titans, Marshall, took over The Parish on Austin’s East Side with a carnival like popup. The activation included midway games, live DJ sets, tote bag screen printing and live bands. While the atmosphere was fun, Marshall seemed to miss the SXSW “free drinks” memo, charging a staggering $13 per cocktail, which limited my hang time. Overall it was a great activation!
9. Keynotes
Lisa Lu and Ryan Patel’s conversation about the future of AI was educational and important but didn’t pack the star power of keynotes I’ve attended in the past. I enjoyed “The Daniels” Directors presentation on the process of making 2022’s Best Picture “Everything Everywhere All at Once” but once again, it didn’t really move my needle. Unfortunately I was unstable to attend rock icons, The Black Keys, keynote and there was a lot of buzz around the festival’s keynote opener Megan, the Duchess of Sussex who hopped on the SX schedule last minute.
8. Featured Session: Mindfulness Over Perfection Getting Real on Mental Health
Moderated by Dr. Jessica Stern, the conversation discussed the importance of flexibility over strict routines in mental healthcare. Wondermind co-founders Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey explored the importance of having mental health conversations alongside former NFL Defensive End Solomon Thomas and Dr. Corey Yeager. Fans were in a frenzy when Selena Gomez concluded the session, they were aggressively asking for autographs and selfies from the front of the Ballroom D stage.
7. Featured Session: The Artist Creative Process with Andy Langer, Jackie Venson + Cam Franklin
ACL Radio host, Andy Langer moderated the conversation between The Suffers lead singer Cam Franklin and popular Austin blues/electronic musician Jackie Venson. This session came in hot when Venson immediately called out SXSWs’ US Army sponsorship while sporting a t-shirt with the words “All my Homies are Pro-Liberation.” The session mostly touched on the struggles independent artists face while being forced to serve as their own manager, content creator and marketer while also creating music.
6. Featured Session: Def Jam Renewed: The Hip-Hop Legend’s Next 40 Years
It’s not every day you get the opportunity to be in the same room as a hip-hop legend. So naturally, I was front and center for Def Jam’s featured session with Public Enemy’s, Chuck D and the future of Def Jam, Lady London and Tunji BaloGun. The Conversation Explored the roots of the iconic hip-hop label and what has propelled it to be globally recognized for its creativity, quality, and authenticity.
5. Paramount + Lodge
The Paramount+ lodge popped back up at Clive Bar on Rainey street and included three stories of Paramount programming fun. Guests were greeted with a ski lodge themed bar that led to endless instagram-able moments that included a ski lift photo op. The Mean Girls pop-up bar and free Halo sunglasses may have been the crowd favorite. On the second story you could get inked up with your choice of airbrush designs, as well as snap a photo at a Star Trek photo op. Finally, the third story included a Law Man Bass Reeves activation/photo op, as well as a basketball shooting challenge that seemed to stay busy all day.
4. Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie
Even though I didn’t have time to stick around for the movie, Cheech and Chong’s arrival to the Paramount was enough to earn it a number four spot on my list. The stoner comic duo rolled up in a classic Rolls-Royce with a giant smoking joint in tow. Both played to the media and fans kindly posing for numerous photos before entering the theatre.
3. De Facto + Mogwai
Sometimes lyrics aren’t necessary for an incredible music showcase. DE FACTO (members of Mars Volta) had everybody vibin’ out with heavy drum and bass for a solid 40 minutes at ACL Live’s Moody Theater. A rare appearance by Scottish post-rockers Movwai capped off the night with lengthy guitar-based instrumental jams that packed heavy distortion and effects.
2. Tear Dungeon Hotel Vegas
Hotel Vegas seems to be one of the few Austin venues that is still holding on to the idea of truly keeping Austin weird. Any SXSW schedule requires a stop at Vegas if you want the full SX experience. Equipped with an indoor and outdoor stage, Vegas books bands like Tear Dungeon and A Giant Dog that bring a refreshing shock value to the stage you didn’t know you needed.
1. The Black Keys/Easy Eye Review
Akron Ohio Rock duo, The Black Keys brought their arena size show to Stubb’s BBQ Friday night for a special showcase presented by Easy Eye Sound. Kicking off the night was Uganda native Jon Muq followed by Swiss Brothers Hermanos Gutierrez. Prior to the Keys, garage psych- surf rockers Shannon and the Clams put on a hell of a show to a packed Stubb’s house. Finally, The Black Keys rocked through all the bangers spanning their 22 year career with hits like Lonely Boy, Gold on The Ceiling and even a cover of Marvin Gaye’s, “I heard It Through the Grapevine” before capping off the night with a personal favorite, “Little Black Submarine”.
Check out all our amazing photos from SXSW 2024 on Austin 101 Magazine.
