SXSW Inhale.
I’ve been so busy waiting in lines to do almost anything to even think about jumping on here and writing up a blog, however in between the lines for writstbands to get in the show, lines to get in the show with a wristband, lines to get free food, lines for picking up sxsw, lines for getting not free food, and lines to check into hotel I seem to have found a minute to try and explain just how overwhelming/fantastic this whole experience is.
I laughably pretend that day 1 of the festival I was going to get up at 8 and not only order breakfast, but go to the gym of the hotel. After waking up at 11, i quickly learned to plan a little better.
Its absolutely insane to see all the artists and industry people here walking around amongst eachother. Theres almost a mass smile in unison when walking through the convention center and looking around at all of us going about our business. It makes me want to give everyone high fives when i walk past them. Don’t worry, I don’t. Also, I know you weren’t worried.
Panels are full of people sharing their experience in the music industry, in the spirit of helping a fellow music lover with the overall idea of sustaining, enriching, moving forward, and looking to the future. My favorite panel was one where women journalists in the industry discussed their experiences. I walked away from all the panels feeling like music journalism professionals in blog and print do not make enough money for the impact they have.
Our day party today and it was quite honestly SO Go00o0o0o0o0o0D! We did a stand up job if i do say so myself and had the pleasure and honor of working with some of the best bands in the game. We were lucky enough to have our two lovely bands, Big Science and Pet Lions, as well as Canvas Waiting, BBU, and Rockie Fresh.
Japanther had a contract with us to play and last minute they told us they had to play early because they were going out of town. We accomadated. They also told us that they might need a drum set but would let us know. They needed one and did NOT let us know until they arrived at our party. They thought the place “smelled like bacon” and watched us scramble to find a drum set before leaving. They played later that night on 6th street. To clarify, 6th street is in town. Its actually only a few blocks away. Indie music to me is about good people helping good people make good music. The beautiful thing about indie music is that each individual really does have a voice in who is a part of our community. We get to choose who makes it and who doesn’t. Do we really want a band that walks out on a bunch of college students pulling for them to be a part of the indie music community we love? Draw your own conclusions.
The shows have been amazing but I think I am an old lady now because my knees, legs, feet, and back hurt like hell and i can’t help but look for things to lean on everywhere. Watching show after show with artist after artist playing confirms that music and musicians really do enhance and enrich life in a way that nothing else can. No wonder I want my life to be filled with it and spent helping to make the industry that surrounds it a better place to be in overall.
Tags: Big Science, canvas waiting, japanther, panels, Pet Lions, SXSW