Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/461140
Dates: March 17–22 Overview: The heart of SXSW, the music festival draws thousands of performers, industry executives, and fans from around the globe. What started as a modest event in 1987 has grown to be the largest music festival of its kind in the world, with 2,000-plus bands playing at more than 100 venues across town at all hours of the day. Badge holders get priority access to offcial showcases as well as to the conference, and locals who would just like to see some bands play can either buy wristbands or RSVP to the hundreds of free parties that take over the city. As a thank you to Austinites, SXSW offers three nights of free outdoor concerts on Auditorium Shores with performers such as The Flaming Lips, Cheap Trick, Foster the People, and Spoon; more than 50,000 people attend these shows each year. If the festival seems more manageable this year, it could be because the city announced in January that it would issue 25 percent fewer permits for events during SXSW and set an early deadline for applications. Part of this increased control stems from concerns related to last year's tragedy on the second night of the music festival, in which four people were killed and 20 injured when a driver plowed through traffc barriers while speeding away from a traffc stop. Expect to see more police offcers and other changes as festival organizers and the city work to ensure a safe experience for the 350,000 people who participate in SXSW, whether attending an Interactive panel or catching a free show. HigHligHts: Japan nite's 20th anniversary Japanese artists hold a special place in the heart of SXSW, and this showcase has been one of the most popular and exciting events of the fest for two decades. The 20th anniversary showcase on March 20 at the Elysium (705 red river st.) will include the US debut of J-pop duo Moumoon, all-girl rock trio TsuShiMaMiRe, Kyoto folk group Pirates Canoe, electronic- rock quartet The fn., Tokyo rockers Quorom, and more. african and caribbean showcases The frst Sounds of Africa showcase (featuring D'banj, Wizkid, Ice Prince, and more) and the Sounds of the Caribbean showcase (Sean Paul, Gyptian, and Laza) will take over two stages on March 20 at Palm Door on Sixth (508 e. sixth st.). the best of the british BBC Introducing and the PRS for Music Foundation will copresent an evening at the British Music Embassy (Latitude 30 at 512 san Jacinto blvd.) on March 18 with up-and- comers such as Jack Garratt, rapper Little Simz, and indie- rockers Gengahr. tom sachs instaLLation For the second year, The Contemporary Austin (700 congress ave.) will host an artistic component of SXSW with "Tom Sachs: Boombox Retrospective 1999-2015." DJs will mix music alongside the interactive installation celebrating the boom box, a symbol of 1980s hip-hop. Musicians tO watcH: One of the most exciting aspects of SXSW is the constant wave of announcements of who's coming, with huge acts being revealed right up until the very last minute and even during the festival. As of press time, more than half of the offcial acts had been released. Here are a few to watch out for: the ting tings: The British duo will use the festival to kick off their North American tour behind their latest album, super critical, produced by Andy Taylor of Duran Duran. gang of four: Original member Andy Gill will bring the revolutionary post-punk band to town just a few weeks after the release of what happens next, the band's frst record since the departure of Jon King a few years ago. courtney barnett: A few months after making her Austin debut at Fun Fun Fun Fest on the heels of her breakout success, avant gardener, this talented young Aussie rocker will certainly draw huge crowds, and deservedly so. awoLnation: The American electronic rock band releases its highly anticipated sophomore effort, run, on the frst day of SXSW Music. edward sharpe and the magnetic Zeros: The kings of indie folk, with talented front man Alex Ebert, return to the festival where they made an incredible splash in 2012. others to watch: Best Coast, Wild Child, Will Butler of Arcade Fire, Bleachers featuring Jack Antonoff of Fun, the Zombies, and Thee Oh Sees. all about the music Fresh faces and legends are among the dizzying and diverse lineup of acts. B.o.B on stage at SXSW. right from top: Katie White of The Ting Tings; Aaron Bruno of Awolnation; singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett; legendary British group Gang of Four. photography by andri tambunan (bajofondo); nicole fara silver (band of skulls); nam chau (think sxsw); koury angelo photography (b.o.b.); shirlaine forrest/wireimage (white); scott legato/getty images (bruno); jean-francois monier/afp/getty images (barnett) AUSTINWAY.com 87