Three Imaginary Girls - SXSW

Bon Voyage to our friends head to Austin to SXSW it up in the most imaginary of ways

imaginary liz — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:10:14 +0000

It's that time of year again... SXSW is upon us! I wasn't able to gather the necessary resources to head down there myself, so I'm looking forward to spending the next four days living vicariously through all of you headed Austin-ways. I know that your hands (and days) will likely be full of free stuff (beer) and running into your band heros, but keep the twitters and flickr feeds full with your adventures!

I must admit, to protect myself from getting too depressed about missing this year's fest, I haven't kept extremely close tabs on who is playing where and when and what gift bags will be circulating. But, I have found two things that I'm particularly sad to miss this year. If anyone hits these events, definitely report back (heck, whatever you see, feel free to report in!):

1. The world premiere screening of the film Strange Powers – Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields
2. The undeniable indie-pop fest going on at Waterloo Bicycles (so many bands I've wanted to see in one place!)
3. The special guest duets that sneak up on you... one in particular I've heard a rumor about is the teaming up of a Fratelli and Colin of Mull Historial Society. Billy Bragg is there this year and I *know* he's going to join someone on stage. I just know it!

May the YouTube powers be with everyone down there!

Needless to say, you SXSW-ers are going to have a great time. I guess I'll make up for all that I'll miss by looking back and trying to relive some of my favorite adventures of SXSWs past:

1. Matt & Kim interview, with legos and a dorky interviewer
2. Los Campesinos! interview, in a hot tub with an interviewer who shouldn't have worn a hoodie
3. Chasing down Running into Owen Wilson
4. The time Dana chased down ran into Amy Winehouse
5. Everything else I've seen / done at SXSW, especially the hootenanny

What are your favorite SXSW memories?

We're all at SXSW in our hearts!

Let's send off some of Seattle's finest to SXSW in style on March 5

imaginary victoria — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:05:57 +0000

Three Imaginary Girls, The Stranger, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Neumo's are proud to present Hootenanny! -- our very own SXSW sendoff party for 2010 -- with Visqueen, Hey Marseilles, Mash Hall (formerly known as They Live!), and Fences on Friday, March 5th at Neumo's.

It's that time of year again, kids -- where we all steel ourselves for some couchsurfing, and start making our wishlists for the bands we can't miss -- yes, it's time to head down to Austin for SXSW 2010! And to celebrate, we'd love for you to join our sendoff party at Neumo's on Friday, March 5th. Come join us as we wish our favorite ladies and gents well before they hit the road... tickets for this 21+ show are only $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Expect a downright rager of a night, with local big-guitar all-stars Visqueen headlining the bill, and Hey Marseilles bringing their lush, alt.indie.orchestral songwriting skills to the stage. On top of that magic, Mash Hall and everyone's favorite Fences will be rounding out the opening support -- doors are at 8pm and you won't want to miss a minute of this lineup. So make sure you're on the hill nice and early!

SXSW 2008 Superlatives: Part 2

imaginary liz — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:47:44 +0000

14 Mar 2008

SYGC-SXSW08-03.JPG

To capture the mayhem, giddiness, and manic good times of this year’s SXSW, I’ve put together my SXSW Superlatives (everyone deserves a reward!) to recap the choicest five days of 2008 yet.

I’ll be posting new superlatives every few days so check back for more ‘awards.’ Also, check out the SXSW coverage I was part of with our friends at Groupee. (If you missed the first part of this series, have at it.)

The awards for SXSW Superlatives Part 2 go to:

It was worth nearly fainting from heat stroke to see you: Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
I never knew bedazzling could look so sexy on a guy: Justin Townes Earle

There were band names that made me gasp when I saw them on the schedule (all of which you can be sure I’ll gush about en masse soon enough): Los Campesinos!, Matt and Kim, The Judys, and Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.

The unsuitably named band that hails from Chicago wasn’t on any of the ‘official’ SXSW evening showcases, but rather they put all their eggs neatly in a 4p slot at the Bloodshot Records day party located about 20 blocks outside of downtown.

Walking 20 blocks in a new city is usually a treat; it gives me an opportunity to wander like a local and see things outside of the pristine tourist areas. But on the day of this party the temperature hit 95 degrees (even hotter than the iPhone weather channel could admit as the official high temperature of the day – note the temperature is 95 degrees, but the ‘high of the day’ is listed as 93 degrees) and about ten blocks outside of town I started to realize that everything was moving in slow motion and my beer-as-hydration plan (beer being free, bottled water being $3 a pop) wasn’t working as I had hoped.

Thankfully I came upon a ‘Dillo’ stop and the kind folks waiting under the shade confirmed the next bus traveled the ten blocks between me and that divine Bloodshot Party. Oh it was such a lovely site to see the #1 Dillo a block down the road and headed our way. Minutes later I found myself in line for a free beer and a spot up front for the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.

Preceding SYGC was a fellow by the name of Justin Townes Earle (who earned the “I never knew bedazzling could look so sexy on a guy” superlative). As his name suggests, he comes from Americana music royalty. He grew up in Nashville with his father (Steve Earle) who named him after one of his heroes (Townes Van Zandt).

At only 25 years old he embodies the authenticity of Hank Williams and conquers hearts with straightforward old time country. He somehow bridged the gap to sweet talk country, rockabilly, and alternative folks with uninhibited vintage twangs and a Johnny Cash swagger. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be so taken with this gem (in a dark suit no less) of American Roots music who can sing coy-'cause-it's-country lines like “Your biscuit is big enough for me.”

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir took the stage (and stage right since they all couldn’t fit on the proper stage) with their seven-strong brood. It’s probably no surprise that the leader of the group who penned “I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy” (I’m still surprised The Smiths didn’t write that song first) was donning a well-worn Morrissey “Greatest Hits” t-shirt and the drummer was wearing a shirt that simply read “Punk Sucks.” From repeated listens to their debut self-titled album, SYGC is a band that isn’t scared to share their thoughts on relationship troubles and librarian philosophy (and in this fashion case, musical leanings).

They started off the set with the first two songs from the album. From the onset of the first song, “Aspidistra,” they captivated with their twee-ish world charm in a scruffy candy shell. Their sound exemplifies their love (and influences) of all things Belle and Sebastian sweet and Billy Bragg fortitude.

I was close enough to follow along with their set list and although my dreams were dashed when they decided to skip “I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way For A Boy” mid-set because they were running short on time, I especially loved the new songs (at least new to me).

As they launched into “Libertyville or…” (a new song?), frontman Elia Einhorn took on the cap of a lounge singer making the audience swoon with each ebb and flow of his grandiose gestures (he put down the guitar for this song) and tender lyrical themes.

Next Elia introduced another unfamiliar song, “Ellen's Telling Me What I Want To Hear” (from the currently out of print I Bet You Say That to All the Boys) as the song that, when played on the OC, it paid his rent for three months and the TV show subsequently tanked. It’s that kind of wry humor and his swift bookish song-smithing (and I’ll admit the fuzzy beard and glasses help too) that bring to mind a strong resemblance to our very own John Roderick (Long Winters). The song reveals the voice of a heartbroken soul who vows to never have his/her heart broken again.

As the rushed set came to a close the crowd was genuinely aching for more. The band said that they their tight time slot was up and weren't allowed to continue (those SXSW stage managers run a tight ship!), but the applause and uproarious call for more continued. And, tadaa... a true encore occurred! The power of the people convinced the scheduling powers that be allow SYGC a couple more glorious songs.

SXSW 2008 Ruled! Here's a couple SXSW Superlatives: I never bedazzling could look so sexy on a guy... It was worth nearly fainting from heat stroke to see you...

SXSW 2008 Superlatives: Part 1

imaginary liz — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:41:49 +0000

12 Mar 2008

YACHT08-2.jpg

My goal of this year’s South By Southwest Festival (which ran from Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday night 2am, March 15) was to maximize my time and memory-making opportunities while still remaining fresh and wide-eyed for each performance. In other words, I didn’t want the 95 degree weather, (possible) over indulgence the night before, lack of sleep, or achy feet get in the way of giddiness for each performance. Even though a show could be the 35th band I saw that day, *that* show could be the best yet. And in a few cases some of the shows I saw at SXSW actually turned out to be my favorite things ever.

To capture the mayhem, giddiness, and manic good times, I’ve put together my SXSW Superlatives (everyone deserves a reward!) to recap the choicest five days of 2008 yet.

I’ll be posting new superlatives every few days so check back for more ‘awards.’ Also, check out the SXSW coverage I was part of with our friends at Groupee.

Best use of WAH WAH Pedal: A Place to Bury Strangers
You said I'm good looking and you're a great dancer, therefore I love you: YACHT
Best Meet-up with an Old Pal (yea, I'd like to think we're friends): Wedding Present

* Best use of WAH WAH Pedal: A Place to Bury Strangers*
(Wednesday, March 12 at Mohawk, inside)

It was an interesting twist that Brooklyn, New York’s A Place to Bury Strangers would be the first band I saw at SXSW. Their dark songs against the contrast of the high energy of the early afternoon sunshine crowds was the best of both worlds SXSW dichotomy I look forward to each year. The band’s sound weighs heavily on the eeriness of Joy Division and the Black Angels side of Jesus and Mary Chain; they filled the brightly daylight lit club full of reverb, and lengthy swirling guitar instrumentals. Each song was a scene in a master plot they built up through the set, which they progressively worked up into a cataclysmic crash of percussion and heavy bass. Once the audience was wrapped up in a sonic hurricane, the group suddenly released us into a fuzzy morning-after hum to carry with us to the next show.

I guess it should also be noted that as we were making our way out into the street after this show, Michael Stipe walked by us (he was going into the Mohawk!). Sure, I could have chased him down to get a picture with him or exclaim how much he’s changed my life, but I thought that he wouldn’t respect me any more if I did that. I can’t imagine living a life in which Michael Stipe didn’t respect me. (photo by: Chris)

* You said I'm good looking and you're a great dancer, therefore I love you: YACHT*
(Wednesday, March 12 at Emo’s, outside)

This superlative could also be called “Erik Gonzalez you were right,” since last year Erik raved about YACHT and how worthy they were of all those capital letters and critical acclaims and opening slot on the Vampire Weekend tour. I learned at this afternoon’s show that Jona Bechtolt is more than a mere laptop mastermind. The guy’s true superpower is in his ability to create an intimidating feel good dance party on a dime. Within two seconds of his beats hitting the ground, he and his YACHT partner Claire lay their infectious straightforward lyrics over part Nintendo / part Wire melodies, and the crowd’s spirits lifted to a near slumber party enthusiasm. Strangers were jokingly doing dance routines together and smiles covered the sea of bobbing heads (one even wearing a pink fur bear hat).

At one point Jona reciprocated the room’s affection by starting a song off with the statements, “You are very attractive people. You are very good looking people.” And of course I’m a sucker for any song that repeats the chorus “Everything is fucked so what we going to do.” The show ended with an indie rock dance circle lovefest as the crowd broke out their best moves as center stage turned inward when Jona made his way to the middle of the audience. It was a sad moment when I realized it was over. But I was comforted that although they’ll be on tour for what feels like the next 25 years, that they will surely return our way since they’re registered Portlanders (OR). (photo by: Chris)

* Best Meet-up with an Old Pal (yea, I'd like to think we're friends): Wedding Present
(Wednesday, March 12 at Emo’s Annex)

Sure I’ve seen The Wedding Present (or variations thereof) in several locales in North America and the UK, yet my heart still jumps at the thought of seeing Gedge and co. perform. This afternoon it was an acoustic duo of David Gedge (vocals / guitar) and Terry de Castro taking on TWP catalog. They covered the entire catalog over the course of the short set and even gave us a sampling from the forthcoming El Rey (set for US release on Matador Records in May). I loved the mixture of the stripped down snarling of David’s electric guitar and the intimidating bass guitar, as it only enhanced the rawness of the vocals and intensity of each song’s storyline. The songs took on a whole new dramatic nature that was eaten up by each of the seasoned TWP fans in attendance. While they blew through renditions of “Drive,” “Spiderman,” “Suck,” and “Montreal” (a personal favorite), it was the opening jangles of “My Favorite Dress” that really threw the crowd into hysterics and tingles. The set ended with another classic, “What Have I Said Now?” which rounded out the set with its ferocious guitar-jangle diatribe. (as seen in the YouTube Video above)

Another exciting Wedding Present-related tidbit: I was able to interview the band before the show. We’ll be posting that interview in the next few weeks!

SXSW 2008: the Best Use of a Wah-Wah Pedal, Dance Moves, and Old Favorites.

SXSW: A coming of age story...

the sleepwalker — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:32:45 +0000

Two days after a 37-hour drive to Boston from Austin, I am finally starting to allow the events of my first SXSW to sink into the wrinkles of my brain. My primary function for being there was to deal with my band affairs and play as many shows as possible, some in great settings, some in less great settings. So, unfortunately, I got to see relatively little music, but I did get a lot of opportunity to interact with the friendly folks who descended upon fair Austin for the week.

It's difficult to describe the overwhelming experience of being surrounded by people who dedicate their lives and energies to music. I am perhaps a musical grump, but by the end, I had heard some great things, made some new friends, and discovered that, if rock music is not dead yet, I hope it passes soon. I made the official public declaration that all music generated by guitarists with 4x12 cabinets and bassists with 8x10 cabinets has ceased to entertain me. I learned that Matt Pinfield and friends can't even express excitement without the cue card stating, "wow!" It became apparent that people would flock to the ends of lines at venues regardless of whether they knew what was going on inside. If there's a line, it must be worth waiting for!

We attempted to document the feel and experience to video as much as possible. This resulted in a collection of pointless, but sometimes compelling moments, as well as a few clips showing the fascinating process of meeting people on the street.

Today, I made my return to riding the subway in Boston and was dragged back into the reality of looking away after accidentally making eye contact with a fellow human, the immediate rejection of a stranger's greetings, and the general distrust for those nearby.

It's hard to know if humanity emerges only for festive occasions, but one thing I did learn is that strangers outside the Northeast are far more likely to take four sweaty troubadours into their homes and that meeting people at ATMs is easy.

We posted a large collection of videos from SXSW and our journey home. Here are a few that are likely to be of greater general interest (they are dull at moments):

Billy Bragg

She and Him (M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel)

Le Loup live

Interview with Beangrowers

Security at SXSW

SXSW Day 1 Bits

SXSW Day 2 Bits

SXSW Day 3 bits

Super Pal Universe

motionsick.jpg

It's difficult to describe the overwhelming experience of being surrounded by people who dedicate their lives and energies to music.

Video of Kate Nash and Billy Bragg singing one of your favorite songs at SXSW

imaginary liz — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:00:23 +0000

Erik G is a pretty calm guy, but when he watches this video of two of his favorite people --Kate Nash and Billy Bragg-- duet the song "A New England" he's going to FLIP!

Let the SXSW recovering and reminiscing begin with Matt & Kim!

imaginary liz — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:49:14 +0000

I'm back in Seattle from a lovely and action packed five days in Austin. Here's a video of one of the most blissful moments of the whole fest: the last song of the last SXSW show I saw--Matt & Kim in the 1a Saturday slot.

I think it aptly reveals the serious gaiety of the night/fest/show/week.

That's Kim Deal

imaginary liz — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:31:46 +0000

She's getting ready to play "Cannonball."

Rachael Ray hates vegetarians

imaginary liz — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:23:29 +0000

Image in picture is smaller than it appears.

SXSW 2008 Day 4: Open Thread, and igLiz setlist photo updates

imaginary dana — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:20:20 +0000

How are you holding up, whether in Austin or Seattle or elsewhere?? Tell us in the comments below.

Scotland YGC SXSW update

imaginary liz — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:39:47 +0000

Awesomeness!!!

LC rocked it

imaginary liz — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:26:37 +0000

I just punched out the asshole lady standing next to me who said she hates Los Campesinos and they sucked.

SXSW Check-in: Halfway between days 2 and 3

imaginary liz — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:19:17 +0000

But, here at the dawn side of 4am and I'm just finally getting into bed, I've got some super quickie lists of who I've seen and notes to share -- and a look at glorious glorious Friday.

SXSW 2008 Day 3: Open Thread

imaginary dana — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:18:59 +0000

I gotta admit, if I were there, tonight might be the night that I go for familiar faces over discovering new bands, and I would follow our hometown bands around Austin. Who would you go see??

Amusing txt from igLiz down in Austin

imaginary dana — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:48:55 +0000

This band I'm watching might be metal. Icelandic metal.

SXSW 2008 Day 2: Open Thread

imaginary dana — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:34:24 +0000

Well, if I were at SXSW Day Two, this is where I'd be. Join in the fun -- pick your imaginary schedule!

igLiz SXSW excitement

imaginary liz — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:43:18 +0000

I just walked by Michael Stipe.

SXSW 2008 Day 1: Open Thread

imaginary dana — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:24:52 +0000

TIG is going to post an "open thread" for each day of SXSW, where show-going fans can post comments, and the rest of us can send suggestions/pleas for updates to those lucky peeps (ahem, LIZ!!) who are hooting it up Texas stylee this week.

Speaking of SXSW...

Jflores — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:48:52 +0000

This year the wristbands will be sold via an online lottery and only to residents of Austin.

OMG OMG OMG LOS CAMPESINOS IS GOING TO BE AT SXSW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

imaginary liz — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:03:47 +0000

OMG!!!