Words cannot really describe how insane it is down here at SXSW. It makes me really envious that we don't have something like this closer to Minneapolis, or just have something like this happen annually at all major cities....
First off, I have been to "festivals" and these closed venues are lame. You see bands on main stage that are only inches because you're so far away from the action and there are a bunch of hippy-type people in front of you anyway. Plus because you're closed off from civilization, they can charge you $10 for a bottle of water and you basically have to pay for it.
What I like about SXSW is that between 5th and 6th street, that there are literally 300 music "venues". If venues is not your thing, just walking down the very crowded street, you will randomly see bands. Street food is usually hotdogs-variety, which is quick and easy. I think I liked the name of one of the street vendor, it's called "Best Wurst". Get it ? Loling.
By the way, this is just a place holder as I'm mobile and don't really have all the necessary media(s). Typical Sony Memory sticks will not actually work on any media reader. I hate you sony!!
I am also microblogg/updating via the twitter, so for those who can't wait to see the latest 140 characters!
Just quickie: saw a lot of bands, but they usually only play for short 30 minute sets (it normally takes them 20-30 mins to set up too, so there is a cycle of new bands constantly every hour on the hour). If you don't like a set of bands, just move on to the next bar/venue/street performers. I did quick interviews with The May Fire. I've seen them before, but the setting at the Havana bar last night had great attendance and the atmosphere rocked. Too bad they only had two shows schedule, most of the band are spending their time until Sunday (I think I heard Caty had to head back home).
Also, I totally missed interviewing Meiko because of unforeseeable circumstances beyond my control. I felt really bad about that one because I was certain I was going to be able to make the 7:30 appointment, only to actually arrive late at 8. I was actually pretty bummed about this because I ended up reading some fascinating articles on her on the drive down here and wanted to bring up of it in the interview. (Since I am taping the interviews, I was planning on putting them in the podcasts/incorporating them in longer-form upcoming articles).
So huge apology, but I am hoping to catch her play tonight and do a writeup on it later to make up for this. Will keep you updated.
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