Friday, March 13, 2009

SXSWeek Music Events That Won't Bust Your Budget



Part 1: Pre-SXSW Music and The Other Festivals, or
How to live like a V.I.P. SXSW badge holder and see the bands you love for free*

You may have received so many Facebook and MySpace invitations, you're not sure which event to RSVP to even with SXSW just days away. SXSW Interactive and Film festivals are happening as of today, and maybe you don't have a badge, or even a pass before the flurry of folks with music badges and wristbands make it nearly impossible to see your favorite new band.

Well, I've got some good news for you: There will be plenty of parties, day and night, to schedule in a few favorites - and a lot of them aren't official showcases. Many bands participating officially in SXSW are aware most of their true fans won't be at these shows, but really want a chance to see and hear them live. They're joining forces with (mostly local) bands that have become disenfranchised from the SXSW dynasty. Some are signing up for alternative festivals coinciding (uncoincidentally) with SXSW Music.

The result?

Awesome pre-SXSW shows and alternative showcases during the fest - and we're benefiting from the music mutiny. (Or is it musical disobedience?)

OK - end of introduction. Here's a list of festivals and mini-festivals preceding and coinciding with SXSW (Saturday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 17 and beyond).


Friday, March 13 (8 pm - 2 am)



Nothing Sucks Anymore, Again Fest @ Club 1808. According to Audra Schroeder (Austin Chronicle): "The name of this gig sums up the current state of music with tongue firmly in cheek... " The quality meets variety lineup also sums up the state of this one night only festival preceding SXSW Music 2009. Only $5.

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15 (9 pm - 2am each night)



Psych Fest II @ Radio Room, 3 days, $15: Co-Sponsor Live Music Capitol has the scoop on all the action starting tonight at the Radio Room. There may even still be a chance to score a free pass or two. Heck, I'm not a big psychedelic rock fan, but there are more than few bands I'd love to hear at this cool drone fest, featuring underground/cult drug flick classics projected by curator and Austin Underground Film Society head Andy Gately. There may even be an after-party. Drone on...


Saturday, March 14 (9 pm-2 am)



The Strange Boys. Photo by diydanna.

Gigotron Best of Texas Party @ Emo's. It's free, and if I dared leave my party early this Saturday, this is probably where I'd be (to see Finally Punk).


Tuesday, March 17 (7 pm-2 am)



South by South DEATH is 1 night only @ Elysium, 7 bands, and only $5. A cool lineup of locals and foreign imports resist the man - I mean, SXSW. At least you know where they stand. Ume headlines.


Tuesday, March 17 (5:30-10 pm)



Tejas Means Friends Party @ Ms. Bea's. They had me at FREE. OK, maybe it's the lineup and the fact that this could be one of the very best Pre-SXSW Music bashes ever. All ages welcome. How friendly... Visit the venue's MySpace profile for details, or check them out with the events app on Facebook.


Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, March 20(?) (7 pm-2 am each night)

?

Yeast by Sweet Beast - $5/super lineup per night. What a cool, sexy and disturbing pun... The self described "outsider" festival (now in its 9th year) is happening before, during but not after SXSW. Facebook seems to be the best way to get details about locations (Salvage Vanguard Theatre and Plush), lineup and times. It's definitely a wildcard pick, with a spectrum of experimental sounds. Presented by Church of the Friendly Ghost.


Enjoy your weekend, whatever you do.


Recommended Sites for Building Your SXSW Music Itinerary on a Budget:

Austin Chronicle - I heard from a reliable source that the AC will feature more free parties this year. One of the perks of a recession?

Decider - Bookmark this site. As the name suggests, you have little fuss about which day party, showcase or after-party to attend. (And Decider some of the best staff and contributing writers in town. ;-)

Do512 - They save you a lot of time, and even include a cool SXSW edition and widget you can schedule your events without all the hassle.

INsite - Austin's other entertainment rag dismisses all the SXSW hoopla in favor of a growing festival that's as big as the Heart of Texas. The magazine has a handy March issue that also serves as a guide for the festival Better known as Texas Rockfest, now celebrating it's 10th year of rocking without a badge, R.S.V.P., wristband or badge. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

New Music Tip Sheet - A once a year phenomena that sifts through press releases, bulletins and internet research to provide a handy list of (mostly) free events. It's like Christmas for the Ebenezer Scrooge's of the world.

Showlist Austin - A personal favorite for many reasons. If you want a lot of exposition, don't stop here. If you want a fairly accurate list of free shows that rock, stop here.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

MakeMusic TalkMusic: Interactive Party @ Beauty Bar Sat. 3/14



Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ Beauty Bar – MakeMusic TalkMusic presents a truly interactive evening of music, films, robots – and dancing – during SXSW Interactive and Film. Live music, world premiere videos screenings, and Maker Faire-friendly demos culminate in memorable talk of crunk sounds, staggering sights, and things that go bleep.


Music meets the talk of the blogosphere @ MakeMusic TalkMusic

Indie music makers known for dynamic live performances highlight the party: Headliner Peel, a pop band with an experimental, art & craft approach to music, is not afraid make some noise. With an electronica alter ego the size of Texas, MVSCLZ hearkens the last days of disco and Studio 54 while not losing a future-minded boldness. Computer synthesized tunes don’t hold back the anti-Ritalin effects of electro/funk MC Neiliyo, who gets the party started after a short program of entertaining local films.


World Premiere Short Video Programs

For your viewing pleasure: An original short program from exciting Austin filmmaker BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER, eclectic media & visual art by Totally Wreck Production Institute, and a surprise short selection from M.A.L.I. Women's Film & Performance Arts Festival screen at MakeMusic TalkMusic throughout the night. M.A.L.I. Representatives will be present to talk about the 9th annual event happening in May.


Live Interactive Robot Demo – Thingamagoop

Because it's not really an interactive party without robots, right? Creative robot tinkerer John-Mike Reed of Bleep Labs provides a cool noise robot display, customizable and available for purchase online. During the music performances, look for a noise bot to join in, maybe during a Peel guitar solo.


After The Show – DJ Mel in Residence

Immediately following MakeMusic TalkMusic interactive program: World-renowned turntablist DJ Mel mixes music just right, and every Saturday night at Beauty Bar. Hit the dance floor after midnight – and resist doing the robot dance.


Beauty Bar

617 E 7th St

Doors: 9 pm

Interactive party begins @ 10 pm.

DJ Mel spins shortly after midnight.

21+, Free. NO SXSW Interactive/Film badge, wristband, or RSVP required.

Google Map & Directions


Sponsored by DIY Danna Communicationsa copywriting service, zine publisher, and more; Make Magazine“technology on your time”; M.A.L.I. (Media Arts & Literacy Institute); and interactive party participants.

Information: MakeMusicTalkMusic@gmail.com

An Entire Month Without DIY Revolution?



New logo for the blog & zine publisher. Warning: Handing out biz card versions during SXSW.

Consider February a holiday for diy revolution. Little did we know there are a few folks who read this blog. We apologize for virtually ignoring the independent local music and arts scene, and the spam that filtered through last month. Some of us (actually, all of us) were busy with the daily tasks of earning a living wage for work and finding a new day job.

To make it up to you we're posting information and commentary about local events at least once a week, every week, through June.

We've got a few exciting events to promote, so don't erase us from your "bookmarks" just yet.