Yes, for the last few weeks, at the time usually appointed to hammer out this column, I've been writing for someone else. I know that's shocking, but the sad truth is that the allure of rock 'n roll and three cents a word was simply too hard to resist.
Let me explain. Spinner.com, an AOL-affiliated music site, is attempting to profile all 2,000 artists performing at this year's SXSW. With such an ambitious project, Spinner had to rely on people outside their regular stable of talented writers to complete the task. They were looking for freelance contributors who had a rudimentary understanding of SXSW, enjoyed music and were, well, cheap. Enter Trent Thurman.
The experience has actually been quite fun. I've profiled three artists so far and am scrambling to finish a few more before next week. What I've found is that these talented musicians share the same passion, enthusiasm, drive and commitment to success as the alums and students I've previously featured in this column. SXSW is to musicians what Moot Corp and similar competitions is to entrepreneurial-minded MBA students - a venue to showcase ideas and talents, make contacts and attract the attention of potential "investors", such as a record label.
The terms of my agreement with Spinner won't allow me to simply paste my SXSW profiles in this column. I can, however, direct you to the Spinner site where you can check out my interviews with Colin Gilmore and Jeremy Messersmith. An additional interview with Swimming With Dolphins should be up in the next few days, followed by a few more next week.
http://www.spinner.com/2010/03/09/sxsw-2010--colin-gilmore/
http://www.spinner.com/2010/02/24/sxsw-2010-jeremy-messersmith/
Speaking of SXSW, the annual pre-spring break edition of the Gazette would not be complete without a list of must-see acts for those attending next week's showcase. Two years ago, those who followed our recommendations were perhaps lucky enough to catch an already hyped but still relatively new Vampire Weekend show at the Parish. In attendance at the crowded venue that day was Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill, though I can't confirm he heard about VW exclusively from the TEMBA Gazette.
Anyway, the 2010 picks:
1) The xx - This London quartet, then trio, now back to quartet’s R&B-influenced sound is generating a lot of buzz right now. If you see only one band this year, this should be the one. I’m going to try to see them at Central Presbyterian Church at 12:30 AM on Friday, though possibly Mohawk a little later that evening.
2) Surfer Blood - These guys were waiting tables a year ago, but the release of their debut EP Astro Coast put them on the map. If you like Built to Spill, you'll like these Floridians. They're even playing a free in-store show at Waterloo, so what do you have to lose? I’ll probably catch the Lustre Pearl show at 10 PM on Friday night.
3) The Henry Clay People - My favorite group right now. I hyped these guys after seeing them at ACL last fall and can't wait to see them again. Talk about hard working, HCP will play no less than 10 shows next week, many of them free. I will probably go to multiple shows, but definitely will be at Home Slice one on Friday at 6 PM.
4) Colin Gilmore - His dad is legendary Texas crooner Jimmie Dale Gilmore, but Colin is clearly making a name for himself with his knack for songwriting. Read my interview with him at spinner.com and then check him out at Valhalla on Friday night. If I can navigate all of the other Friday shows, I’ll be there. Colin is local, so even if you don’t see him during SXSW, you can frequently catch him around town. Great guy and definitely one to see.5) Jeremy Messersmith – How do you not like a guy who claims Craigslist hookers are his biggest vice? Read my interview with him for details. He was joking, of course, but his music is solid. He sent me a demo from his upcoming release following our conversation and I really like the sound. I’ll likely go to his Saturday all ages show at 8 PM at Central Presbyterian Church.
6) Frightened Rabbit – Eric Hirst first told me about this Scottish indie rock band and I’ve got to give him credit. I’ve really enjoyed listening to them lately. I’m going to make the 1 PM show at the Convention Center café on Saturday.
7) Harlem – There are actually three bands named Harlem, but the one I enjoy is a local Austin band I first heard on the Casual Victim Pile compilation. So far, Harlem’s shows conflict with others on my list, but I hope to work them in on Saturday.
8) Japandroids. Garage rock, maybe? I’m struggling with a label for this Canadian duo, but like the sound a lot. This may well be the first band I see next week as they kick-off at Emo’s on Wednesday at 2:15 PM.
9) Swimming With Dolphins. I’ll be honest, ambient pop is not really my favorite, but I’ve really enjoyed listening to SWD’s talented front man Austin Tofte since my interview with him last week. This will be his first SXSW as a performer and I’m looking forward to seeing the show at Emo’s Jr on Saturday at 6 PM.
10) Cheap Trick. Yeah, I know. This is a sentimental pick for me. The last time I saw them live was in 1980. I think I wore a headband. Luckily, no known photographs survive. Free show at Auditorium Shores on Friday at 8 PM.
Enjoy the break!
