This year I'm discovering that the Interactive portion of SXSW has nothing on the Music part, which doesn't start until Wednesday. Last night I finally got to hear some music when my friend Ryan and I wandered into Emo's after ditching a few of the Interactive parties.
You could tell the Music conference hadn't started yet because the outside patio of Emo's was only about 1/4 full, and there were maybe 25 people in the inside room. The calm before the storm. Ryan and I sat in the humid evening air drinking our Shiner Bocks and talking, not knowing which bands were slated to perform. Donita Sparks, former singer of L7, completely rocked us with her new solo project. Their guitars were tough but laid back and they performed with attitude and bite. My friend Dave made the best point, which was that they didn't rush anything. Highly recommended if you just want to see a great rock show. RIYL: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Later on we wandered into the main room and saw a four piece band onstage with banjo, tambourine, stand up bass and percussion. The singer crooned with a Buckley-esque falsetto, but whenever I tried to write him off as just another singer-songwriter the band would do something interesting that would recapture my attention. The music was soaring and melancholy, simultaneously majestic and homespun. There couldn't have been more than 25 people in the room, and we were a little excited to see that Bill Callahan of Smog was one of them. I bought
Shearwater's Thieves EP after the show from Jonathan himself. RIYL: Okkervil River (Will Sheff used to be in the band), Sufjan Stevens
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness was the last band to play, and we stayed to see what the fuss was about. Another great observation from Dave -- they have great sounds but no songs. I enjoyed them, but didn't hesitate in leaving before they finished their set.
Last night was one of those perfect Austin nights: friends, Shiners, and discovering great music in a virtually empty club.
