We'd like to imagine that the day Austin's SXSW music conference (March 16-21) was born two decades ago, some crazy, boot-clad caricature of a Texan kicked up some dirt, shot a gun into the air and declared a showdown. At least that would explain the near 2000 bands that flock South each year to duel, en masse, for exposure. But if Richard Linklater's "Slacker" (a film homage to Austin) is any indication, some music geeks probably just promoted around town for a day straight and here we are two decades later, rounding up some of the best new talent representing Chi-town in this year's installment. Study up, then check out many of the artists at the fourth annual send-off concert on Saturday, March 13 at the Hideout.
Moneypenny Two hard-working DJs (Chess Hubbard aka Mother Hubbard and Jessica Gonyea aka A-Cup), one force to be reckoned with.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? I'd wager that not a lot of bands at SXSW are going to be tackling the dance-pop genre. With my indie-rock background (and uh, second-place status in Chicago's Air Guitar Championship) we're able to infuse an electro show with an almost punk energy - no guitars necessary.
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? Its Creative Winter. Some of the best songs and bands emerge out of the cold months here, spent holed up in a studio or crammed into a rehearsal space for hours. Once the festival season starts (with a sneak preview at SXSW, of course) it's a fantastic chance to check out the fruits of everyone's labor and discover your favorite band of the year.
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? Moneypenny's next Chicago show is at Schubas opening for Dan Black on April 9. He's sort of an up-and-coming Beck - fantastically weird and surprisingly catchy. Schubas is where we had our unofficial first show, opening for Thunderheist with a short three-song set, so it will be great venue to unveil a few new surprises of our own.
photo: Scot Stewart
Cast Spells Maps & Atlases' lead navigator takes an avant-pop solo road.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? I don't know that all ears should be all ears for my sound, but I hope that some ears like it! There are so many excellent bands everywhere and I feel you sort of just happen upon good shows at SXSW. I am really just going to SXSW for fun and to visit with people I don't see very often. I am also excited to appreciate the warmth of Austin. However, I would love it if people came and enjoyed Cast Spells.
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? A distinct and eccentric feel. But I don't know if I'm clever enough to think of one word that can encapsulate the overall energy. It also makes it difficult because each neighborhood is like a miniature city that has its own feel and own local coffee and food.
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? I actually don't have any shows planned in Chicago for the near future, but I am very excited to be home! I'm sure there will be something in the near future.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? I think we are doing metal a bit differently. Adding in a lot of sonic elements from '60s and '70s psychedelic with a lot of hometown blues roots. And we definitely try to land more on the artistic side of metal, rather than the meathead side. Not to mention, we are playing seven shows in five days. Logistically speaking, you will probably wind up seeing us a couple of times if you are into heavy music and are at SXSW.
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? BEARDS. Massive, giant, and oppressive beards. We also have bars that stay open until 4 a.m. every night and, just in case we need a few extra beers before waking up Sunday afternoon, 5 a.m. on Saturday. Take that Austin.
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? We are continuing our endless touring cycle thru the fall before we bunker down and finish up record #2 with a summer 2010 release thru Candlelight again.
Joe Pug Raspy twenty-something adds his two-feet to the great circle of folk.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? Because I play these songs 200 times a year and I'm easy on the ear.
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? Chicago is blue collar.
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? I'll be playing at the Vic Theatre on 5/15 with Josh Ritter.
photo: Colleen Durkin
Via Tania Australian transplant tickles folk with a little ethereal wonder.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? This is the first real band that I have had in about 12 years. Musicians have come and gone and solo shows have led to duos and the like. But this band would be showcasing at SXSW as a new phase, venture and beginning. Besides that, everyone has real music intellect. That is why it took SO damn long to find the right people. Really, if you want to see something a little different come along.
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? Eccentricity and Chicago I would really never put together. That's what I love about it though. When I am in Chicago I feel really grounded and really surrounded by people who are practical and warm and funny. It's nice being around people who put so much effort into their art and music and then treat it like it's a normal job. It's the reason I have been glad to really learn about all things art career-ish, in such a diverse city with such high standards.
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? First we go way north to Canada on a tour with Iceland's Seabear. Our last date of that tour ends very nicely at Schubas in Chicago on April 2!
Kid Sister Another Kanye West protégée rises from the ego-hip-hop ash.
1700 venues and thousands of bands make up SXSW. Why should we be all ears for your sound? Wow there's that many? Haha! You should be all ears because you have them and I'm about to work yr ish on OUT! If you don't hear me comin', how you gonna get ready! HMMM?
Austin may have its weird but Chicago has _____? Austin may have its quirkiness but Chicago has Kuma's, whirlyball and Bunny Hutch mini-golf, which looks like the course from the movie "Overboard."
When through conquering the South, what about plans back North? Hrrm well...when will then be now? SOOOOOON!
Rockwood Place $1 all sliders, $2 all flatbreads, $3 half-slab of dry-rubbed baby back ribs, $8 pitchers of Miller Lite and Bud Light, $10 pitchers of white peach sangria, $12 pitchers of 4 Rebels Dragonfruit Vodka iced tea
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
Moneypenny
