Austin, Texas – the Deep South’s dust bowl haven. It’s the centre of Trump’s sweaty grip on America but, each year thousands of us “long haired”, “commie” types flock to enjoy the all-American, Gluten free Jamboree.
Taking place between the 8th and 17th of March SXSW showcases film, interactive media, and live performances by artists from all around the world in dingy bars, dusty streets and corporate gazebos. Notable alumni of events include Nicholas Cage, David Bowie tribute Tilda Swinton, and Frank Sidebottom (well Michael Fassbender in a papier mache helmet).
Not to be confused with Austin City Limits, SXSW drops the headliners for a genre cheese board of small, unknown and unsigned groups, playing from dusk till dawn to enthusiastic music lovers sweating in the midday sun. The usual “festival” greenery and mud is replaced with earthy, raw and gritty spots. Parking lots, cafes and theatres double up as unkempt and grubby chic venues, keeping the event routed in a hip, industrial inner-city vibe.
The music media swarms usually lap up the opportunity to exploit the moment and cover anything and everything, with big ticket sponsors including Mercedes Benz and bank Capital One, bringing just a tinge of in-authenticity to it all. Nonetheless, the music is what matters and British bands will be hoping to smash their big chance.
The Blinders, a dystopian nightmare born of Huxley, Orwell and Bradbury, will be committing constant thought crimes as they touch on John Cooper Clarke and a Kafkaesque Jim Morrison, hoping to scare their audience into submission. Laura Misch’s synth electronic lounge sound with R &B inspired drums, backed by saucy sax sounds and what sounds like Laura Marling’s voice slowed down, will be looking to lull in some new folk, and offer an opportunity to lounge around in the Southern Sun to some dreamy tunes.
In what’s a rather bizarre period in US history, SXSW offers respite from the constant fear and horror being spread throughout America. Walls may be currently dividing the US, but Austin’s city slogan; “the musical capital of the world” is set to be well and truly proven in a city-wide celebration of original music, alongside some good ol’ Southern Hospitality.
Words by Nick Ikin
