David's SXSW Journal, Part 3 of 5
Probably the most exciting part of going to Austin is getting to do a Daytrotter session. Our excitement is mitigated by the fact that we have slept for maybe 15 minutes the previous night, but otherwise, everything is out-of-control cool. The guys that run the site are all incredibly nice and the process of recording is really fun. It is maybe less fun for everyone who comes within twenty feet of me, as I haven’t showered in days and smell like the business end of a septic tank, but otherwise, it’s good times.
The most important thing we take away from the session is the knowledge that the Daytrotter guys have incredible shoes. Not only are they stylish, but they’re cheap and, most importantly, are the kind that ninjas wear. This is confirmed by our friend Lorenza who, while not a ninja, is awfully close.
Ninja/Daytrotter sneakers (photo credit: Michael Dudikoff)
Next up is the Yep Roc day party. If this weren’t our fifth performance in 24 hours (with a sixth only hours away), I’d have a bit more energy. However, we’re all infused with the raw spirit of rock n’ roll by fantastic performances from both the Golden Dogs (who put out one of the hands down best records of 2007) and Th’Legendary Shack Shakers (who put on one of the hands down best live shows of any year). After our set we meet some awesome folks, including a guy named Rob, who has a blog in Minnesota and is amped about our upcoming Minneapolis show, as well as a guy named Andrew who says he was at our 2:45 AM show the night before. Many thanks to you guys. It was rad to meet you.
Next up is waiting in line for delicious tacos. I mention it primarily because it leads to the following tableau: Two guys walk down the street bearing torn sheets of cardboard upon which the words “FREE HUGS” have been spray painted (see photo). Not pictured here, sadly, is the other sign-holder, who is wearing pink harlequin pants and an Insane Clown Posse t-shirt. I’m pretty sure these two dudes are on mushrooms and, additionally, are completely awesome.
Someone needs a hug from a Juggalo
In the evening, I run into Jeff Nichols, his fiancé Missy, and his brother Ben. The three of them have come from a bar, having drunk enough for Ben to A) throw a hotdog on the ground and stamp on it as if it were a cockroach and B) attempt to climb a tree on 6th St. We all head down to Lovejoy’s, where we drink too much whiskey. Ben makes the case as to how the Simon and Simon theme song is one of the best ways to open up a rock show. Alarmingly, it makes perfect sense.
Simon, Simon, Higgins, and Magnum
(from same tour)
Supporting act on Lucero's
last west coast tour
Our last show of South By Southwest is the Yep Roc showcase at the Ale House. As expected, the Golden Dogs, the Shack Shakers, and Liam Finn are brilliant. We load our equipment, with the help of festival volunteers, down one of the narrowest staircases ever onto one of the smallest stages ever. Nonetheless, it’s fun as all get out, the crowd is responsive, and we all play with the understanding that, after this, we don’t have anything to do for the rest of the festival. The whole thing feels…how do you say it? Ah yes: awesome.
The J. Roddy Walston & the Business guys all come out and, afterwards, help us load out. The evening ends with me and Rod waiting in line at Best Wurst (the best hot dog stand known to mankind) for almost 2 hours. Rod points out that I am neither drunk nor on drugs, and yet I am waiting (and making him wait) so that I can buy 2 giant bratwurst at three in the morning.
Shows
Summer Shows TBA
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