Department of Eagles performed in-store at Waterloo records around two today. Although they suffered a few technical/hangover related difficulties Dan and Fred (ha ha) still managed to pull off a set that was "larger than life." I really admire their demeanor... very nonchalant, almost as if they were roommates... weird. I was lucky enough to catch the guys from Justin Townes Earl right before, they played an excellent and thoroughly entertaining set that included acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and awesomeness.
After that I made my way to a SXSW discussion of "Demo Listening." This was kind of cool because I got to talk one on one with "the monsters from a & r." They're actually not that bad, most of the things they criticize people for are actual common sense. Things like you don't need everything panned in stereo, you sound to generic but that will help you sell, ditch the accordion. Sometimes they miss stuff, though. If they had their way the 13th Floor Elevators never woulda had a jug.
Ok, moving on... Cold War Kids at Auditorium Shores. First reaction upon arriving: holy shit, what a joke. Middle schoolers, falafel stands, gyro stands, even a Skohl stand... gross. Other than that, the Kids have a shit-ton of stage presence and energy. At one point I wound up backstage experiencing the glory that is free Tito's Vodka and Miller Lite. After that the true mess became trying to find my way out of the crowd of would-be-hippies and beer company representatives.
Next up: Dirty Projectors at Emo's Annex. It was a pretty chaotic sound, but I really liked it. Lots of intricate guitar/keyboard harmonies. Met a girl that represented Brazilian bands and she told me about a party on Friday with free Brazilian drinks. What are those?
Made my way to the Red 7 patio, met some folk (two sisters from Dallas and a photographer from National Geographic), saw some cool things, had a cold beer. The Crystal Stilts were late arriving so I only stayed for a little bit. I took a few pictures, probably missed out on the vibe, and made my way to the Cedar Street Courtyard to see the Black Lips.
Oh My God... The Black Lips... Very loud. Very energetic. Best show so far. By far. Met some folks from Filter mag. Danielle from Fact magazine in London likes Holgas. Saw Will from The Steps somewhere near the bar. Stay tuned for more Black Lips action tomorrow (they play a show at Emo's around midnight)...
En route via pedicab to Beach House at Volume off sixth. Kinda crazy, I ran into one of my teachers there... Also, a girl named Paloma who was shooting for fun. So many places are using these damn LED lights! They really fuck me up. Make my digital shots look like they were taken by a drunk high-schooler. Cedar Street Courtyard had 'em, so does Stubb's, Red 7 and Central Presby. F that.
On my way back to my car I ran into a banjo player by the name of Frank Fairfield. I stayed and chatted with him in "his office" for the better part of an hour. The man is busking his way around, but make no mistake: he's more than just another busker. He sings his songs as naturally as the birds do. Effortless. Matter of fact. I asked him, "Do you believe in God?" He said, "Look around you, all these bricks, rectangles and triangles. It's so simple." Wish I could feed you more, but you'll just have to go see him at End of an Ear at 3pm. Seriously, go to this. I will be there.
Alright, that's about it. Actually, that is it. So. Peace out!
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