03.16.2001 - Day Overview
Empowering Musicians, Nikki Sixx, Lonely Kings, Ponticello, Ëwa Braun, Yellow Fever
We started the day off in the convention center with a tour
thru the trade show where we saw many musicians and the technology that is driving the
music industry. This year, in the post Napster era, the focus seems to be on the
"ëmpowerment" of musicians by showing how to copyprotect digital
content. (Trade Show 2)
Besides all the new compact recording studios, that are
really cool, (Trade Show 3,) there are a lot of new Internet based business models for
bands to allow them more control over their destinies. VH1 is here in full force
looking for acts to showcase on their Bands on the Run show. (Trade Show 1)
Speaking of which, the band Harlow (mentioned in
Wednesday's coverage) is one of the first four bands being showcased on that show.
Imagine our suprise while wandering around the convention
center to run into Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. You never know who you will see at
SXSW.
We started our night at about 8pm at the Atomic Cafe where
the Lonely Kings from Santa Cruz, CA were grinding out a reasonably good heavy metal
set. The sound mix was horrible and left the lyrics; such as they were; pretty much
undecipherable. The lead guitarist/vocalist was giving a passionate performance and the
drummer was pounding away for all he was worth. I wasn't impressed with the set, the
music didn't seem all that original and each song seemed to be a new version of the last
one. The craftsmanship was pretty good and there was not a lot of the distortion and
feedback that seems to pass for music with a lot of acts these days. Over all I would put
them in the middle of the genre.
After we conferred with Thor from SXSW security we realized
that the Black Crowes was a mob scene and opted to look for diversity instead of a packed
standing room only venue.
Moving on to the Empanada Room we got to hear a delightful
rockabilly meats metal song from a group from Portland OR; Ponticello. If you ever
get a chance to hear this act GO GO GO!!! Incredible use of violin, bass, and drums to get
a melodic, heavy (not metal) rock sound. They had a friend sit in with them on the
slide guitar and that was an incredible set of songs.
Moving on to the Ritz Lounge we had to deal with Richards
underage status for the first time with some very dedicated security staff. After a
tedious effort at explaining Texas laws and the right of a parent to take his offspring
with him we finally got an excellent hearing from Juliet (thanks if you read this) and got
in to see what was one of the more unusual acts of the night.
Eastern Europe would seem with its industrial persona to be
a strictly edgy rock environment. However a group from Poland called Ëwa Braun
showed a decidedly different view of rock to us. Billing their music as
"Transcendental Noise"the band used two chords to create what was a heavy metal
version of mood music. I don't think it is going to get a lot of US airplay but, as an
artistic expression the passion of the musicians captures the imagination and for me the
music just sucked me in and I really enjoyed it.
As part of SXSW, the trip between the clubs is as much a
part of the experience as the music itself so we spent some time exploring the street
scene. Believe me ANYTHING you can imagine is viewable on sixth street.
We chose to end the evening at Maggie Maes with the Swedish
band Yellow Fever. Despite their goofy 70's style Abba costumes they incorporated a
decent horn section into their version of rock and roll. Solid musicianship and
passionate vocals characterized a band that had a good audience rapport right from the
start. Dancable but not dance music, the lead guitarist drew the audience closer and
closer to the stage drawing them into the performance and the music.
Rick & Richard at SXSW
