Public Chalk

Even while living in London, people would hear I was from Austin and automatically think three things: George Bush – Music - SXSW. I’d have to say I am very supportive of the latter two. That is why I counted down the days until Austin turns into hipster-ville and the trendiest cats in the biz invade our streets. It’s at this time I realize that I am a total fipster (fake hipster). Having done my first modern dance to Enya when I was in the third grade and begged my parents to go hear my first DJ when I was in ninth, I had a sense that I was submerged in the underground stream of up and coming music – oh what denial I have been in. After 7 days of music and 1,800 bands, I realize that I barely have my toes submerged in that babbling brook. Of course you could ask me about any Austin band and I will surely/hopefully know the first time I saw them and my favorite song, but in the world of music, I am anything but a guru - and I like that, because that means there are bands out there that are outrageous, genuine, ballistic and downright unforgettable. All I have to do is find them.

I did find a few during SXSW which I will write about later, but for now I want to talk about the unique ambience that is South by Southwest. It is one of the most ridiculous music congregations I have ever been to. Clearly I have noodled at Rothbury, and seen the sun rising while wondering to “That stage” at Bonnaroo, however SXSW is different. Everyone is in a constant state of discovery. We yearn for it. We wander from bar to church to club in hopes of stumbling upon a sacred voice and some shocking sounds to grab our soul and take it away. Living in Austin, I have felt this excitement at various concerts before - like Justice or Galactic. I describe this feeling as straight up euphoria. If you love music, you know what feeling I am referring to; it is when your smile is plastered across your face and you can’t help but wonder how it’s possible for a few instruments to bring this much pleasure. It’s at that point I look around and see if anyone is joining in this state of ecstasy, but I abruptly stop scanning the crowd, because at that point, I really don’t care if anyone is enjoying the beats as much as I am. If they don’t, I assume they hear it, but the real trick is to let yourself go and actually listen to it. Anyways, I will stop rambling, but I just wanted to explain that the aforementioned feeling is what makes me addicted to music - and that is the feeling that is intertwined throughout the SXSW fabric: a fabric made up of notes, melodies, soul and people. SXSW gives off an exclusive energy that is inescapable, but after leaving 6^th street Austin, one must remember that that energy is obtainable year long. I hope to bring this energy to you every post while I run around the live music capital of the world into our smaller (but not lesser) venues. If you take anything away from this writing (besides “who the hell is this girl?”), take this: Every band provides an experience in their own unique way - and as a person in the audience you must realize that you are experiencing a sound that will never repeat itself, so let yourself go and take it all in.