SO LONG SOUTH-BY

The last day (sniffle) of South-by-Southwest coverage

by Cristina Black

The last day of South by Southwest was easily the best, at least weather wise, and the daytime parties were absolutely kicking. I mean — it’s hard to beat Chromeo, who played at Stubb’s in the afternoon. The duo absolutely rocked the party, which was attended by a very stylish crowd that cheered wildly at singer-guitarist Dave 1’s jokes. Ladies, it’s hard to resist this man’s Wayfarer-wearing charms, not to mention his sidekick P-Thugg’s beats. Oh, and he teaches French literature. Could he be any sexier? Read more

SXSW DAY THREE: LADIES’ NIGHT

by Cristina Black

Rocker dudes are a dime a dozen in Austin this week. Really, they’re everywhere with their greasy hair and tatted-up chests, wailing on guitars and pounding on drums. That’s why I decided to have a ladies’ night. On Friday, I focused on the amazing crop of women breaking out in music this year. My strategy paid off big time. Read more

SXSW DAY TWO: TWISTING THE NIGHT AWAY

by Cristina Black

Thursday afternoon, the sunny weather was perfect for hanging out at the Levis Fader Fort, a giant maze of a venue created by the folks at Fader Magazine. Inside, there’s a jeans store where you can buy every color of Levis imaginable. One chap I talked to sprung for royal purple—daring! Out back, there was music, music and more music. When I walked in, San Francisco band Birdmonster was taking the stage for an energetic acoustic set. Next, Saul Williams assaulted the free-beered crowd with his jagged, industrial-influenced, spoken-word jams. Meanwhile, hoards were lining up for the main event: a Lou Reed tribute with such acts as Spoon and My Morning Jacket. Read more

SXSW: IT’S ON!

Day one from our South by Southwest daily coverage

by Cristina Black

Landing in Austin, Texas, the day South by Southwest commences is like being a kid again. Except this time, you’re wandering into the candy store with ten times your weekly allowance. The annual monster music industry festival has over 1,500 bands playing in its four evenings of showcases, not to mention parties, daytime shows, impromptu street performances and general tequila-drenched good times. It’s almost too much. Read more