It’s official: the South by Southwest Music “Conference” has begun. I can safely say that I will be completely wiped by Monday and I hope you are too. There is just too much to do, see, and hear. Don’t let the invading masses deter you; get out there and experience it (You probably are already as I sit here and type).
Today and tomorrow, TwoGroove will be floating between a bunch of different parties just taking it all in. Keep up with all the madness on Twitter. If you’re feeling particularly social, say hello. I’ll buy you a beer.
Click me for show details!
Saturday is our big 12 hour Officially Awesome Unofficial SXSW Showase over at Chupacabra. I was there on Tuesday for the Mind of Adi show and it was wall-to-wall people. On a Tuesday. I can’t imagine what Saturday will bring. Get there early (doors at 2pm) to check it out.
The night party kicks off at 8pm and we’ll be rocking with killer bands and DJs until 2am. Be sure to RSVP at RPM-RSVP.com. RSVPs are closing soon!
And on Sunday, TwoGroove will be playing three DJ sets on the Ticketfly stage of Six Stages Over Texas. It’s been a while since I’ve done that, so be sure to come by and laugh at my inept-ness. Luckily, I’ll be DJing between sets by Whitman, The White White Lights, and The Factory Party, so you’ll have some fantastic bands to make up for it!
Ok, no more of this blogging crap. It’s time to hit the parties!
Rap is often ignored or marginalized in Austin, especially during SXSW. There are a few acts here and there, but most of the week is filled with indie rock and more indie rock. If you’re looking to step away from that for a night, head over to The Independent tonight to check out Balance. He’s a bay area rapper who has collaborated with Chamillionaire, Dre, and others. This will be his third year playing SXSW, and he’ll be participating on a panel on Friday.
I had a chance to talk to Balance a couple nights ago about the show, SXSW, and his music. While we only had a few minutes to talk (my fault, SXSW is killing me!), I could tell that he’s well above that “bitches and hoes” (his words) style of songwriting and rapping that the genre unfortunately gets known for. Balance uses the tools and vocabulary at his disposal (he mentioned “I won’t shy away from saying ‘bitch’ in a song, as long as it has meaning”) to create songs that tell a story. He’s very much about making it in the music business, collaborating with other artists, and getting his music out there. He said he’d rather give his music away for free than sell it if it means that more people get to listen to it. Sounds like he fits in quite well here in Austin.
You haven’t heard of Frog Music Licensing, at least not yet. The new venture seeks promote Austin bands to music and TV executives in LA. Local bands Great Nostalgic, Calm Blue Sea, Frantic Clam, and Built by Snow (among others) are all signed up and ready to make it in Hollywood. Come celebrate the launch of Frog Music Licensing at Ghost Room tonight!
Like everything at SXSW should be, the show is FREE!
Bridging the gap between SXSW Interactive and the SXSW Music Festival will be the Music Tech Mashup. The two-day show at Rusty Spurs on East 7th will feature my two favorite things: free booze and tons of music. Be sure to check out Shinobi Ninja!
If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten path tomorrow, head over to Ventana del Soul (1834 East Oltorf). From 7-11pm, three performers will take part in this mini-showcase: Valencia Robinson, Vanessa Lively, and Denitia Odigie. It will likely be a low-key, intimate event.
echoes of HER is a celebration of female artists and women from all walks of life. Representing diverse musical genres, some of today’s most talented performers come together to share their unique skills. The goal of echoes of HER is to highlight females who are making a difference in their communities and connect the general public with organizations that actively increase opportunities for girls and women.
If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten path tomorrow, head over to 
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