SXSW 2010 – There and back in a day

I was completely OK with not making it to SXSW this year. Really I was. Then the abundance of work hit me over the past month and I really needed a day off before I went insane staring at the beautiful weather outside through weather.com. Put in for a day off, packed my toothbrush and pointed my truck towards Austin.

Although last year was a little better, I’ve been disappointed with the music portion of SXSW for about the last 6 years. I prepared myself with what I figured would just be a good day of just listening to music, people watching and soaking in the sun with friends. What actually happened was that I showed up to a really solid festival, showcasing talent that needs to be heard. Sure there is still the band that is playing a showcase because, well, they know a few chords. But the over whelming schedule was made of more bands that are continuing to solidify themselves as great bands and musicians. I think SXSW has finally turned the corner from what it used to be, a washed out festival that was replaced by Myspace and the internet.

I was only there 12 hours before I had to do the turnaround and head home, but it was totally worth it. Several bands really made an impact while I was there, so here are my thoughts…

Radney Foster – Completely sideswiped me. I wasn’t going to stick around for the show, but Suzy convinced me that I needed to stay and boy was she right. He played an old one… Texas In 1880 and it brought out this feeling in my heart that hasn’t been there for a while. It’s that feeling that rootsy country music will give you that sort of feels like hugging an old friend. And I’ll admit it, I fist pumped… don’t judge me.

Guy Forsyth – Surprise of the day. I’ve heard his name for years, but never caught a show. His playing style mixed with a voice that can sound like it comes from somewhere the soul dwells, drew me straight to the stage till he was done.

The Trishas – Favorite set. Again. These girls were on it… they had the standard fiddle option along with the drums and lead guitar upgrade, which put them at a 7 piece on stage. They seem to be getting tighter and more comfortable together each time I’ve seen them play.. and that makes for great music.

Band of Heathens – Never fail to deliver. Not much to say here other than they met a very high expectation that I don’t put too many bands at. The amazing thing about that statement… they will hit it every single time. Love these guys.

Walt Wilkins – Cuts me deeper each time. Walt is guy that I don’t like to miss when he’s playing and admittedly I haven’t always “gotten” his songwriting style and playing. But over the past year or so each time I’ve seen him his art dives a little closer to my heart and this show was no exception.