SXSW Music News - The BBC Introducing Night…
So if last night was all about the Domino Records Party, than tonight has been all about the BBC Introducing Party (I mean, we would say that. But in this case we actually mean it). The event was staged to showcase some of the best, brand new acts around, many handpicked by DJ’s such as our very own Steve Lamacq (who compered the night itself).
The whole thing took place at Rio’s Bar and it was wall-to-wall highlights really. Florence & The Machine opened the night with a Cold War Kids cover and followed it with a rather enthusiastic set that culminated in Florence throwing herself into the ornamental pond in the corner of the venue. Next up new US group (and buddies of Arcade Fire) Wild Light did a very good impression of Win Butler fronting Talking Heads with a band made up of extras from the set of Mormon thriller movie Witness.
However, seemingly the whole of Texas crammed into the 500 capacity venue to check out MGMT. There were people on the tables, people on the chairs, people hanging off lampshades. People hanging off each other. The works. When they’re onstage the band themselves lose that half shy/half too-cool-for-school nonchalant demeanour (which can be a little off-putting in interviews) and become a hyper-confident, flame-nosed, pan-dimensional prog-rock, wildebeest. Easily one of the best shows of SXSW so far.
They are so hot right now.
Bits of festival gossip included The Rascals telling us that James Ford from Simian Mobile Disco spent the night in a jacuzzi wearing a pink all-in-one swimming costume (they also revealed they fancy calling their new album ‘Connery Dogging’), while elsewhere rumours were rife that ZZ Top (who come from Austin donchaknow) would be staging a surprise gig somewhere on 6th Street (which at time of writing remains beard-free) and I chatted to Pharrell Williams (who was just wandering round the streets casual as you like) and he told me he’s working on a new N.E.R.D. album (which sounds “energetic and emotional“) alongside some tracks with Madonna and Lupe Fiasco. BIG STARS. BIG NEWS.
Our regular (isn’t it nice we have this little routine?) collection of top music tips plucked from the grapevine of industry insiders include The Dodos from San Francisco (big fav of Mr Lamacq and tipped by Huw Stephens in this very blog just yesterday), Handsome Furs who proved a big hit at Canadian Music Week which just took place, another Canadian band Creature (who sound a bit like Alphabeat covering Radio 4) and if you’re into your lesbian hip-hop (and who can honestly put their hand on their heart and say they’re not) apparently its all about Yo Majesty (thanks Hue).
It may be 2am right now, but I’m off to risk life, limb and liver to watch Dan Le Sac and Scrobius Pip play on the roof of some venue somewhere.
As Jon Bon Jovi once said, “Until I’m six feet under, Baby I don’t need a bed, Gonna live while I’m alive, I’ll sleep when I’m dead…”
Wise words Jonathon. Wise words.
Matt
I wanted to know when I can listen to your DJ's reporting from South by South West Music Festival in Austin on BBC2.
Complain about this postI have not been able to get this info so far.
ps-don't like your new layout for your site. Should be easier to use fo above and other requests for info.
J Davies.
Sorry you don't like the layout. We're greatful for the comments and will certainly take your views into account for the next time.
There are details of all the shows in the post called "SXSW radio schedule". There's a link to this at the top of this page, in the right hand column.
Hope this helps
Complain about this postNo mention of I Was A Cub Scout? Did you not see them Matt?
Complain about this postAn 'editor' who can't even spell 'grateful'...what the hell????
Complain about this postAh, well spotted Joe. That was an Editor with SEVERE JETLAG! I am red-faced with shame. Normally I am punctuation-perfect... honest!
Clare
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