Cardinal Arts Editors Riley Beggin and Jaime Brackeen’s preview this year’s SXSW
Besides the beer and barbecue, there are far too many things to look forward to at this year’s SXSW music, film and interactive festival in Austin, Texas. Our film columnist and beloved reporter David Cottrell is already down in Austin as Jaime and I make our way along the 20-hour trek to the festival, taking in the incredible independent film SXSW has to offer.
A crowd favorite from this weekend was “Safety Not Guaranteed,” a film starring Aubrey Plaza, from “Parks and Recreation,” that is about three magazine employees who pursue an interview with a man seeking a companion for time travel. Another film getting a ton of buzz is “The Cabin in the Woods,” the brainchild of Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. It promises to break from the basic cabin-in-the-woods horror concept and scare the shit out of you in a completely new and fascinating way. Expect more from Dave throughout the rest of the week.
Jaime and I, however, will be primarily attending musical acts, most of which have me giggling absurdly and doing embarrassing little dances in public in anticipation. I have been a fan of Santigold’s raw, feminine-but-grimy sound practically since I began listening to music, and I will finally have the chance to see her live Tuesday, March 13. The latest release of Kendrick Lamar blew my socks off, and he will also be performing on Tuesday. Other shows I plan on attending are Poliça, Delta Spirit, SBTRKT, Andrew Bird, Astronautalis, Girls, Fanfarlo, Dessa, M. Ward, Youth Lagoon and The Shins. The music cannot start soon enough.
In addition to the music, SXSW has plenty of incredible panels, speakers, meet-and-greets, workshops and day parties for us to attend. Follow @DCArtsDesk and keep reading The Daily Cardinal Arts page every day this week for our daily recaps, and check dailycardinal.com for more thorough reviews of specific acts.
—Riley Beggin
I am pee-my-pants excited for this journey to Austin, Texas.
As far as electronic music goes, I am probably most excited for SBTRKT and Bear in Heaven. SBTRKT (who will actually be at the Majestic on April 8) is an up-and-coming DJ from the UK whose unique music-box beats can both get you going and mellow things out.
NPR recently ran a feature on Bear in Heaven, whose album, I Love You, It’s Cool, comes out April 3. They are a more ambient chill-wave brand of electronic and the video for their released single “Reflection of You” is reminiscent of Kanye’s “All of the Lights” video in that it may induce seizures—but it’s still catchy.
One show I am for sure going to hit up is ScHoolboy Q. Though his lyrics are often egotistical and shallow, the indie samples that provide a background to his rhymes are catchy beyond belief. I also wish I could see Sleigh Bells, but alas—badge-holder’s only.
A wildcard show I hope to make it to is Electric Guest, whose single “This Head I Hold” got played about 50 times in the three days after I first listened to it. They don’t have much else out there for the public to listen to, but their stage presence looks totally captivating.
Band of Skulls, whose latest album Sweet Sour has been out for about a month, will also likely put on a good show. Their recent album is chock-full of heavy riffs and yearning vocals that are more music than lyrics, but in the best way possible.
—Jaime Brackeen
