R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe performs at the Apollo (not SXSW — sorry, we didn't have a photo op).
photo by Jane Stockdale
SXSW08: SXSW, the buffet
March 16, wrap-up, in Austin
By Erik Adams
Published: March 17th, 2008 | 9:45am
Imagine that you're standing at the end of the world's longest buffet. This thing puts to shame any gustatory gauntlet to come before it: It's a few miles long and as such the amount of food available is mind-boggling. Chefs of various levels of renown and skill have come to offer their wares at the buffet, and while some stand idly by, assuming that you'll taste their stuff just because of who they are, the hungriest, youngest chefs are getting in your face and shoving free samples in your hand.
They've made sure to secure several spots of service, some of which aren't on the main thoroughfare. You notice a sign that says just because you have a plate, that doesn't mean you'll get to eat everything you want. You also notice that not everyone's plate is the same size. Snippets of conversation from the other people in line start to reach your ears.
"Oh, you've gotta try this," one person says.
"Forget that, go for this," another one retorts.
Another voice pipes up, "That chef's way past her prime! But this Brooklyn chef … "
"That Brooklyn chef stole everything from this British chef."
"Fuck off, you're only saying that because you work for that chef."
"Who cares? The best stuff is all recycled."
Mind you, many of these people are totally wasted.
Hesitantly, you reach for a plate. There's so much going on around you, you're unsure that you can even hold onto it.
Where are you going to go? What are you going to eat? And how are you going to fit it all onto one plate?
It's an absolutely ridiculous scenario, but that's kind of what it's like going to SXSW. There's no way you're going to see everything you want to see in such a relatively short span of time, and that's before you start to factor in venue capactiy, distance between venues, etc. If you try too hard, you're going to drive yourself nuts.
Yeah, you've got to see all the next big things and acts that actually became big things and are just down in Austin because the record label's worried their last few records have alienated the fanbase (sorry, R.E.M.). But you've also got to keep in mind the advice Venus Zine Editor-in-Awesome Amy Schroeder gave me when I told her I wanted to write two full updates a day: “Just make sure to have fun.” We're not curing cancer here, folks. We're attending a music festival. Lighten up.
And I did have fun. I saw some great sets by emerging and not-so-emerging artists. I witnessed at least two next big things thanks to Nana Grizol and Los Campesinos! (who would do well to tour together). I'm pretty sure I saw Jens Lekman ascend to a new level of notoriety. I really hope people start paying more attention to Constantines. It's a thrill to get to see performances like these, which could signal a shift in public tastes or just prove to be a smooth patch of road on a long ride into obscurity.
Exhausting, but well worth it. I'm not sure how long it'll be until I can hear the words "live music" without feeling a little trembling in my tummy. Probably only a few days.
—
Read venuszine.com's SXSW08 coverage here:
SXSW08: Kimya Dawson wants to know if her crowd is OK
SXSW08: Lou Reed's got a degree in dope
SXSW08: Jens Lekman the saving grace of a disappointing lineup
SXSW08: Standing in line just part of the experience
SXSW08: She & Him, Portastatic lead Merge showcase
SXSW08: Don't need Explorer's Club's good vibrations
SXSW08: Arts & Crafts showcase draws kids of all ages
Issue #29
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