The major problem at SXSW is the sheer volume of bands performing – if you can call that a problem. What ends up happening is the schedule you’ve mapped out for yourself is overloaded with artists all at the same time, in many different venues. You need to pick and chose the artists you really want to see, and if one them doesn’t work out, then you have others to fall back on. That’s sortof what happened last night.
I waited in line at Stubb’s BBQ to see Andrew Bird. I had heard great things about Andrew and his self-controlled loop building, his whistling and of course the huge spinning speakers behind him that gave off this great wah-wah effect. I was looking forward to this show! (I even met a fellow Ontarian, Keith, in line – we had a great chat about the South By event and how much fun we were having!)
Listening to Andrew Bird and checking the schedule on my Blackberry, I realize that I’m missing Blind Pilot. Coming to Austin and not seeing them would have been disappointing. So, I walked up the street to this little venue called Club DeVille, complete with outdoor loungers and sofas, grabbed a beer and waited for them to start.
The first thing I noticed about Blind Pilot is that there’s a female band member! I’ve listened to their record dozens of times and never knew there was a female in the band. (In fact, I’m listening to it right now and still don’t hear her) Doesn’t matter, she was cute and could she ever play the banjo! In addition to the banjo, there was a marimba, a double-bass and a trumpet. Such a great sound!
I love going to see great bands where I’m familiar with most of the songs. It really allows you to connect with the band and be a part of the show. I’m really happy I made the choice to move my schedule around and see them perform – It turned out to be a great night!
Here’s a short clip of the performance: