I know SXSW was two months ago…
In preparing to attend the South by Southwest music festival, a major decision must be made. To drop $500 or so on an official badge, or to do what you can to enjoy the week for free. As a poor college student, the choice was obvious. Meticulous planning left me with a notebook full of dates, and times to get the most out of my week.
Luckily for me, I had an in. As an intern for the past few years with Bloomington, Indiana record labels Secretly Canadian, Dead Oceans and Jagjaguwar, it was time for payback. It came in the form of a access to their official SXSW showcase. But only after being given the secret password via text message from label owner, Chris Swanson. My next step was to head into the alley and greet the backdoor bouncer with the password—”Busch mills”. Seriously.
Highlights of the evening included Lia Ices, Small Black, Cave Singers, and the surprise guest, Minnesota super-group, Gayngs. One off-stage highlight for me was lending a dollar to Justin Vernon of Gayngs and Bon Iver fame. Sometimes rock stars really need an extra dollar to pay for two Lone-Stars and a package of ear plugs.
Many hours, and many Lone-Stars later, I ran into a former boss from back home in Chicago. He introduced me to his friend Mike Reed. I pretended to be unfazed by this introduction, but under the surface I was bubbling with giddiness. I finally broke down and confessed to Reed that he was a hero of mine. His response? “You need to get out more.” After too enthusiastically expressing both professional and musical admiration for him I quickly ended the conversation as any college student with a drink ticket burning a hole in her pocket would—”I’m gonna go grab another beer! Bye!”
