In part two of our South By Southwest series, we’ll continue exploring the music and conversations we recorded at this year’s festival in Austin, Texas. We’ll begin by listening to solo/electronic artist, Anna Wise. Anna is a veteran of SXSW having performed in previous years with her pop group Sonnymoon, but this was her first year performing solo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4dDs-wIcMo
A second standout act of the night was Los Angeles folk/punk rockers, Girlpool, who performed to a massive crowd on the outdoor stage of Empire Garage in downtown Austin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDVviuyfQ18
Following Girlpool's set on the same stage was New York songwriter Julie Byrne, yet another musician who was so good that we ended up watching her perform a second time later in the week. Although there were some technical issues with the sound during her first set, she maintained her poise and delivered a beautiful performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM-VrkuMRLE
One thing we learned at SXSW this year is that in the midst of so much logistical chaos, you will often be surprised by frequent serendipitous encounters. An old friend of Songs From Studio C, Caitlin Jemma, happened to be at this year's festival and treated us to a conversation about the event as well as an impromptu performance alongside San Francisco songwriter, Evan Lanam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE2kBXasGLs
Our third day at the festival was spent mostly at the NPR Music Showcase, which was masterfully organized by Bob Boilen (pictured below). While waiting in line for the venue to open, we befriended and interviewed two journalists who had traveled all the way from Germany to discover new music.
