Performing Songwriter Sponsors
Three Events at the 2008 SXSW Music Conference!

By Abby White

SXSW, the official Spring Break for the music industry, grows bigger and more out of control each year, and that’s why we love it. While I’ll join the rest of the attendees in a mass apology to Austin for the rubble of fliers, beer cans, BBQ plates, etc. that are hopefully cleaned up by now, let’s look back on some of the fun times we had! [Note: for those of who you feel left out because this seems like some sort of exclusive industry event, the unofficial side of SXSW increases every year, so maybe you can fit it into your travel plans next year.]

On Wednesday Performing Songwriter kicked things off by joining our friends at Organic Entertainment, September Gurl Music Public Relations, Audio-Technica and SMtv for “Good For You Music” at Threadgill’s. With sets from Lowry, Romantica, American Bang, Imaginary Johnny, KaiserCartel, Samantha Murphy, Jukebox the Ghost, and Steve Poltz, everyone was entertained and well fed well into the early evening. If you want to see more behind-the-scenes action, we filmed some pretty hilarious stuff, courtesy of SMtv and Digital Freedom. Check out the episode at smtvmusic.com

On Thursday we skipped from day party to day party in a never-ending quest of free food and free beer. We pushed our way through the crowd to see Hanson at the DirecTV taping (thank you to Paki for getting us in!), and I’d like to report that they are as drool-worthy as ever. The highlight of the day was definitely the amazing Hotel Café show, where we joined our friends from the famed tour (inspired by the equally regarded L.A. venue) at the Parish for a night of brilliant music. The show started early at 7, and the line was already down the street. For those who care, we stood directly behind Perez Hilton. No, we didn’t talk to him. The lineup included stellar artists such as Greg Laswell, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Joshua Radin (who caused a stampede of young ladies to the stage), Priscilla Ahn, and tour founder Cary Brothers, and it was absolutely one of the must-see shows of the night.

Friday came way too early, but luckily Performing Songwriter helped sponsor the Next Big Nashville Booze, Bands & Biscuits party to make it a little easier. Held at the palatial Tap Room at Six Lounge, the event featured Nashville’s finest, including Justin Townes Earle, Paper Route, American Bang, the Clutters, Caitlin Rose and Garrison Starr. Several of our favorite gear companies, including Mackie, Audio-Technica, Martin Guitar, Paige Musical Products, Elixir, X-Tempo and ToonTrack, gave out prizes to the audience. Oh, and did I mention the fabulous biscuit bar with jams from Nashville’s famous Loveless Café? It was a nice break from the BBQ. After jumping in to several events to say hi, we settled in at the Spin party at Stubbs, where we watched the uber-hyped Vampire Weekend (sorry, not impressed) and pushed to the front for X, who showed everyone how it’s really done. Speaking of drool-worthy, John Doe. I think you know what my highlight of Saturday was!

Saturday morning also came way too early, but luckily our friends at bluhammock records had a wonderful brunch to welcome the day. We also caught Val Emmich and Jim Boggia while perched on the Iron Cactus patio, enjoying Cactus Juice and waffles. It doesn’t get much better than that. We also ran by the Beauty Bar to attempt to catch a glimpse of Rachael Ray at her Feedback event, but we settled for some delicious sliders her staff had prepared and watched Scissors for Lefty in what was by far the most crowded party we’d attended that week. We also visited our friends from MPress Records, where we caught the incomparable Jay Clifford and the hostess herself, Rachael Sage, who put on an amazing set despite a recent bout with pneumonia.

It was great to see you all, and we can’t wait until next year!