Every year before South by Southwest, I take time out to sit down and sort through all the bands I have befriended on MySpace, visit various websites such as www.showlistaustin.com and Red Gorilla Festival, and make a calendar of all the free shows I want to see.
This normally follows with me printing out this list so that I have a schedule of where I need to be during the week, but of course, when the week finally rolls around, this schedule ends up staying in my bag.
While I did catch some bands that were originally on this schedule, the majority of bands I saw this year were discovered as I was walking down Sixth Street and was intrigued by what I heard. So, without further ado, here is a list of bands not on my schedule, but that I was fortunate enough to see.
Jacob Jefferies Band: This 19 year-old performs like he has been a professional for years. His soulful, bluesy pop tunes remind me of a younger, hipper Randy Newman. The CD I received does not do his live show justice. He's definitely one to watch.
Melismatics: I overheard these guys and gal while I was walking past Nuno's On Sixth. The synth rock-pop ensemble had a hard edge to them, but with hints of disco. They have a CD being released in the upcoming months.
The Hanks: This band is fun. They have definitely improved their sound since the last album "Your New Attraction," and since they have been working with Lior (Audioslave, Alanis Morissette) for the recently released album "Distance."
Angie Mattson: This singer performed very simple songs using an acoustic guitar, accompanying rhythm melodies, and her heartfelt voice. This set would have been perfect if it was not so hot outside.
Astra Heights: Oh man, do the girls love Astra Heights! This five-piece, consisting of four brothers and an honorary brother, reminds me of Queen with a touch of The Beatles. Having been raised in a musical bloodline, this band definitely knows how to write some addictive rock-pop.
The Forward: I got to the venue for The Hanks early and got to catch this band. I'm so glad I did because these guys were great.
Oliver Future: I saw these guys at a house party on the East Side. So, I was not surprised when the cops shut them down during the last song. It was great while it lasted, though. Still, I'm ready for some new tunes from them.
Colin Herring: Listening to country folk songs from Colin Herring and his father on the pedal steel provided a satisfying break. Due to time constraints, I did not catch the entire set, but it was a nice refresher from the overwhelming selection of rock bands performing.
The Frontier Brothers: The first day of SXSW, no one could overlook each member of this band walking down Sixth Street wearing vibrant-colored spandex bodysuits. This helped differentiate them from everyone else because once they were onstage, people surrounded them to see what they were all about. Their music is very theatrical space-opera with the Bowie-inspired suits.
Fleet Foxes: I interviewed this Seattle band in 2005, so when I saw they were touring in this direction to play an official showcase, I stopped by to say hello. Recently signed to Sub Pop Records and praised by Pitchfork with an 8.7 review rating, this band will soon become a favorite among the indie crowd with their church hymnal harmonies and baroque style.
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