Wednesday – SXSW 2010 – The Music Begins

Here are some pics from the day. More video to come.

Nico and Neal

Then I hit a few panels. This one is called 1000 Digital Tools and Strategies.

This one was about crowdfunding your music with contributions from fans.

At the the Paste Party – Okkervil River playing with the legendary Roky Erickson.

Then it was Frightened Rabbit, hot band from Scotland.

The evening came, and it was time or showcases. I got into Stubbs after a short wait in line. The lineup: Sharon Jones, Broken Bells (features James Mercer of the Shins and DJ Danger Mouse) and Spoon. Unfortunately, I got there late and missed the Walkmen. All three put on great shows. Sharon Jones had an energetic performance, what a talent. Broken Bells has some really good songs, and the set had an experimental quality, but lacked energy. Spoon just continues to get better and better, if that is even possible. Every show I see, I detect a new maturity and focus. This show was executed to perfection. The dark quality of some of the songs (and the stage lighting) was offset by the dance-y back beats. Really innovative.