Kanye West at SXSW?!?

Kanye West at SXSW?  The rumor mill has begun.  This mysterious video was posted on YouTube earlier today.  The word is that Yeezy will play the VEVO party at the Seaholm Power Plant on Saturday, March 19th .  Donewaiting says the rumor might be legit.  I sure hope so!

Muzzle of Bees Backyard BBQ

The folks over at Muzzle of Bees have announced the details for their SXSW Backyard BBQ. Free beer and BBQ!

RSVP to sxswbackyardbbq@gmail.com.

Conflict of Interest Party SXSW

This looks like a good way to start off SXSW 2011.  Free booze and books!  RSVP here.

Wu-Tang Clan & More To Play Village Voice SXSW Party

Carrie Brownstein of Wild Flag

Wow.  The lineup has been announced for the Village Voice Media Party and it's a crazy one.  The line up this year, featuring Wu-Tang, Fishbone, Trae the Truth, Yelawolf, Rocky Business, Trouble Andrew, Marz Lovejoy and a DJ set by Eryka Badu, is heavy on the hip-hop, a stark contrast to the line up last year.  Indie super group Wild Flag, featuring members of Sleater-Kinney, Helium and Quasi, and Austin's own indie sweethearts Ume will add some indie flavor to the show. 
The Houston Press website has more information. 

Other Music Showcase at the French Legation

I love the French Legation parties because they take place in such a pleasant atmosphere.  All lush and green and overlooking downtown Austin.  What more can you ask for?  An amazing lineup?  You got it.  Both days feature heavy hitters like Ted Leo, James Blake, Low, Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger (featuring Sean Lennon), and a ton more. 

KEXP Live Broadcasts

The badass indie radio station KEXP will, once again, be broadcasting live from SXSW this year.  The event features a ton of good bands and will take place at Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop on Nueces over a three-day period.

Check out the lineup:


Wednesday, March 16th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ The Head and the Heart
2:30pm ‒ Yuck
4:30pm ‒ Grouplove
6:30pm ‒ Wild Flag
Thursday, March 17th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ Charles Bradley
2:30pm ‒ O.M.D.
4:30pm ‒ The Black Angels
6:30pm ‒ The Joy Formidable
Friday, March 18th Performances (Austin time)
12:30pm ‒ Steve Wynn & The Miracle Three
2:30pm ‒ Violens
4:30pm ‒ Jessica Lea Mayfield
6:30pm ‒ John Vanderslice

Popantipop Sea Now Party

This three-day party looks like a blast.  The lineup is insane.

(lineup)
She Wants Revenge, A Place to Bury Strangers, The Twilight Sad, Amusement Parks on Fire, Art Vs. Science, Miniature Tigers, Great Northern, Bear Hands, Billy Harvey, Veto, The Stripminers, Bright Futures, Vanaprasta, The Good Natured, BRAHMS, The Hundred Days, Cloud Control, Hooray for Earth, Snowden, Yourself and the Air, Sherlock's Daughter, The Californian, The Photo Atlas, Carsick Cars, Blonde Summer, Saint Motel, Twilight Sleep, Simon Says No!, Taxi Cab Racers, Rooftop Revolutionaries, Exene Cervenka (acoustic).


RSVP

Axis of Audio SXSW Party

Axis of Audio and Knuckle Rumbler Party!  Great lineup. 

RSVP

Paste SXSW Party.

There have been a whole lot of party announcements in the last couple of days (no Fader Fort, yet).  I will try to put up the ones that I find interesting.
Paste magazine has announced their party and lineup.  The event, which takes place on Wednesday, March 16th and Thursday, March 17th at The Stage on 6th, features some great artists and fun giveaways.   

Wednesday, March 16th:  Eisley, Sondre Lerche, Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, Kopecky Family Band, Lord Huron, Matthew & the Atlas, Lost in the Trees, Jeremy Messersmith, Trampled by Turtles, Keegan Dewitt, The Civil Wars, The Wealthy West, Futurebirds, TV Torso and Ponderosa.

Thursday, March 17th:  J Mascis, The Submarines, David Wax Museum, John Vanderslice, Rural Alberta Advantage, Exene Cervenka, Kim Taylor, Sarah Jaffe, Luke Rathborne, Oryx & Crake, Nathaniel Rateliff, Seryn, Olof Arnalds and Dale Earnhart Jr. Jr.

RSVP for entry. 

The Strokes To Play Free SXSW Show

The Strokes, who are set to release their new album Angles on March 22nd, are playing a free show at Auditorium Shores on Thursday, March 17th. The show will be their first SXSW appearance in ten years.
Levis, the sponsor of the show, will make concert footage of the show available online the following day.
Exciting news, indeed!


- Alison Willis

I Guess I'm Floating/Flying Dog Party

I Guess I'm Floating announced the details about their annual SXSW party. The lineup looks great! Flying Dog is sponsoring the party, so I'm sure some of their delicious beer will be on hand. No RSVP needed. Details and full lineup can be found here.


- Alison Willis

SxSeattle Party Details Announced

SxSeattle has announced the details for their annual SXSW party. Lineup, details and RSVP info here.


- Alison Willis

Under the Radar Announces Day Parties

The indie mag, Under the Radar, has announced the lineup and set times for its two SXSW day parties this year.  The day parties, which take place at Flamingo Cantina, boast stellar lineups, with Atlas Sound making its only SXSW appearance on Thursday.  I suggest getting there early to ensure entrance.

The Lineup:  
Thursday
(12:00) Violens
(12:45) The Dodos
(1:35) Yuck
(2:25) Anna Calvi
(3:15) Lord Huron
(4:05) The Dears
(5:00) Atlas Sound

Friday
(12:00) Porcelain Raft
(12:45) Hooray for Earth
(1:35) Owen Pallett
(2:25) Surfer Blood
(3:15) Telekinesis
(4:45) Menomena
(5:00) Okkervil River

Yours Truly/Bella Union Party

I love the parties at The French Legation museum over on the east side. The lush, green lawn makes for a good party atmosphere. It looks like there are free tacos and beer, as well as a great lineup.

-Alison Willis

IFC Crossroads House SXSW 2011

The Independent Film Channel will be setting up headquarters in Austin for SXSW 2011.  Last year, the IFC Crossroads House hosted some great bands and events. 

You can sign up for a wristband here.

BAMM.tv Offers Up a Trio of Free SXSW Shows

 

BAMM.tv, a specialty music and video streaming subscription service, is hosting three different parties at SXSW 2011.  Each party features an open bar and some good music.  The parties are free and open to the public, but you must RSVP to gain entrance.  

BAMM.tv Fan Appreciation Party at the Palm Door

Saturday, March 19th

RSVP 

BAMM.tv Official App Launch & Music Showcase at the Palm Door

Friday, March 18th

RSVP 

BAMM.tv Presents: Hollerado's Nacho House at the Beauty Bar

Thursday, March 17th

RSVP 

Invisible Children: Silver Series

This looks really cool.  A ton of good artists will be doing some acoustic busking on the streets during SXSW throughout the festival.  Donations will help efforts to end the 25 year war in East Africa.  Some of the performances will be filmed by the awesome La Blogotheque. 

Check out the lineup here.
 

Sonicbids Official Party

The RSVP link is up for the official Sonicbids party happening at Maggie Mae's on Friday, March 18th.  Some of the bands playing include The Seedy Seeds and The Jezebels.  This is an official party, so I don't know if you need a wristband or badge in addition to your RSVP. 
For RSVP and lineup info click here.

Tiger Mountain & Noise Pop Party

The folks over at Tiger Mountain and Noise Pop have announced their Brooklyn vs. The Bay party.  The show is happening Wednesday, March 16th at the Red Eyed Fly and will feature two stages chocked full of good bands.  It looks like there will be free Trumer Pils beer and Smoking Loon wine.
No RSVP link, but it looks like you need to send an email to sxsw@noispop.com to get on the list.

Update:  the email address doesn't seem to be working.  I will update when it is working.  

Village Voice Showdown at SXSW

 

This one is actually free (no wristbands or badges required).  So far Wild Flag is the only band announced, with more TBA.  Last year this party featured a good lineup, so I'm sure the bands will be good for this one as well.  

Cheers!

New Zealand Party at SXSW

  

This was a fun one last year.  I really enjoyed Surf City and The Ruby Suns.  Free booze and Liam Finn!  (Note:  I think you need a wristband or a badge to get in, even with a RSVP)

Mexican Summer x Gorilla vs Bear party

Gorilla vs Bear and Mexican Summer have announced their party/showcase at Klub Krucial on 6th Street (East of Emo's).  No set times have been announced yet.  The impressive day party lineup will include Shabazz, Palaces, White Denim, Cass McCombs, The Fresh & Onlys, Star Slinger, The Soft Moon, Lia Ices and Grimes.  There is also free beer while it lasts!  The night portion of the event is an official showcase with wristbands required to attend.  The lineup for that:  Nite Jewel, Tamaryn, Games, Toro y Moi, Puro Instinct, No Joy, and Lower Dens. 

You can find more info about this event, plus free mp3's of the artists performing here.

Filter/Dickies SXSW Party

This one was super-fun last year. It looks like the lineup is pretty awesome this year as well. I think the evening portion is badges-only, but you can RSVP for the daytime festivities.

Radiohead Releasing New Album Saturday!

Surprise! First, Arcade Fire wins a Grammy for album of the year, and now this. Radiohead will release a digital version of their eighth album, "King of Limbs," on Saturday. No pay-what-you-want format this time. The MP3 version will set you back $9, with the WAV version priced at $14. For those who want a physical album, Radiohead offers a "newspaper album" package that includes two vinyl LP's, a CD version, 625 pieces of artwork, plus access to the digital version ($48 MP3, $53 WAV).

You can pre-order the digital and physical version here.


- Alison Willis

SCHED SXSW

Last year, I found SCHED, an interactive SXSW planning tool, to be invaluable for navigating SXSW. It not only includes all of the official stuff for SXSW Film, Interactive, and Music, but also tons of unofficial parties and events. You can create your own custom schedule for print out or view it on your mobile phone.

What are you waiting for? Get started here.

- Alison Willis

IODA Opening Day Bash

Beach Fossils

IODA Opening Day Bash
Emo's Annex
Wed. March 16th (12-6)

Lineup

(12 pm) Withered Hand
(12:20) Geographer
(12:45) Queen Sea Big Shark
(1:15). Fredrik
(1:45). Weekend
(2:30). Aphasia
(3:00). True Widow
(3:30). The Bewitched Hands
(4:15). Typhoon
(5:00). Beach Fossils
(5:30). Gold Panda


You can download a free sampler that includes all of the artists and find more information about the party here.

A useful guide to navigating SXSW

This Tumblr article by @wornwhite has a lot of useful SXSW info, including suggestions for compiling a killer party list and more. Check it out.

Worn White



- Alison Willis

Eat Your Own Ears @ The Mohawk

Cloud Control

This looks like a nice lineup.  Eat Your Own Ears is pairing with The Austinist and the Windish Agency to put on this show at the Mohawk.  Check it out.

Eat Your Own Ears Party
@ The Mohawk
Wed. March 16th
(12-6)

Featuring:  Cloud Nothings, Cloud Control, Givers, Foster the People, Royal Bangs, The Holidays, Twin Shadow, Hanni El Khatib, Huw Stephens DJ Set.

Check out the EYOE site for more info. 

Gowalla Party at SXSW

The Austin-based company, Gowalla, has just announced their annual SXSW party.  It's happening on Monday, March 14th at The Belmont with special guests Matt & Kim and Flosstradamus.

Details:
See The World With Gowalla
Monday, March 14th
The Belmont
(9pm-midnight) 

RSVP 

Windish Party at SXSW

Twin Shadow

It looks like the Windish Agency has announced the lineup and date for their annual SXSW party.  As usual, the lineup is amazing!  Emo's will be packed to the gills, so i suggest getting there early if you want to get in.  As always, the event is free.  Thanks to the awesome Austin blog Ultra8201 for sharing the details for this event.

The Windish Agency's 6th Annual Austin Day Party
Friday, March 18th
Emo's (noon-6) 

Lineup: 

Twin Shadow, Toro y Moi, The Naked and Famous, Givers, Friendly Fires, Foster the People, Esben and the Witch, The Chain Gang of 1974, Cults, BRAIDS

Filter Announces Details for SXSW 2011 Party

The folks over at Filter have announced the line-up for their three-day party at Cedar Street Courtyard.  Once again, there will be free BBQ while it lasts, along with an amazing line-up of artists, including Surfer Blood, Cults, and Phantogram.  This is always a fun party.  RSVP for entry.  It fills up fast, so get their early to guarantee entry (and free BBQ!). 

Back For The Attack

After a brief hiatus I am back.  It's that time of year again:  SXSW madness!  This will be my last SXSW  as a resident of Austin, so I plan on living it up.  Once again, I will be scouring the web for parties and the must-see bands at SXSW 2011.  It's mid-February and the announcements are just starting to trickle in.  SXSW 2011 is upon us! 

Here we go!