As a former Austin resident, South by Southwest (SXSW) was the fair I’d had mixed feelings about – event lines could be long, traffic is a nightmare and most of the time, you won’t even get in. Still, on more than a few occasions friends would drive down to visit me from Dallas and cram my tiny apartment. Whether I was working a full time job or doing press gigs during SXSW on the side, my friends were always eager to take in the global scene that occupied Austin during those two weeks.
In 2014 I watched Tyler the Creator get shut down by fire marshalls, escalating to a full on riot and in 2019 I saw the legendary Dungeon Family reunion. I’ve also hopped a dumpster to see a show by the Black Keys and Sonic Youth at Mohawk in 2012 (am I making that up? I honestly don’t know.).
More recently though, the 45 year running event has grown into a tech and film conference with live music showcases taking a smaller slice of the pie. This year I was still graced with a wonderful mix of the SX variety – an offbeat unofficial art fair (Satellite Ranch), a free headlining concert by sought after performers (JMSN at Empire Control Room and Garage, Snacktime at High Noon) and even an invitation-only, Texas ranch gathering (Changemakers Austin with LP Giobbi).
Read on for our top highlights.
Changemakers Austin | March 10
This intimate dinner at Carson Creek Ranch was the perfect SX kick-off mixer, bringing together creatives, donors, and supporters of Femme House, the arts organization established by music producer LP Giobbi.
Focused on creating opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the technical and behind the scenes areas of music, Femme House was established in 2019. Since then, the organization has made monumental strides in developing future producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives of the industry by providing education, scholarships and more. Celebrating the nonprofits’ milestones with dinner and conversation, LP beamed with gratitude while sharing peak accomplishments ahead of her busy week of SXSW shows. Held at Carson Creek Ranch, former site of the beloved Euphoria Music Festival, the countryside breeze and open sky were a welcome reprieve from the fast-paced energy of the city.
DJ Hipstir, stellar local DJ, founder of Babe ATX and mentee of Femme House provided uplifting, groovy house beats, a perfect backdrop to the days’ lovely weather and energy. Did we also mention that there was an incredible catered BBQ spread complete with beautiful desserts and baby goats to ‘awwwwe’ over?!
Thank you for the invitation, Femme House! Stay updated on all things Femme House and learn more to support their programs at thisisfemmehouse.com
JMSN at Empire Control Room & Garage | March 10
JMSN has long been an artist I’ve been trying to see, and I finally crossed the experience off my list. The usual course of action for a successful SXSW is to not get your hopes up on any one show, and to always have backups in case it doesn’t work out. This was a unique opportunity however, because not only did the set get lost in my event planner (my screenshots folder), but I was able to walk in without a line in sight! South By miracle indeed.
Pronounced ‘Jameson’, the 38 year old artist has been a leading force in contemporary R&B for over a decade. Having produced for global heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Kaytranada, Sango and more, his musical ingenuity and talent have rocketed him through celestial layers of stardom. The allure isn’t completely auditory, though – JMSN’s expressive dance moves and stage presence have made his live performances a sought after experience.
Emerging after a three year hiatus with his 8th album, ‘Soft Spot’, the crowd at Empire was treated to a mix of new and old, including ‘Sinner’, ‘So Badly’, and ‘Love Me’.
Satellite Ranch | March 7-15th
No artist collective is doing it like Satellite. The NYC based gallery has been hosting major city fairs across North America and after laying claim to a successful run of ‘satellite’ fairs and pop-ups, eyes landed on Austin, TX during SXSW. Satellite Art Show Assistant Director Brittany Wherry hails from Houston, and spent her core years in Austin. For her, Satellite’s return to Austin was a personal endeavor, making it no wonder Satellite Ranch manifested into such a strange and beautiful reality.
Located just off the east side, 10 acres of the inconspicuous ranch feature decades of hand carved indigenous sculptures and towering pecan trees. For years locals have strained their necks to get a look at the eye-catching property, as it has mostly remained closed to the public for events, just the way the owner likes it. But the perfect circumstances came to life when Brittany Wherry and founder of Satellite Art Show Brian Andrew Whiteley were granted permission to host their art fair – the ranch’s first public event in over 40 years. Individual structures on the Ranch were taken over to express different artistic statements while allowing space to process, reflect and re-emerge with a changed perspective or impact. With this in mind, Satellite brought its absolute best to the table – from the strange and wonderful (Eris Terra, Chomberton, Brian Andrew Whiteley’s Clown Clubhouse, Courtney Cone) to the global repercussions of war and bigotry (Phil Buehler, Corinne Loperfido, Don’t Shoot Portland), Satellite didn’t miss the opportunity to incorporate the importance of play, performance and community either.
From experimental sets curated by Weird Music Night and Between Booking (Princess Superstar, Kučka, TC Superstar) to theatrical puppet performances by Dusty Joy, Ky Why & NPR Tiny Desk darlings Fragile Rock (side note of special credit to Brittany Wherry for these special bookings), Satellite was our favorite experience of SXSW!
Snacktime | March 12
Known for neighborhood block parties, their signature wall of funk mosh pits and an insatiable lust for decadent eats, Philadelphia band Snacktime are forging a divine path to love and unity through dance music.
After spending time in New Orleans to celebrate the Eagles Superbowl victory and mixing in their own street performances, SXSW was a perfect segway into the bands’ week of pop-up shows. Hosted by Ilegal Mezcal and Paste Magazine, we arrived just in time for their first daytime dance party at High Noon. The 7 piece alternative funk/rock group brought their contagious energy to a hot and crowded dance floor, drawing attendees into the world of Snacktime.
As the set progressed, newcomers became fans quickly, singing along to the choruses and even making friends and dancing with their neighbors. It was a perfect vibe for the long week ahead, a carefree yet energizing performance that left many lingering side-stage to give their praises before the band headed off to the next gig. If you’ve yet to experience a Snacktime set, it’s never too late to catch on. Follow what they’re up to by checking them out on your favorite streaming service and view upcoming tour dates here.
Honorary mentions:
Breakfast tacos at El Tacorrido
Frozen Mexican Martinis & Brisket Sandos at Chalmers Rollin Smoke
White Chocolate Miso Matcha Iced Lattes from Desnudo Coffee
Staying cool at Cosmic Pickle, Swim Club
Mirror selfies at Side Bar
Steak & escargot at Justine’s Brasserie
Ar-Modelos at La Perla
Late-late nights at Electric Church
