SXSW Production Volunteer Coordinator James Shinault, an ex-Hoosier who has a degree in Music Business Administration, is also a classically trained percussionist specializing in Steel Pan and Marimba.

He has a deaf Boston Terrier that he trained with hand signals, doesn’t eat vegetables, and loves “crappy” reality TV.

He also loves the following acts – or at least I hope he does since they comprise his most interesting Pick Three.

Avatar: Avatar is straight adrenaline pumping, heart racing, make you wanna scream until your lungs give out Metal. Some of the best Sweden has to offer.

Nicole Atkins: I have been listening to Nicole Atkins for about two years now and it has been awesome to see her career develop. She has one of the most unique voices that calls forth that deep raw emotion that none since Joplin herself have been able to do. Her career has only gotten bigger since signing to Columbia and doing performances on Letterman and Conan.

Space City Gamelan: The Gamelan is an Indonesian Orchestral, mostly percussion, tradition that is absolutely amazing when done well. Space City Gamelan does it more than well. Expect to be moved by the musicianship and sheer talent of this intriguing group from Houston.

Now is the time when insolent people go to rest. It’s time to wrap things up for the night at the ol’ SXSW orifice. I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s choices. We return tomorrow with bright smiling faces and loads more interestingness. Feed the reader here. Be good to one another. Be good to the night, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: February 25th, 2008 under Linda Park, Pick 3, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

Darin Klein, a dude who likes tough looking black rock t-shirts, is of SXSW. It’s impossible to tell what department he works in. All of them, I think. Klein started as a sales intern in ‘94 (which means I have known him nearly 14 years. Damn).

A Los Angeles transplant, he has two dogs, Uma (pictured, isn’t she sweet?) and Sancho.

Darin loves everybody.

He especially loves his Pick Three choices…

Christopher Denny: I saw this kid from Arkansas play a few months ago. He was wearing overalls. His voice is kinda like Roy Orbison meets Lefty Frizzell, and you don’t really hear so much of that these days.

Descartes a Kant: There’s this amazing indie scene in Mexico just waiting to break out. Alejandro Franco from Warp magazine (Mexico) turned me on to this quartet from Guadalajara. They are like Mr Bungle, the Locust and Yeah Yeah Yeahs scoring an Alice in Wonderland psycho freak party.

Ice Cube: Cube was my favorite rapper growing up. I used to play Death Certificate very loudly while working at my high school convenience store job. They made me turn it off.

You are awesome for reading! Hope you’re enjoying your time here at the SXSW music blog. One more Pick Three heading your way tonight and more this week with Jim James of My Morning Jacket (like how I managed to mention them in every post today? They should pay me or something), the fabulous Andrew Loog Oldham and Austin fave Colin Gilmore. Other fun stuff coming up… LP Questionnaires wtih James Montgomery of MTV News, Bob Cowsill, and Jacob Golden. We are busy as bees over here! Email honey to musicblog@sxsw.com. I get disrupted, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: February 25th, 2008 under Linda Park, Pick 3, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

Parker Gispert might be one of the greatest names ever. I want to be friends with this guy just so I can say it a lot. In addition to having a rad name, Gispert’s also quite the little cutie (Phoebe at ATO and I have discussed this at length), and I’m really looking forward to catching the band at the sure to be stellar MMJ/Yo La Tengo/Whigs show.

I feel a bit guilty about reducing talented bands to the base level of cute (I write this thing like I’m 13 again, what can I say), so please check out the most excellent musical side of The Whigs via their video for “Right Hand on My Heart” here.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, The LP Questionnaire…

Name: Parker Gispert
Pro Wrestling Name: Admiral Death

Pretend you’re 15 (and tell us what year it is, if you don’t mind). Name three songs you’d put on a mix tape for your girlfriend/boyfriend.
1997. Brimful of Asha (Cornershop), Skinned (Blind Melon), 2 Become 1 (Spice Girls)

Which evil villain would make the best president? Jaws (the shark, not the Bond character)

What was your favorite cartoon as a child? Beavis and Butthead. It is a crime that the videos have been omitted from the DVD collection.

What superpower do you wish you had? Beaming myself / our equipment places (Star Trek style). This is a daily thought I have while driving the van to shows.

What would the title of your autobiography be? Now That I’m Drunk and Have You Cornered… Let Me Tell You About Myself For The Next 600 Pages

Pick Three

Centro-matic: The prolifacy of Will Johnson makes wonder what the hell I do in my 24 hour day.

Wax Fang: My favorite band on the planet. Can’t wait to get my face melted by these dudes.

Elf Power: In A Cave is set to come out about a week after the festival. Hopefully we’ll get a sneak preview of the goodness Andrew Rieger is about to unleash.

Thanks, Parker! I heart Wax Fang, too! That was fun, eh? I’m off in search of food. More good times coming in a bit. A bevy of LP Questionnaires can be found here. I’m listening to Possum Dixon (they’re not playing), but I love them, anyway. Email burritos to musicblog@sxsw.com. Stop, shoot and fade, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: February 25th, 2008 under LP Questionnaire, Linda Park, Pick 3, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none

Mike Martinovich manages the best band in the world (My Morning Jacket). Okay, Mike Martinovich manages some of the finest bands in the world (My Morning Jacket, Flight of the Conchords, and Elvis Perkins in Dearland, to name a few).

Mike is a memorable character and you should for sure sign up for his Mentor Session. Spend ten minutes with the man! Your life will be changed forever! That’s what happened to me!

Mike was kind enough to do the Pick Three…

(He also subjected himself to The LP Questionnaire, once upon a time.)

Centro-Matic: I’ve been a fan of Will’s music for years and very much look forward to seeing him in all his splendor this year in Austin.

Todd Barry: Todd is the master of all things that don’t matter. The “God” of small things? Maybe. But definitely the Dawg of small thangs!

The Brother Kite: I’ve enjoyed this Providence band on album for a while and haven’t had a chance to see them live yet. Beautiful orchestrations, great pop-sensibilities…..looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

Happy Monday, kiddos. I’ll be serving up Parker Gispert from The Whigs this afternoon. He’ll make a fine addition to your lunch. Keep up with all the Pick Three fun here. Email love stories to musicblog@sxsw.com. Morning muffin, lp

Original post by LP

Posted: February 25th, 2008 under Panels, Linda Park, Pick 3, Music Festival, Latest News.
Comments: none