Here’s a ‘SXSW In The News’ moment that we’re a little sheepish about sharing. According to this Forbes article, we have some connection to Austin’s status as the hardest-drinking city in America.

No offense to the fine people of Forbes, but have y’all been up to Waco? I swear that most Waco-ites are drunk by noon, and their Dr. Peppers are doctored with vodka. I think Austin is more tolerant of sobriety than most of the rest of Texas, at least. Forbes’ local expert is noted mixologist Hunter Darby, who dressed up as a nun for Spoon’s ‘Sister Jack’ video. We love Hunter, but we question Forbes’ research methods.

Original post by andy

Posted: August 8th, 2008 under Music Blog.
Comments: none

Hi ho… Back again. Still getting used to this new blogging architecture we’ve got going on here.
If you’re new to the SXSW site, I’m Linda, I write about oh, well, whatever strikes my fancy which includes (but is not limited to) general music news, My Morning Jacket, Abba videos and, of course, my super fun feature The LP Questionnaire where cool people answer five dopey questions for our amusement.

If you get this via RSS and aren’t viewing at our new digs then this probably all sounds rather weird.

Now surely something’s been going on in the world in the week since our transition into SXSW ‘09 land. Something besides So You Think You Can Dance and Project Runway, that is…

M.I.A. responded to accusations of terrorism in a smart and classy way, saying, “I don’t support terrorism and never have. As a Sri Lankan that fled war and bombings, my music is the voice of
the civilian refugee. Frankly, I am not trying to start dialogue with
someone who is really just seeking self-promotion.” Off topic, but germane, I listen to “Paper Planes” every day.

Two nights ago Elvis Costello, The Police and Smokey Robinson all performed at The Apollo. Yet another legendary show I did not see. Humf.

Oh, but speaking of So You Think You Can Dance, indie songstress Mirah’s enchanting tune “Fruits of your Garden” moved 22k units after the SYTYCD Bump. I think that show could give Colbert a run for his money in terms of public influence. Mirah ought to send Sonya some flowers. That routine kicked ass, too.

That Jay-Z/Oasis feud is now at Jay-Z: 2. Oasis: 0.

And finally… Wolfmother broke up. Sort of.

Hope you’ve enjoyed today’s special ramblings. You can email us at musicblog@sxsw.com. We like emails. Send us pictures of wombats. We like wombats, too (but who doesn’t?!).

Toodle-oo, lp

Original post by Linda Park

Posted: August 7th, 2008 under Music Blog.
Comments: none

I’m back…

and I still love Neil Diamond…

Original post by lp

Posted: August 7th, 2008 under Music Blog.
Comments: none

SXSW’s online home has consulted the top interior designers, installed new curtains (they call them ‘window treatments’), hung some new pictures and moved the furniture around. Please come in and admire the changes. I was hoping they’d order an Eames Lounge Chair for me, but c’est la vie.

This spot on the music home page is where you’ll find all the new posts pertaining to the music conference and festival. Linda Park will check in often. Here’s something you might not know about Linda - she sat through the entire Teen Choice awards show the other night for her Velocity blog. That is true dedication to craft. I’ll be writing about Music Conference related matters, and the Daily Chord posts will show up here, too. Other voices will pop in as well. The idea is to give information about SXSW direct from the source, and to encourage you to attend and participate in our event. So hello again, come on inside. Please don’t track mud on the carpet.

Original post by andy

Posted: August 6th, 2008 under Music Blog.
Comments: none