Combat Rock Promotion

Now twenty years strong, this year’s South By Southwest Music Festival was without a doubt the biggest and best ever. Unofficially dubbed the “Spring Break for the Music Industry,” SXSW is, in the words of Linkin Park Manager Rob McDermott, “A time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.” Amen, brother. On that note, it was great seeing all of you there. There was so much love in the city of Austin, Texas, that it served as a constant reminder of why we got into this business in the first place. It’s about the music, no doubt. There was so much to see, so much to do, and so many people to hang with, that I could fill this entire website mentioning it all. To save space, I’ll just give you the bullet points: First off, the best show of the festival (and the best show I’ve seen in a very long time) was the secret surprise show by the Beastie Boys. They kicked it old school to a capacity crowd at Stubb’s. Tight rhymes over tight beats provided by the ace DJ Mixmaster Mike put a smile on my face the size of Texas. Sippin beer, scarfing down BBQ and rocking out to the Beasties- it doesn’t get any better than that! MAJOR props go out to the man who can, Beasties manager John Silva, for hooking me up. Definitely one of the good guys in this biz. Other kick ass sets were enjoyed by The Hourly Radio (Dallas boys on Kirtland Records, lablemates of Bril, who have a bit of a new wave sound are are KILLING it in the UK right now), Rocco Delucca (an intense new star who evokes Jeff Buckley and Gavin Degraw). The stoner rock stylings of Australia’s Wolfmother. These guys are unbelievable! It’s like they got into the Austin Powers time machine from the 70s and landed here. (Special thanks goes out to Interscope A&R guru, and all around nice guy, Luke Wood who got my girlfriend into the show). Other highlights: Lady Sovereign (like a female version of the Streets, signed by Jay Z!!), the Arctic Monkeys (definitely deserving of the hype), Nightmare of You (a terrific new band), AM (great LA local artist), Nine Black Alps (tight UK rockers, also courtesy of the aforementioned A&R gentleman Luke Wood), the Subways (cool gritty rock), the Cribs (raw power pop from Fenway Recordings’ ace Manager/label Prez Mark Kates), and of course, two amazing sets by Combat Rock Promotion clients Mighty Six Ninety (who are amazing with the addition of female keyboardist Camille) and Oslo (who tried out some new songs and had me rolling with their between-song banter-- “don’t fucking mess with Texas!”). Best parties: the Australian Music Collective BBQ, the Levi’s/Fader party, IHeartComix, Vice Magazine, and ALL events at the Red Bull House. With 5 nonstop days packed tighter than a New York City subway at rush hour, there was literally no time for sleeping. It was all about music, laughing with friends and chowing down on great food 24-7.........and that’s how we like it. I’d like to extend a hearty thanks to the people of the city of Austin who were loving, patient and gracious hosts to all us Industry folk invading their town this week. You made me feel welcome, and for that I am grateful. See you all there next year!