Let’s be clear, 1,500 artists at a festival in going to cause stress. Rather than FOMO, the idea is to embrace JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. This will assist in accepting that it’s a given, sets will be missed that festival goers would have loved to attend.
Tuesday 14 March saw the Music Festival at SXSW begin, and I headed north to Mohawk for the an afternoon of music supported by Marshall. The first point to be highlighted that attendees were given the choice of a free album – which with frankly incredible.
The day began with Noah and the Loners, the teenagers from the UK are already riding high with plenty of attention. The 4-piece showed no sign of any nerves as the opened today’s proceedings on Mohawk’s out door stage. Full of energy and including a full-on cover of ‘God Save The Queen’ there was simply no fear, just pure exhilarating joy from this band. Check out single ‘Protest Anger’ :
Next onstage were local band We Don’t Ride Llamas, the best named band of the day! Being at SXSW I wanted to try and experience bands I wouldn’t necessarily get to see live and that was today was mostly about. Playing their music obviously means everything to this band. Lead singer Max Mitchell was emotional at various points and spoke volumes to the power of music.
New York’s Sunflower Bean increased the noise levels and rocked out. The trio took to the stage and were so enticing to the crowd, full of swagger and confidence it was great to see such a commanding set. They played a lot of new songs which they were playing live for the first time – very cool. They are curating a stage on Saturday here at SXSW for rappers from New York. On a personal note delighted to receive both drumsticks, and then the set-list while having a quick chat with lead singer Julia Cumming.
Be Your Own Pet were the band I most wanted to see at Mohawk today. Reforming after a number of years away from music it was brilliant to hear their music live. From Nashville there was an apology onstage for the behaviour of local politicians – sadly a universal theme it seems. They rattled through their set and it was thrilling, and fast and raucous and I loved every second – as did a number of die-hard fans in the crowd who sang every word.
Some bands just have a huge presence onstage, even before they have played a note. The Black Angels are such a band and it was thrilling to be so close. I was memorised by drummer Stephanie Bailey. Interesting to note that her drumkit was slightly to the side rather than right in the middle of the stage. The psych rock band were totally thrilling and the crowd were loving it.
And this was all in one afternoon. Walking around Austin during SXSW there is music everywhere, seeping out of every wall. All genres and artists set up to play in every nook and cranny. If this afternoon at Mohawk is anything to go by, JOMO is going to be just fine.
Photos: Julia Mason
