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Doodles, 99 Trinity St., is a super cute way to get involved in Web3. (Laura Figi/Austonia)
The SXSW Music Festival begins today, so get ready to hear even more air-carried tunes around the city than you normally would. With music kicking off, SXSW 2022 is in full swing—films, XR and experiences are still open to enjoy!
A few quick tips before you head out:
- Don't forget that films are available online for a certain amount of time, which might make decision-making easier.
- Stock up on free goodies! There are tents, pop-ups and stands all over the city offering free samples.
- Check time frames and wait times on the app—it might save you a trip!
The Texas Shorts Program must-see films
(Act of God)
Stemming from SXSW's regular shorts program, the Texas shorts were filmed by Texans and most showcase local stories. At no more than 20 minutes each, they are all worth a watch, but a few made their mark on me.
- "Act of God" follows Stuart, a disabled man, who is struggling to come to peace with his reality after his caretaker, who helps him into his wheelchair, dresses him and even puts him on the toilet, has left him due to his sour demeanor. The film follows a day in his life, having his commute into work interrupted by a $100 bill fluttering in front of his chair, just out of reach. This is a film of reckoning, forgiveness and triumphantly tackling issues in the face of adversity.
- Showing how border towns share people, music and culture between Texas and Mexico, "Folk Frontera" follows the lives of fronterizas Gabriela Carballo, radio personality for "Border Beats and Babes" in Marfa, and Molly Rodriguez, a folklórico dancer who grew up just one of three white kids in her class in Mexico. After spending their entire lives going back and forth between countries, both of their livelihoods are put at stake when they hit visa complications.
- Telling the tale of country music legends Asleep at the Wheel's rise to fame, "How We Found Our Sound," shows how a group of "counter-culture" hippies from Pennsylvania broke down the barriers of western swing music. Though they struggled to make it at first, an invitation to go on tour with Willie Nelson eventually landed the group in Austin and in turn, integral members of the Cosmic Cowboy movement. Lead singer Ray Benson describes the journey into making swing music for everyone, rednecks or hippies alike.
Doodles | 99 Trinity St.
Land, air, space, rainbow puke and doodles come together in one plush space to learn about Web3. With the mission of spreading the joy of NFTs to households all over the U.S., Doodles and its community treasury, Doodlebank, launched on Ethereum in October 2021. Members can gain access to the virtual community by purchasing one of a collection of 10,000 human, cat, skeleton, alien or pickle Doodles, designed by Canada-based Burnt Toast, AKA Scott Martin.
Virtually spray paint on a wall at the back of the warehouse. (Laura Figi/Austonia)
If you can make it over to the warehouse housing the colorful creatures before 5 p.m. today, grab some doodle-inspired snacks, drinks, nail art, merch or simply enjoy the colorful space.
You'll know you've made it when you spot the giant, puking cartoons!
2 p.m., Birds Aren't Real: How a Satirical Community Takes Flight | Austin Convention Center
23-year-old Birds Aren't Real Founder Peter McIndoe sat down to talk about how the internet launched his accidental career. (Laura Figi/Austonia)
Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? Birds Aren't Real founder Peter McIndoe hasn't, and he wants you to know about that. In one of few interviews on the internet without McIndoe in character, the unexpected founder broke down what led up to his movement and how it changed the trajectory of his life.
In a sit-down session with MSNBC's Zach Stafford, McIndoe said he came up with the idea on a whim at a Nashville protest in 2017, when he created a quick sign saying the most absurd thing he could think of: "Birds aren't real." He got many questions—namely, 'what do you mean birds aren't real?' McIndoe would reply, "They're government drones!" A protest attendee filmed his first-time foray into the "BirdTruther" scape and when McIndoe woke up the next morning, he had gone viral.
A movement born from the most ridiculous thing he could think of led McIndoe to drop out of college and pursue his mock conspiracy theory full time. The movement now has deep lore—the millions of BirdTruthers know birds charge their batteries on powerlines and that bird watching goes both ways—but McIndoe said he never meant to fan the flames of actual conspiracies like QAnon.
"We have been intentionally spreading misinformation for the last five years," McIndoe said. "The ultimate goal of that was to take this scary monster idea, the conspiracy theorist, these people that do this harm in our society, and kind of laugh at it rather than be overcome by it and roleplay the bad guy. In that, I think that creates a safe space for processing and a safe space for expressing something that you feel."
Read more about the Birds Aren't Real movement here.
10:45 p.m., Golden Dawn Arkestra at Empire Garage, 606 E 7th St.
(Laura Figi/Austonia)
Finally returning to Earth after touring around the galaxy, Golden Dawn Arkestra appeared on stage at Empire Garage with a glittering flash of light. As the band broke into the song "Stargazer, dancers at front donned golden butterfly-like costumes to dazzle onlookers.
Each number different than the last, the children Ra sang one of its newest songs like "Phenomenal," complete with full choreography. Streaming fans, ribbons and glittering ensembles brought to the stage spellbound the crowd through one of its oldest songs, "Sama Chaka."
If you missed Golden Dawn Arkestra's Monday set, don't fret! You can catch the colorful, danceable band for free at 8:50 p.m. Thursday at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake.
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Popular
SXSW 2022 will be the first in-person festival since 2019. (SXSW)
It is officially less than a week until South by Southwest’s Music festival begins on March 14—do you have all your concerts mapped out?
With hundreds of musicians en route to the festival—229 coming from Austin alone—choosing who to use your badge on can be a daunting task. Luckily, as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” nearly any show you choose will prove to be quality, especially if you choose a local musician.
We’ve gathered every artist that is based in Austin, plus 19 must-see musicians.
Quick links: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y
A
Angélica Rahe | March 16 from 1:00– 1:50 a.m. in Higher Ground
Characterized by gentle acoustics, airy Spanish vocals and carefully placed snaps or castanets, Angélica Rahe’s tunes are a vehicle for romantic dance or closing out the night with some relaxing tunes.
- Adam Ostrar
- alexalone
- Alex Dupree
- Andrea Magee
- And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
- Annabelle Chairlegs
- Armonía Blindada
- Arod
- Atlas Maior
B
Blackillac | TBA
Newly-minted rap duo Blackillac, which starting making music under the guidance of local legend Gary Clark Jr. in 2018, is comprised of 36-year-old Valin Zamarron, whose stage name is Zeale, and 35-year-old J.J. Shaw, whose stage name is Phranchyze. Catch their hits like “6 Rings” and “Juice it Up.”
BettySoo | March 16, 9:40–10:15 p.m. inThe Venue ATX
An Austin music staple, BettySoo’s “Whisper My Name” showcases the talent that earned her the title of “most gorgeous voice in Texas” from Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Her unique brand of contemporary folk will give listeners a true Texas experience.
- BabiBoi
- Band of Bastards
- Beatnik Bandits
- Beat Root Revival
- Being Dead
- Big Bill
- Bill Converse
- Billy King & The Bad Bad Bad
- Blushing
- BÖNDBREAKR
- Bourgeois Mystics
- The Bright Light Social Hour
- B the Beat
- Buenos Diaz
- Buffalo Hunt
- Buffalo Nichols.
C
Chief Cleopatra | March 16, 9:00–9:40 p.m. in Seven Grand
With soulful vocals, catchy guitar riffs, relatable lyrics and a hint of dream pop, Chief Cleopatra’s repertoire has songs to dance to, cry to and belt out too. This is Cleo’s third time at SXSW—don’t miss songs from her new release, “Luna,” or classic favorites like “Friends” or “Belushi.”
Croy and the Boys | March 17, 5:00–5:30 p.m. in SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake
Austin’s resident hippie cowboys, Croy and the Boys are a politically-charged country music group that delivers hot takes with complex, Father John Misty-esque lyrics. Listen up to their smash-hit (college football fans beware,) “Don’t Let Me Die in Waco,” or “Do They Owe Us a Living?” which tackles living situations in America.
- Calder Allen
- Caleb De Casper
- Calliope Musicals
- The Capitol
- Casino ATX
- Cecilia and The Broken Hearts
- Cha’Keeta B
- Chorizo Funk
- Christian Wiggs
- Clarence James
- Cloudchord
- The Coffee Sergeants
- Cupcake
- Curse Mackey.
D
- Danny B. Harvey & Annie Maire Lewis
- Darden Smith
- Darkbird
- David Shabani
- The Deer
- Deezie Brown
- Density 512
- Diamond Booms
- djbabyroo
- DJ Confucius Jones
- DJ Jamie Dred
- DJ JRO
- DJ SHANI
- DJ Willtothe
- Dominican Jay
- Dossey
E
- El Combo Oscuro
- Ella Ella
- El Tule
- En Orbito
- Eric Tessmer
- Everett Wren
- exociety
- Eyelid Kid
F
- Flesh of Morning
- Flora & Fawna
- Flyjack
- Fragile Rock
- Fuck Money
- fuvk
G
Gina Chavez | March 19, 11:00pm–11:40 p.m. in Cooper's BBQ
A Tiny Desk concert alumna, feature on Brené Brown's podcast, proudly queer Austin native and 12-time Austin music award winner Gina Chavez is a local sensation. Go catch her all-Spanish album “La Que Manda,” or “The Woman in Charge,” as Chavez plays multiple shows throughout the festival.
Golden Dawn Arkestra | March 17, 8:50—9:40 p.m. at SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake
In a word, Golden Dawn Arkestra’s music is funky. With simultaneously timeless and futuristic sights and sounds inspired by Sun Ra Arkestra, the Arkestra makes danceable "sonic vibrations for children of the sun." Listen to “Phenomenal,” “Sama Chaka,” or its newest single, “Success.”
Greyhounds | March 19, 11:30–12:10 p.m. in Creek and the Cave
Marking more than 20 years of making music together, Continental Club staples Andrew Trube and Anthony Farrell are celebrating the release of their 2020 album, “Primates.” A marriage of R&B, soul and funk, Greyhounds is a can’t miss of classic Austin music. Listen to “Amazing,” “What’s On Your Mind,” and “Pick Up the Phone,” off its newest album.
- A Giant Dog
- GO DJ JB
- Go Fever
- Good Looks
- Gothess Jasmine
- Graham Reynolds
- Greenbeard
- Guy Forsyth
H
- Half Dream
- Harry & Emmy
- Heartless Bastards
- Hermajestie The Hung
- Hey Cowboy!
- Honey Made
- Hong Kong Wigs
- House of Lepore
I
- Ill Noddy & Stixkz
- ImyounginBeyou
- Indrajit Banerjee
- Invoke
J
Jackie Venson | March 16, 12:00– 12:40 a.m. in the Saxon Pub
An Austin-legacy musician who was named the first Black “Best Guitarist” by the Austin Music Awards, Jackie Venson is so thoroughly local that she has her own holiday on May 21. A prolific artist, Venson has released two bluesy live and two studio albums in addition to several albums under her side project, jackie the robot. Before you head out, give her newest album, “Love Transcends,” a listen. Venson is performing multiple shows.
Jade Bird | March 11, 12:45–1:00 p.m. in Ballroom D
A United Kingdom native who made Austin her home in 2021, Jade Bird is a one-woman show with an acoustic guitar and soft, yet rapsy voice. The themes in her music are easily recognizable and relatable, while her voice will give you goose bumps. Listen to her new album, “Different Kinds of Light,” or “Lottery,” from her self-titled album.
- James McMurtry
- Jane Leo
- Jake Lloyd
- Jank Sinatra
- Jeska & The Vanity Project
- Jesse Dayton
- jéTexas
- Jim-E-O
- J. Mill
- Jim Stevens
- John Mills Times Ten
- Johnny Chops
- Jon Dee Graham
- Jon Mua
- J Soulja
- JT Donaldson
K
- Kalu and the Electric Joint
- Kathy McCarty
- Katy Kirby
- Kay Odyssey
- Kept
- Kevin Galloway
- Kiko Villamizar
- Kompas Trio
- KVN
- Kydd Jones
L
Ley Line | March 16, 9:00–9:40 p.m. in Stephen F's Bar
Four songstresses bringing together a range of sounds, perspectives and languages, Ley Line brings together a folky mix of Austinites Kate and Emilie and twin sisters Maddy and Lydia. The group draws inspiration from Brazil, Latin America and West Africa, taking you all over the world without leaving your seat.
Lord Friday the 13th | March 19, 7:00—7:30 p.m. at Hotel Vegas
Welcome to Lord Friday Land: a spooky trash-glam-punk experience held by siblings Felix on vocals and Sloane Lenz on guitar. With a background in visual arts, Lord Friday is bringing a new kind of punk rock with its first EP, “Irrational Anthem.” The band’s first single, “Bigots Beware,” is a good place to start.
Louisianna Purchase | TBD
Possibly Austin’s most famous face in drag, Louisianna Purchase has been named the Austin Chronicle’s “Best Drag Performer” and made it to the top four on season three of the Boulet Brothers Dragula. The femme fatale of Austin is making her way to the big screen so don’t miss her ascent!
- Lesly Reynaga
- Letting Up Despite Great Faults
- Ley Line
- LHF Lil Ke
- Lion Heights
- Lisa Morales
- Little Mazarn
- The Living Pies
- Lolita Lynne
- Los Kurados
M
Mike Melinoe | March 16, 1:00–1:30 a.m. in Pour Choices
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Mike Melinoe grew up on jazz and gospel music and is making his foray into rap with the help of major musicians, like JaRon Marshall of Black Pumas. Melinoe has a long history with SXSW—even before he was a performer, he would journey to Texas to hand out CDs during the festival. Start out with “Vacation” and “Floss,” from his EP “MUR IDAW.”
Mobley | TBA
A true one-man-band, Mobley is a songwriter, producer, artist and filmmaker who has worked alongside major acts like Cold War Kids and James Black. Beware–his rock and pop tunes will get stuck in your head after just one listen. His newest EP, “Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme,” was written during a stint in Thailand, reflecting on the state of America from the outside.
- Madison Baker
- Magna Carda
- Mama Duke
- Mass Minor
- Mélat
- Me ND Adam
- Miggy & Tje
- Motenko
- Mother Falcon
- Mouthfeel
- my education
N
- NAGAVALLI
- NECKBOLT
- Nemegata
- Nez tha Villian
- Nolan Potter's Nightmare
- Noodles
- Nook Turner
- Novv
- Nuevo
O
- OJO
- Otis Wilkins
P
Primo the Alien | March 16, 1:00–1:55 a.m. in Saxon Pub
Expect an energetic set from Primo the Alien, who was one of the bands who had their sets canceled on the first Friday of ACL 2021. A colorful electro-pop artist, multi-instrumentalist and self-producer, Primo’s sound transcends genres. Listen to her newest release, “Sad Blue,” before her full-length album drops later this year.
- Pale Dian
- PASTEL GHOST
- Patricia Vonne
- Peelander-Z
- Pleasure Venom
Q
- Quentin and the Past Lives
- Quin NFN
R
- Ramesh
- Rett Smith
- Ringo Deathstarr
- Robynn Shayne
S
Sir Woman | March 16, 11:00–11:40 p.m. in Continental Club
The solo project of Wild Child vocalist Kelsey Wilson, Sir Woman has more pop, more vocals and more attitude. You may have caught her at the latest ACL or one of the many shows she’s done around town. Start out with her immensely popular song “Highroad” then move to “Blame It on the Water,” and newest single “Get What You Want.”
Superfónicos | March 16, 11:00–11:40 p.m. in Hotel Vegas
A sound inspired by Indigenous, African and Colombian Roots, Superfónicos is produced by Adrian Quesada, who is half of Black Pumas. The eight-piece band describes themselves as having a rhythmic Afropop sound, with Spanish vocals. Start with “Carroña,” its latest single.
- Sailor Poon
- San Gabriel
- San Saba County
- Semihelix
- Shaun Solo
- Shiela
- Shirt Off Fe
- Shooks
- The Sideshow Tragedy
- Sixteen Deluxe
- Skylar T
- S. L. Houser
- Slano Drags
- Star Parks
- Stefon Osae
- Sue Foley
- Sun June
- Susannah Joffe
- Sweet Spirit
T
The Teeta | March 18, 10:15–10:35 p.m. in Vaquero Taquero
If you haven’t already heard one of The Teeta’s prolific albums, or caught his interactive art installation "The Teeta World," you’ve got another chance at SXSW. Expect a colorful, visual set with songs from his newest album “24.”
- Tatiana Cholula
- TC Superstar
- TEDDYTHELEGACY
- The Tender Things
- Tequila Rock Revolution
- Tetractys New Music
- Thee Unemployed
- Think No Think
- The Tiarras
- Tody Castillo
- Tomar and the FCs
- Tribe Mafia
- Troller
- Trucha Soul
- Tru Lyrics
- The Truth Experiment
U
- Urban Heat
- User Unauthorized
V
- Van Mary
- Van Wilks Band
- Very Necessary
W
- Warren Hood
- We Don't Ride Llamas
- Weird Wolves
- The Western Express
- Western Youth
- White Denim
- Whitney Rose
- Whookilledkenny
- Wil Cope
- Will and the Wilderness
- William Harries Graham
- World Music Unleashed
Y
- Yung Mijita
And that's just the locals!
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The festival that combines floating the river and music is returning with big headliners. (Float Fest)
After a few years’ hiatus, Float Fest is making a grand return in 2022 with a big, star-studded lineup.
The two-day festival, which boasts being the only festival to combine live music and river-floating, will take place at a 765-acre private ranch in Gonzales, Texas (about an hour southeast of Austin). The festival is scheduled for July 23-24 this year after having been canceled every year since 2019 due to permitting issues, weather and COVID-19.
This year’s line-up is certain to make a splash with big names like Chance the Rapper, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, Marshmello, Chvrches, Aly & AJ, Tove Lo and more. Local musicians also have a spot on the lineup: Austin-based musicians Sir Woman, Nané, Me ND Adam, Dallas-based Little Image and Houston-based Blossom Aloe all made the cut.
Uniquely, the festival will have performers on two different stages with no overlapping times, so festival attendees can catch every set.
The venue is three times the size of previous Float Fet venues. With over 450 acres of shady trees and two miles of Guadalupe River to float down, there’s no need to worry about the sweltering summer heat. Plus, VIP guests have the option to camp on festival grounds.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $129 for a single day pass.