::RECAP:: SXSW 2014

::RECAP:: SXSW 2014
by Kike Aluko

I had the AMAZING opportunity to attend South by Southwest (SXSW) 2014 in Austin, TX for the first time last week, and boy was it an awesome experience!! With hundreds and possibly thousands of events to choose from throughout the week (many of them free), it was an overwhelmingly exciting event to be a part of. Here are some of the highlights:

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 started with PledgeMusic's #PMAVillage event at The Blackheart where I saw up & coming brat pop duo (formed at DC's own George Washington University) HolyChild and Danish star Mø perform their hearts out. That evening was Haggar Clothing's "Slacks are Back" event at Clive Bar, where I saw the beautifully talented Emily King perform, along with Aloe Blacc who closed out the show. 

                                   HolyChild                                                      Aloe Blacc

Most of Thursday, March 13 was spent at the Hype Hotel where (among others) Australian artist Chet Faker and Baltimore's own Future Islands (pictured right) performed. Chet Faker's electronically smooth cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" was featured in a 2013 Super Bowl commercial. That evening I hopped over to Seth Meyers' food truck for some free Shake Shack to top the night off right.

Friday, March 14 was jam packed, starting with Universal Music Group's showcase at Palm Door where I saw Swedish band Little Dragon perform quite a few hits. After that I made a quick pit stop at the Pandora Discovery Den inside The Gatsby to pick up some free makeup thanks to Revlon. Then I headed to the super popular & exclusive Fader Fort presented by Converse to participate in lots of fun & interactive promotions including photo & video booths, signature walls, and Converse Red Light Radio sessions. 

Elle King

After getting my fill of the Fader Fort fun, I passed by Kelis's food truck (she's apparently a certified chef!) to grab some more free bites. She was cleverly promoting her upcoming album, titled Food, and I kept wishing I would get a milkshake to go with the duck confit sliders I got that perfectly hit the spot after a full day. In the evening I headed over to the SoundExchange Sessions at Stubb's BBQ where I saw a variety of performances including Wild Cub, American Authors, London Grammar, Young the Giant, and Elle King (who is Rob Schneider's daughter and has a surprisingly powerful voice that she used to cover R. Kelly's "Ignition Remix!")

The Kite String Tangle

On Saturday, March 15, I ended my SXSW experience on a high note at the biggest showcase of Australian music in the USA: The Aussie BBQ hosted by Sounds Australia at Maggie Mae's. In addition to a great huge selection of free food including burgers, nachos, enchiladas & more, I saw shows by two artists that I really enjoyed: up & coming Electronic artist The Kite String Tangle and blues singer-songwriter Mia Dyson.

Overall, the SXSW experience is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED between the free food, free events, live shows, and so much more. It's so great to be surrounded by people who love music & who are willing to help you jam to the shows the best you can. It's a wonderful way to discover new up & coming artists that you haven't heard before, and the best part is how accessible & willing to talk those artists are. There is never a shortage of opportunities to have a fun time grooving to some great live music. So much so that I definitely plan to make a return trip to Austin again!

For a list of my favorite discoveries from SXSW 2014, click HERE.

Before ending this post, I must acknowledge the tragic car accident that happened in the early morning of March 13, 2014. We must keep all those affected in our thoughts and prayers, and monetary donations to support relief services can be made to the SXSW Cares Fund.