I think we have finally recovered from SXSW this year. Aside from trying to recall all of our shenanigans and going through all 4,000+ photos we decided we would chime in with our review. This year Castro and Maddie had the distinct honor of getting blisters on our feet, drinking an abundance of watered down free beer, and having one too many slices of pizza on Sixth Street. But of course if it wasn't for those things we wouldn't enjoy ourselves once again this year. We scoured the streets of Austin day and night to find some of the best showcases and parties and without further adieu we present to you our favorites from this years festival. Stay tuned tomorrow for our second part of our SXSW adventures.
PANDORA
Easily one of the most recognizable brand names to host a showcase, Pandora has continued to step up their SXSW experience every year. Taking over The Gatsby on 6th, their venue is big, but not overbearing, allowing fans to have a pleasant experience without waiting for hours - not to mention close to the center of the chaos, and much more easily accessible than other brand showcases. Each day at the Pandora Discovery Den focuses on a different genre, similar to how the Pandora Genome Project works. Pairing artists new and old - legacy acts and new breakthrough artists - Pandora guarantees you at least one “must see” act per day, no matter what your musical preference. The experience was made even better this year thanks to additions to the “Pandora Backyard”: free food every day from Chick-Fil-A, charging stations courtesy of Olay, free filtered water dispensers and water bottles from Scott’s Lawn Care, and a Backyard “recuperation” area where you could sit in lawn chairs in the shade while watching a live stream of the Pandora stage. Did we mention this place was somehow *never* packed? Pandora was like a mirage in the desert, and quickly became our go-to hideaway throughout the week.
Favorite sets from Pandora: Jake Bugg, Bloc Party.