SXSW 2019: From Politics To The Future Of Music's Rising Stars, 2019 Had It All.

Another SXSW in the books. The 2019 edition was nothing short of amazing for us this year as we got to expand our coverage outside the music portion for the first time. This year enabled us to take in some sessions during the interactive and film portions as well as see some of the amazing activations brought to life. 2019 also marked a huge year for political keynote speakers to take the stage and participate in panels. Political speakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren, Julian Castro, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bill Weld, John Hickenlooper, John Kasich, and Stacey Abrams to name a few.

A documentary based on Beto O’Rourke’s recent Texas Senate battle with Ted Cruz was received to an amazing response. The documentary followed O’Rourke throughout his campaign giving us a glimpse at what we didn’t see from the congressman who would often post his daily musings on Facebook.

The festival also played host to the opening night of the new Jordan Peele’s film Us. Peele answered a few questions during the Q&A portion of the screening.

“I have a very clear meaning and commentary I’m trying to strike with this film. I also wanted to design a film that is very personal for every individual. On the broader strokes of things, this movie is about this country. When I decided to write this movie, I was stricken with the fact that we are in a time where we fear the other. Whether it’s the mysterious invader that we think is gonna come and kill us or take our jobs, or the faction that we don’t live near that voted a different way than us…”

Other notable buzz worthy films included the directorial debut from Olivia Wilde titled Booksmart. A coming of age story about two high school seniors who make a pact to cram four years of fun into one night. Highly recommend seeing this film.

One of of our favorite panels included a panel with Tinker Hatfield and Scott Dadich. One of the most famous shoe designers in the world, Nike’s Tinker Hatfield is a legend among sneaker-heads. He’s also the subject of one of the most popular episodes of Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. In this session, Abstract co-creator Scott Dadich—a renowned designer in his own right—breaks down the creative process with Hatfield, exploring how different disciplines of design influence, inform, and inspire each other. (SXSW)

The panel explored the humble beginnings of Hatfield to the pinnacle of working hand in hand with Nike to produce and design some of the most memorable sneaker designs in history.

The music portion this year left us in awe with performances from some noteworthy veterans and of course up-and-coming buzz bands. Established artist such as Miquel, Big Boi, JUNGLE, CHVRCHES, The Joy Formidable, and Broken Social Scene all made for amazing performances in intimate settings. Newcomers such as Pink Sweats, YOLA, Combo Chimbita, Omar Apollo, Casius Clay, Megan Thee Stallion, Rico Nasty and more cemented their place at SXSW as a launching pad for what hopefully becomes long and amazing futures in the industry.

Another amazing year and as you can see we covered a lot of ground trying to catch as many bands as we could, this was our first year with a Platinum Badge and it was an experience to take it in all. We will see you next year Austin, thanks for the memories.

Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold and The Big Quiet, with artist Miguel, Bring the Calm with First-Ever Sunset Mass Meditation at SXSW


“Good Omens Garden of Earthly Delights”


Capital One House at Antone’s


Viceland


Visit El Paso Showcase


Collide On Rainey Street


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PARADIGM & SOUNDEXCHANGE PRESENT: SOUND + VISION


Floodfest Presented by Flood Magazine


Fader Fort


Rachael Ray’s Feedback

Austin City Limits Music Festival Shines Once Again

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Friday

Another year, another successful Austin City Limits Music Festival. We had a chance to make our way to our favorite music city destination last month to enjoy the second weekend of the beloved festival (nothing compares). This years lineup comprised of one the better ones we have had a chance to cover. From Sir Paul, to Metallica, to Arctic Monkeys there was a vibe for all to enjoy. The Austin weather played a huge role as it cooperated despite predictions of rain storms.

We got our weekend started on Friday with our first performance from Reignwolf who brought an early rock onslaught to the Honda Stage. Onwards we went to catch an amazing set from ALVVAYS (who we saw just this past Summer in Denver). A soothing yet energetic set from the band had us off to a great start. One of the bands on our must see was David Byrne, the former Talking Heads frontman has been touring with what many have called one of the best productions of the year. Let’s just say he didn’t disappoint and put on one of the best performances of the weekend. Soon after the Byrne performance we headed across the park to catch long time favorite Lily Allen perform some of her classics mixed in with a few newer songs. Highlight of her set was the dedication of her famous song “Fuck You” to our current POTUS, everybody ate it up and sang at the top of their lungs. Our last act of day one was Texas(now based in LA) hip-hop outfit Brockhampton. The collective managed to put on one of the most hyped performances of the weekend. Their style of hip hop resembles part Odd Future part Wu Tang Clan. The crowd was one of the most active as they sang word for word many of the bands songs.

Reignwolf

Reignwolf (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)


ALVVAYS

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David Byrne


Lily Allen


Khalid


BROCKHAMPTON


Saturday

Day two began with a bang as latin songstress Mon Laferte gave the audience a rousing set with dance moves and tight rhythmic percussions to accompany her beautiful voice. One of the highlights of our weekend. Up next was Japanese Breakfast, the indie darlings have been making a name for themselves all summer and this was our first time seeing them live….they did not dissapoint. One of the performances we got to live stream during weekend one of the festival was Brandi Carlile who was absolutely brilliant. It was only fitting for us to catch her golden hour set as she steamrolled through her catalog even bringing up Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready to join in on the fun. One of our favorite albums this year Negro Swan has been on repeat at the office and we had our chance to catch Blood Orange for the first time. Dev Hynes is the mastermind behind this project and their performance was nothing short of amazing.

Mon Laferte


Japanese Breakfast


Brandi Carlile


Blood Orange


Sunday

The last day of a festival is always the hardest, you are sunburnt, your feet hurt, your muscles ache, but for us we have been doing this for far too long to let that get in the way of enjoying perhaps the best music festival in the country. Our final day started with a couple portrait sessions with Thunderpussy and Shakey Graves. Our first act was Parquet Courts who surprisingly we have never seen live. hey responded with high energy and powerful guitar riffs that sent the great into a frenzy. The set of the weekend would have to go to Janelle Monae, we were lucky enough to see her in Denver a few months ago and already knew what to expect. Her flare for fashion and dance made this performance one that will have people talking for years. The dancing continued as we trekked across to catch Tinashe perform with her dancers, a fun set with her belting out her lyrics with a smile that would not disappear. Another one of our favorite sets of the festival. One of hip hops most underrated emcees Vince Staples had the chance to hype the crowd on the main stage before Travis Scott. Flanked with no production Staples danced across the stage from side to side rapping to the already massive crowd, the set could have used a few more theatrics to be honest. We crossed over Barton Springs road to capture Shakey Graves as his crowd swelled way past the point of no return (could have commanded a bigger stage with no effort). He managed to slay us with his alt rock style we have come to love. Finally the main event for the day took stage. Blasting off the heels of his recently released Astroworld, Travis Scott gave his home state a performance for the ages. In a surprise move he even managed to bring out NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal for a song. The massive crowd, filled with the younger generation of fans managed to create a huge presence. All in all this would have to go down as one of the best lineups in recent year. Photo restrictions kept us from photographing Paul McCartney, Metallica and Arctic Monkeys.

Parquet Courts


Janelle Monae


Tinashe


Vince Staples


Shakey Graves


Travis Scott

First Look: Deezie Brown "Drive" Video Premiere

Based out of Austin, Texas, Deezie Brown delivers a very edgy, dark, and rebellious depiction of Alternative Hip-Hop and Electronic Pop. Deezie Brown was exposed to hip-hop at an early age while he rode around with his dad listening to some of the great artists of the South such as OutKast and UGK. Fresh off the heels of his recently released album Judith, Brown delivers a unique sound that is evident in the video above. 

Deezie Brown presents his video for the single "Drive". The Texas native is set to bring the heat this upcoming weekend to The Underground Music Showcase here in Denver. He will playing on Saturday at 8:00 PM at The Blue Ice Lounge. 

Austin City Limits Music Festival Lineup Announcement

The 17th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival will deliver one of the most exceptional lineups of this year's festival season with headliners Paul McCartney, Metallica, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, TRAVIS SCOTT and ODESZA. The history-making bill includes first time ACL Fest performances and only North American festival appearances by both Paul McCartney and Metallica, a triumphant return by GRAMMY, Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning Childish Gambino, a highly anticipated performance from Arctic Monkeys, and debut sets from Texas native TRAVIS SCOTT and electronic superstars ODESZA. The National, Khalid, Hozier, David Byrne, CHVRCHES, Deftones, Justice, ST. VINCENT, Sylvan Esso, FATHER JOHN MISTY, Brandi Carlile, ILLENIUM, Janelle Monáe and many more will take the stage throughout ACL Fest's colossal two consecutive weekends. ACL Fest 2018 will deliver more than 125 bands across eight stages at Zilker Park, October 5-7 and October 12-14. Tickets are available now atwww.aclfestival.com.

This year's incredible lineup will showcase some of music's most captivating artists including Shawn Mendes(Weekend Two), Camila Cabello (Weekend One), Deftones (Weekend One), BØRNS, Manchester Orchestra, Lily Allen (Weekend Two), The Breeders, Houndmouth, Sharon Van Etten (Weekend One), Marian Hill (Weekend Two), Elle King, Bishop Briggs, Bahamas, Mt. Joy, Cuco, Durand Jones & The Indications, and much more. Buzzworthy artists including BROCKHAMPTON, REZZ, GRETA VAN FLEET (Weekend One), San Holo, Gryffin, and Sofi Tukker (Weekend One) will electrify audiences, while Prince's legendary backing band, The Revolution, bring the groove. 

Honoring homegrown talent has always been a tradition of ACL Fest, and this year is no exception. Native Texans including Shakey Graves and Golden Dawn Arkestra will perform both weekends, while Khruangbin, Asleep at the Wheel, Sweet Spirit, Jackie Venson, Molly Burch, Sailor Poon and more will deliver the tunes on Weekend One. Charley Crockett, Duncan Fellows, Harry Paradise, Kydd Jones, Curtis Roush and more will perform on Weekend Two.

Austin City Limits Music Festival has been honored to call Zilker Park home for the past 17 years. In a continued commitment to enrich our community, a portion of proceeds from ACL Festival go directly towards improving Austin's parks. Since 2006, ACL Festival, in partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation, has donated more than $30 million towards improvements to Zilker Park and parks across the city.   

3-Day General Admission Tickets for both weekends are on sale now at www.aclfestival.com. 3-Day VIP and Platinum Tickets and Hotel Packages are also available. VIP ticketholders will enjoy a brand new shaded viewing deck with exceptional sightlines of the main stage, as well as the new VIP-Platinum bar located at Rock Island, the perfect place to grab a complimentary cold beer or glass of wine while roaming the festival grounds. A full list of VIP and Platinum amenities can be viewed here. Music fans ages 10 and under will be admitted free of charge accompanied by a ticketed adult. 1-Day General Admission Tickets, 1-Day VIP Tickets and 1-Day Platinum Tickets will be available later in the year.   

Fans worldwide who can't make it to Zilker Park can watch The Official 2018 Austin City Limits Music Festival Live Broadcast on Red Bull TV, which is distributed digitally for free on the web at redbull.tv, connected TVs, smartphones and tablets as well as ACLFestival.com. A full schedule of performances will be announced this summer on ACLFestival.com.

Fans can sign up for the E-List to be the first to get new information at www.aclfestival.com, download the ACL Fest Mobile App, and follow social media to stay in the loop for all festival announcements. Facebook || Instagram || Twitter.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is generously sponsored by American Express, Honda, Miller Lite, HomeAway, BMI, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Karbach Brewing Co., and Lifeway Kefir.

Fader Fort Returns To Austin

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FADER FORT, one of today’s most sought-after live music events, returns to Austin, Texas for three days of live programming from March 14 - 16. This year FADER FORT will host an exclusive experience at  featuring some of the most influential names in music and culture including SOB X RBE, BbyMutha, Now, Now, YBN Nahmir, Mozzy, and Soccer Mommy.

Offering invited fans the same unparalleled access to both influential emerging and established artists, FADER FORT returns to Austin for a celebration of music and surrounding culture. This years multi-use, indoor and outdoor space will again offer multiple days of continuous live programming from daytime into the evening, as well as immersive and innovative on-site activations for fans. Further details including additional artist performances to be announced at a later date.

The FADER, the publication that originally brought FADER FORT to Austin in 2002, has been credited with bringing early performances of then unknown acts including The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine, Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, and more to the stage early on in their careers. 

“FADER FORT began as a way for The FADER to elevate and amplify the artists and creators we champion in an authentic way, while providing an inclusive home that fosters discovery, connections, and collaborations,” says The FADER’s President and Publisher, Andy Cohn. “The original spirit of Austin and SXSW is what inspired FADER FORT in the first place, and we’re extremely grateful to be able to return again this year to host FORT in a city that has remained a prime destination for music discovery throughout the years.”

The FADER’s first-ever book FADER FORT: Setting The Stage will be available for purchase on-site at FADER FORT with a special 20% off discount available to guests. The commemorative retrospective about FADER FORT features never-before-seen portraits, candids, performance photos, and personal stories commemorating over 15 years of FADER FORT, and includes personal intros from FORT performers Damon Albarn and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Released earlier this month, the book is available now at The FADER's shop here and at select retailers including Brooklyn Academy of Music, Kinfolk, KITH, and more. 

In addition to dozens of DJs, musicians, and custom programming throughout the venue across all three days, FADER FORT will also feature:

Beats 1 will co-host an exclusive creative space with The FADER on-site at FADER FORT serving as a welcoming lounge for artists from across the full spectrum of musical creativity.

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey will be the proud exclusive whiskey partner for the fourth year in a row offering original cocktails for guests age 21+ and providing the Jack Daniel's Salon Barbershop where local guest barbers will offer fans the chance to receive a complimentary Jack-inspired hairstyling or cut.

New Balance will feature an activation celebrating their iconic New Balance 574 sneaker and its original grey colorway, representing the fearlessly independent state of mind and defining the understated design philosophy that anchors New Balance footwear. 

Pabst Blue Ribbon is the official beer sponsor of FADER FORT serving beverages to guests age 21+. This partnership launches PBR Sound Society, a collaboration with The FADER designed to amplify the harmony of non conformity. From hardcore to hip hop and all genres in-between, Pabst Blue Ribbon will contribute to pushing music culture forward by amplifying those artists and experiences that do not conform to genres or cultural stereotypes.

SMIRNOFF™ is the official vodka sponsor of FADER FORT serving Smirnoff specialty cocktails to guests 21+ from branded bars in the VIP and general admission areas, in honor of the brand’s newly launched Smirnoff Equalizer platform that promotes gender equality in the music industry.
• SPiN the ultimate ping pong social destination from New York will be bringing their signature ping pong pros, interactive games, and more surprises to FADER FORT to celebrate their newest location in Austin opening Summer 2018.

vitaminwater® is back again to keep all attendees hydrated throughout the duration of The FORT, serving up great-tasting vitaminwater® and vitaminwater zero™.

As in previous years, FADER FORT will be a guest list-only event, with invites received via email. There will be no public RSVP, and private invites will be nontransferable.

For up-to-date announcements, more information and to be the first to hear further news, check out www.TheFADER.com/FORT, and follow The FADER on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/TheFADER, Instagram, www.Instagram.com/TheFADER, Snapchat, @fadersnaps and Twitter, www.Twitter.com/TheFADER.

25 Acts You Must See At SXSW

With a mere 9 days away from the insanity known as SXSW, we wanted to share with you some of the amazing musical acts heading down to Austin to bless us with their amazing talent. Never a shortage of amazing music we have scoured over Soundcloud and YouTube links and curated playlist to give you the top 25 acts we are most excited to see.

U.S. Girls

The Buttertones

Deezie Brown

Men I Trust

HINDS

Helena Deland

Gang Of Youths

Snail Mail

Porches

Kelela

Amy Shark

Pixel Grip

La Luz

Son Little

Hazel English

Queen Of Jeans

The Nude Party

KOLARS

Slow Caves

Molly Burch

HOMESHAKE

Himalayas

Okey Dokey

Noah Cyrus

Warbly Jets

Soccer Mommy