by Carrie Brownstein

Full SXSW Coverage for Live Concerts and Exclusive Performances

SXSW has begun! I knew I was off to a good start this morning at 4:45 a.m. when the cabbie came to pick me up from my house to take me to the airport, took one look at me, started playing air-guitar, and said "You're the girl from that one band." Then, in the backseat of his car, and despite being on a mere two and a half hours of sleep, I just couldn't help myself and had to establish my cred by correctly identifying Bad Brains on his iPod. This comment was rewarded by him asking if he could turn it up (what could I do? I had to say yes). Bad Brains was followed by Viva Voce, which was followed by Elliott Smith and — tada! — I was at the airport. Portland cab rides are the best.

Once I landed in Austin, I went directly to the Hilton where I participated on a panel about both the genesis and future of NPR Music. During the Q&A that followed, someone asked about whether NPR music's focus should be narrow or broad. Personally, I think it should be both, like microscopes and satellites. And here at SXSW the effects are much the same, immediate and long lasting. I'm really excited to be inside of the cacophony for a few days but only because I know that a few of the sounds will cut through and stay with me for the trip back home.

I'm going to rest tonight but there is much to look forward to: The Entrance Band, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Garotas Suecas, Women, St. Vincent, and so much more.

Lastly, though I didn't begin filling my head with music tonight, I did go out and see a film that showed here at the SXSW Film Festival. It's called Sissyboy, directed by Katie Turinski, and you should see it if you get the chance.