NPR Series: SXSW 2009: South by Southwest http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7729350&ft=1&f=7729350 An exhausting and exhilarating feast of music discovery and industry deal-making, South by Southwest draws more than 1,700 bands and untold thousands of fans to Austin, Tex., for a four-day music festival in the middle of every March. Here's a look at some of the festival's highlights. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Fri, 01 May 2009 10:54:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg SXSW 2009: South by Southwest http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7729350&ft=1&f=7729350 yes Video: Asa Acoustic Session At SXSW Nigerian singer-songwriter Asa makes soulful, heartfelt music that mixes weighty themes (spirituality, the environment, race) with lilting pop melodies. While attending the 2009 South by Southwest festival and conference in Austin, Texas, she met with NPR Music for a short acoustic set with her guitarist, Nicolas Mollard. Fri, 01 May 2009 10:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103704311&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103704311&ft=1&f=7729350 Nigerian singer-songwriter Asa makes soulful, heartfelt music that mixes weighty themes (spirituality, the environment, race) with lilting pop melodies. While attending the 2009 South by Southwest festival and conference in Austin, Texas, she met with NPR Music for a short acoustic set with her guitarist, Nicolas Mollard. no Nigerian singer-songwriter Asa makes soulful, heartfelt music that mixes weighty themes (spirituality, the environment, race) with lilting pop melodies. While attending the 2009 South by Southwest festival and conference in Austin, Texas, she met with NPR Music for a short acoustic set with her guitarist, Nicolas Mollard.

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]]> Video: Micachu At SXSW Mica Levi fronts the wildly playful and inventive British rock band Micachu and the Shapes. Normally, the group plugs in, turns up the volume and plays as a trio. But for this video performance at the South by Southwest music festival and conference, Levi plays by herself, with just a child-sized acoustic guitar. Watch how she stretches the limits of six nylon strings and a magic marker. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:34:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103421130&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103421130&ft=1&f=7729350 Mica Levi fronts the wildly playful and inventive British rock band Micachu and the Shapes. Normally, the group plugs in, turns up the volume and plays as a trio. But for this video performance at the South by Southwest music festival and conference, Levi plays by herself, with just a child-sized acoustic guitar. Watch how she stretches the limits of six nylon strings and a magic marker. no Mica Levi fronts the wildly playful and inventive British rock band Micachu and the Shapes. Normally, the group plugs in, turns up the volume and plays as a trio. But for this video performance at the South by Southwest music festival and conference, Levi plays by herself, with just a child-sized acoustic guitar. Watch how she stretches the limits of six nylon strings and a magic marker.

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]]> Video: PJ Harvey And John Parish At SXSW After an extensive negotiation involving three cups of hot green tea and a late change of venue, PJ Harvey and John Parish agreed to a performance and video shoot. The two showed up, sat down, produced a steel guitar and two amplifiers, and performed two beautiful songs from their new album, <em>A Woman a Man Walked By</em>. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:49:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103107206&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103107206&ft=1&f=7729350 After an extensive negotiation involving three cups of hot green tea and a late change of venue, PJ Harvey and John Parish agreed to a performance and video shoot. The two showed up, sat down, produced a steel guitar and two amplifiers, and performed two beautiful songs from their new album, <em>A Woman a Man Walked By</em>. no After an extensive negotiation involving three cups of hot green tea and a late change of venue, PJ Harvey and John Parish agreed to a performance and video shoot. The two showed up, sat down, produced a steel guitar and two amplifiers, and performed two beautiful songs from their new album, A Woman a Man Walked By.

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]]> Video: 3 New Songs From Mirah, Live In Austin Lots of artists mix digital and acoustic sounds, but Mirah does it with remarkable control and grace. Her songs are never overly produced or overly sentimental. They're just a little dark, with something bubbling quietly beneath humming electronics and gently strummed guitars. See Mirah perform three new songs from her latest album, <em>(A)spera</em>, at the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:44:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102717029&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102717029&ft=1&f=7729350 Lots of artists mix digital and acoustic sounds, but Mirah does it with remarkable control and grace. Her songs are never overly produced or overly sentimental. They're just a little dark, with something bubbling quietly beneath humming electronics and gently strummed guitars. See Mirah perform three new songs from her latest album, <em>(A)spera</em>, at the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. no Lots of artists mix digital and acoustic sounds, but Mirah does it with remarkable control and grace. Her songs are never overly produced or overly sentimental. They're just a little dark, with something bubbling quietly beneath humming electronics and gently strummed guitars. See Mirah perform three new songs from her latest album, (A)spera, at the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas.

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]]> Video: St. Vincent Rehearses For SXSW <em>All Songs Considered</em> host Bob Boilen and producer Robin Hilton visit a practice studio outside Austin, Texas, where Annie Clark and her band St. Vincent rehearsed for the South by Southwest music conference and festival. See video of St. Vincent performing two new songs from the group's upcoming album, <em>Actor</em>. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:26:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102574430&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102574430&ft=1&f=7729350 <em>All Songs Considered</em> host Bob Boilen and producer Robin Hilton visit a practice studio outside Austin, Texas, where Annie Clark and her band St. Vincent rehearsed for the South by Southwest music conference and festival. See video of St. Vincent performing two new songs from the group's upcoming album, <em>Actor</em>. no All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen and producer Robin Hilton visit a practice studio outside Austin, Texas, where Annie Clark and her band St. Vincent rehearsed for the South by Southwest music conference and festival. See video of St. Vincent performing two new songs from the group's upcoming album, Actor.

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]]> Video: Grandaddy's Jason Lytle At SXSW Through the '90s, until the group disbanded in 2006, Grandaddy built a loyal audience by making beautifully orchestrated, neo-psychedelic space-pop. Former frontman Jason Lytle returns this year with his debut solo album, <em>Yours Truly, The Commuter.</em> He showcased some of his new songs for this NPR Music video session. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:31:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102351673&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102351673&ft=1&f=7729350 Through the '90s, until the group disbanded in 2006, Grandaddy built a loyal audience by making beautifully orchestrated, neo-psychedelic space-pop. Former frontman Jason Lytle returns this year with his debut solo album, <em>Yours Truly, The Commuter.</em> He showcased some of his new songs for this NPR Music video session. no Through the '90s, until the group disbanded in 2006, Grandaddy built a loyal audience by making beautifully orchestrated, neo-psychedelic space-pop. Former frontman Jason Lytle returns this year with his debut solo album, Yours Truly, The Commuter. He showcased some of his new songs for this NPR Music video session.

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]]> Late-Night Dispatches From SXSW Every night during South by Southwest, Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton, Carrie Brownstein and Stephen Thompson gathered in the wee hours to recap their days and get pumped about bands they'd planned to see next. In these discussions from Austin, you can hear all the excitement and joy of four intrepid music lovers set loose in the annual bacchanal of songs, discovery and breakfast tacos. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102260249&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102260249&ft=1&f=7729350 Every night during South by Southwest, Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton, Carrie Brownstein and Stephen Thompson gathered in the wee hours to recap their days and get pumped about bands they'd planned to see next. In these discussions from Austin, you can hear all the excitement and joy of four intrepid music lovers set loose in the annual bacchanal of songs, discovery and breakfast tacos. no Every night during South by Southwest, Bob Boilen, Robin Hilton, Carrie Brownstein and Stephen Thompson gathered in the wee hours to recap their days and get pumped about bands they'd planned to see next. In these discussions from Austin, you can hear all the excitement and joy of four intrepid music lovers set loose in the annual bacchanal of songs, discovery and breakfast tacos.

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]]> At SXSW, Worries Can Wait A grim economy, with an even lousier forecast for the music industry, hasn't prevented more than 1,800 bands &mdash; and their potential fans &mdash; from flooding the clubs, bars and streets of Austin, Texas. It's all part of the 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:49:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102144077&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102144077&ft=1&f=7729350 A grim economy, with an even lousier forecast for the music industry, hasn't prevented more than 1,800 bands &mdash; and their potential fans &mdash; from flooding the clubs, bars and streets of Austin, Texas. It's all part of the 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival. 236 no A grim economy, with an even lousier forecast for the music industry, hasn't prevented more than 1,800 bands — and their potential fans — from flooding the clubs, bars and streets of Austin, Texas. It's all part of the 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival.

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]]> SXSW: Austin's Citywide Block Party The 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival gets under way in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. One of this year's most widely anticipated shows comes from a well-known band: The Decemberists. The band will perform its new album, <em>The Hazards of Love,</em> in its entirety. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101977680&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101977680&ft=1&f=7729350 The 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival gets under way in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. One of this year's most widely anticipated shows comes from a well-known band: The Decemberists. The band will perform its new album, <em>The Hazards of Love,</em> in its entirety. 0 no The 23rd annual South by Southwest music festival gets under way in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. One of this year's most widely anticipated shows comes from a well-known band: The Decemberists. The band will perform its new album, The Hazards of Love, in its entirety.

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]]> SXSW: Out Of 1,800, Three Artists To Watch Four full days, 1,800 bands &mdash; it's time again for the annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. There will be live music around the clock in bars, restaurants, churches and even beauty shops. For many bands, it could be their chance to break out. Bob Boilen prepared by listening to more than 1,000 bands. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:17:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102003142&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102003142&ft=1&f=7729350 Four full days, 1,800 bands &mdash; it's time again for the annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. There will be live music around the clock in bars, restaurants, churches and even beauty shops. For many bands, it could be their chance to break out. Bob Boilen prepared by listening to more than 1,000 bands. 288 no Four full days, 1,800 bands — it's time again for the annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. There will be live music around the clock in bars, restaurants, churches and even beauty shops. For many bands, it could be their chance to break out. Bob Boilen prepared by listening to more than 1,000 bands.

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]]> The Austin 100: A SXSW Mix In preparation for the 2009 South by Southwest music festival (March 18-21), NPR Music's staff spent weeks sampling songs by more than 1,000 of the acts in attendance. The 100 songs in this ridiculously bountiful (but by no means definitive) mix all passed a simple litmus test, summed up in six simple words: "Yeah, I'd listen to that again." Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:40:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101495094&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101495094&ft=1&f=7729350 In preparation for the 2009 South by Southwest music festival (March 18-21), NPR Music's staff spent weeks sampling songs by more than 1,000 of the acts in attendance. The 100 songs in this ridiculously bountiful (but by no means definitive) mix all passed a simple litmus test, summed up in six simple words: "Yeah, I'd listen to that again." no In preparation for the 2009 South by Southwest music festival (March 18-21), NPR Music's staff spent weeks sampling songs by more than 1,000 of the acts in attendance. The 100 songs in this ridiculously bountiful (but by no means definitive) mix all passed a simple litmus test, summed up in six simple words: "Yeah, I'd listen to that again."

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]]> SXSW 2009 Preview On this edition of <em>All Songs Considered</em> host Bob Boilen chats with NPR Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, producer and Second Stage host Robin Hilton, and Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson about some of the bands they're most looking forward to seeing at this year's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex. Hear music from some great unknown bands, like Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, Passion Pit, and The Weird Weeds, plus Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Mirah, and Ponytail. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101622784&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101622784&ft=1&f=7729350 On this edition of <em>All Songs Considered</em> host Bob Boilen chats with NPR Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, producer and Second Stage host Robin Hilton, and Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson about some of the bands they're most looking forward to seeing at this year's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex. Hear music from some great unknown bands, like Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, Passion Pit, and The Weird Weeds, plus Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Mirah, and Ponytail. 3740 no On this edition of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen chats with NPR Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein, producer and Second Stage host Robin Hilton, and Song of the Day editor Stephen Thompson about some of the bands they're most looking forward to seeing at this year's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex. Hear music from some great unknown bands, like Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned, Passion Pit, and The Weird Weeds, plus Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Mirah, and Ponytail.

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]]> NPR Music SXSW Concert Calendar The full schedule of concerts presented by NPR Music at SXSW 2009. Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:07:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101350262&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101350262&ft=1&f=7729350 The full schedule of concerts presented by NPR Music at SXSW 2009. no The full schedule of concerts presented by NPR Music at SXSW 2009.

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]]> Previews: The Decemberists, Blk Jks, More Next month The Decemberists will debut their new album, <em>The Hazards Of Love</em>, live, in its entirety, at the NPR Music showcase, at this year's South by Southwest festival. In the meantime, you can hear a sneak preview on this edition of <em>All Songs Considered</em>, with "The Rake's Song." Also on this edition: Dan Deacon, solo music from Dan Auerbach, guitarist for The Black Keys, Here We Go Magic, South African street music from Blk Jks, and the legendary Buddy Holly. Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:44:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100140202&ft=1&f=7729350 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100140202&ft=1&f=7729350 Next month The Decemberists will debut their new album, <em>The Hazards Of Love</em>, live, in its entirety, at the NPR Music showcase, at this year's South by Southwest festival. In the meantime, you can hear a sneak preview on this edition of <em>All Songs Considered</em>, with "The Rake's Song." Also on this edition: Dan Deacon, solo music from Dan Auerbach, guitarist for The Black Keys, Here We Go Magic, South African street music from Blk Jks, and the legendary Buddy Holly. 1853 no Next month The Decemberists will debut their new album, The Hazards Of Love, live, in its entirety, at the NPR Music showcase, at this year's South by Southwest festival. In the meantime, you can hear a sneak preview on this edition of All Songs Considered, with "The Rake's Song." Also on this edition: Dan Deacon, solo music from Dan Auerbach, guitarist for The Black Keys, Here We Go Magic, South African street music from Blk Jks, and the legendary Buddy Holly.

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