Link

Stream Dave Grohl’s keynote webcast tomorrow morning at 11am CDT here:  http://www.sxsw.com/live/2013-03-14

Recap-This Week In Review

Greetings everyone! It’s been a wild week in the big ATX, and while I couldn’t update daily I do want to bring you some highlights from my experiences at both SXSW and RedGorilla Music festivals.

If you haven’t heard of RedGorilla, it’s a renegade festival started by Brian Waymire and Chris York or Dreamscapers International and Urbanian Entertainment. The pair is based out of Nashville and Austin, and focus on discovering and promoting the best in independent music today. While RedGorilla is in no way associated with SXSW, they do have an unmistakable large presence in Austin during the same week as the mother festival with 11 venues and over 500 bands playing up and down 6th St. This year the RedGorilla lineup was killer, and featured The Matches, The Effects, The Hollywood Kills, Luna Halo, AutoVaughn, Dizzy Balloon, and many more.

As you know, the week started off strong with The Matches playing a killer set for SXSW, and then two secret shows for RedGorilla. All three were incredible and even in the Texas heat people were dancing their little hearts out to staples like, “Papercut Skin” and “Sunburn Vs. The Rhinovirus.” Complete with new bassist Dylan Rowe these Oakland rockers brought a taste of nor-cal to Austin in all the right ways.

Guitar Tech Ben Plays Triangle on "Papercut Skin"

I caught some incredible pop/rock from The Hollywood Kills Friday and Saturday night at RedGorilla. This little band from Nashville is making big waves thanks to a polished sound that has evolved from garage rock to commercially shiny, alternative pop/rock. There’s an element to their live performance that instantly draws you in and, whether you like it or not, keeps you dancing to their tunes all night long. If you haven’t heard of THK yet, make sure to check out CakeOrDeath Productions for a FREE DOWNLOAD of four songs off their new record Idiot’s Guide To Desertion.

The Hollywood Kills At The Chuggin' Monkey

One of the many surprises I encountered over the week was Ace Enders’ set at the Photo Finish Records Showcase for SXSW on Friday. Formerly of The Early November, Ace played some new tunes for the Audience for the Recover Reunion show and had everyone’s ears on him. It was great to hear the new project and get a tast of what’s to come from such a talented artist. Make sure to check out Ace Enders And A Million Different People’s new record When I Hit The Ground asap. You’ll love it!

The Effects School The Blind Pig In Rock 'N Roll

Another high point of RedGorilla was Tulsa, Oklahoma rockers The Effects. Now, these guys wouldn’t usually fall into a category of music I normally keep on shuffle, but after seeing them live all that has changed. These boys are 100% rock ‘n roll. They’ve put a sparkly millenial twist on classic rock with screaming guitar solos, and beats that keep your eyes fixed on drummer Erin to see what he’s going to lay down next. The one drawback to The Effects is that they don’t currently have recordings that do them justice. This is a live band through and through, and to truly experience the magic of their music you have to see them live. So…make sure you check out their MySpace for a complete list of upcoming tour dates near you.

Effects Guitarist, Jeff Shreds At The Blind Pig

One final experience i’d like to share with everyone was a set by a somewhat unknown band called Dizzy Balloon. Hailing from Oakland, CA this five-some is everything I could have ever asked for in a new band. They’ve got the looks, the sound, the stage presence, and the personality to take them straight to the top. With their Beatles-inspired sound and insanely catchy tunes like, “Raise A Glass” and “Chinatown” Dizzy Balloon kicked ass this week at RedGorilla. I was most impressed by a cover they did of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy” by the Beatles. At first listen you wouldn’t think their poppy sound fits with the appropriately named, heavy tune, but DB pulled out all the stops on this one, mimicking the iconic song effortlessly, while still putting a signature twist on the classic riffs and turn-arounds that define it. There’s a clear Beatles influence in Dizzy Balloon’s sound, and this was a perfect cover to round out their phenomenal set this weekend.

Dizzy Balloon Shows Off Their Quirky Sound At RedGorilla

Whether you were in Austin for SXSW, RedGorilla, or even Texas Rock Fest this week, all the music on 6th St. was amazing. Live music has the power to move people, bring people together, and keep them coming back for more long after their first listen, and that’s what all these festivals are about. A good band is a good band, but a good band that is also good live automaticlaly becomes a great band, surpassing the hordes of wanna be’s and has beens chasing fame without a prayer. Thanks to all the amazing bands for playing your hearts out at all three festivals, and making the trip to Austin to share your music with people that truly appreciate it.

Peace

RedGorilla Music Fest Opens Submissions and Partners with Ourstage.com

All right everyone.  It’s official!  RedGorilla Music Festival is but a few months away so get yourselves ready!  The following is the official press release from our friends at RedGorilla and Dreamscapers Int.  Have a read, and please don’t hesitate to tell all your musical acquaintances to submit their information to get themselves on the audition list.  Also, if you’re just looking to see a bunch of great bands play back to back in one of the coolest cities in our great nation, RedGorilla takes place at the same time as SXSW down in Austin, Texas.  This is a great opportunity for new bands, and a great time for music lovers.  PLUS it’s FREE.  No badges, no tickets, no VIP passes.  Just bring your bodies to Texas and hear some of the best rock music from all across the country!  See you there!

 

August 28, 2008 — RedGorilla Music Fest is extending the invitation to music lovers and musicians alike to come together and celebrate the best in new and independent music. The 2009 RedGorilla Music Fest will showcase over 300 artists and is now accepting submissions.

RedGorilla’s mission is to promote up-and-coming independent music in all genres and help independent artists further their careers. Last year RedGorilla hosted nearly 300 bands, solo artists, and DJs and expanded the event to eight stages. Due to its overwhelming success, the 2009 festival will continue to grow while upholding its reputation as the cool, rebel showcase that caters to talented artist from all parts of the world.

The 2009 RedGorilla showcases are scheduled take place from Wednesday, March 18th to Saturday, March 21st, during one of the most important music weeks of the year when the city of Austin, TX becomes the music industry’s premier destination, and thousands of fans and industry professionals descend upon Austin to network and discover new talent. RedGorilla showcases are held in venues on 6th Street, right in the heart of all the action. RedGorilla continues to be a “No Badge Required” event, it is free to attend, and is open to the general public.

New developments for the 2009 RedGorilla Music Fest include a key partnership with OurStage.com. OurStage.com is a web platform dedicated to new music and artist discovery. Because of their mutual ambitions to promote independent music, RedGorilla is confident that its partnership with OurStage will prove beneficial in contributing to showcasing the best in new and independent talent at the 2009 festival.

This year RedGorilla has partnered with OurStage introducing an online contest for artists to enter one song to be judged by the Ourstage.com community for the chance at securing a showcase at the 2009 RedGorilla Music Fest. OurStage will also provide an alternative online resource for artists to create free electronic press kits and a submission platform for those interested in showcasing at the RedGorilla Music Fest.

RedGorilla is now accepting showcase submissions. RedGorilla Music Fest prides itself on making these showcases the best experience possible for participating artists as well as their fans. Performance slots are open to bands, solo artists, and DJs of all genres. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

To apply for a showcase at the 2009 RedGorilla Music Fest in Austin, TX from March 18-21, 2009 please visit http://www.redgorillamusic.com for artist submission form. Submissions are accepted online through Ourstage.com, Broadjam.com, and via fax, email or mail.

RedGorilla Music Fest is not affiliated in any way with SXSW or South By Southwest, Inc.

For more information please visit: www.redgorillamusic.com and www.ourstage.com.