Sunday, March 21, 2010

SXSW 2010 MEMS



I had a blast this year in Austin! Saw everything I cared to see and then some. It was a total shock and surprise to finally meet OWLEYES and PEGASUS in person. Really warms my heart to meet these internet friends in the flesh. Ben Aqua's mega event Awthumfetht V was a total success and probably the best showcase I saw all week. Besides S U R V I V E superb performance in the early evening, //TENSE// , Psychic Violence and Bodytronix tore the roof off the mother by the end of the night. I wish I had more footage on my iphone, but I was busy working visuals on an awesome 50'x50' wall w/ an HD projector. Like a kid in a candy store I was ;)

I ended my week at the instore performance showcase at SWITCHED ON, Austin's new vintage electronics and keyboard repair shop. If you haven't seen or heard about this place, do yourself a favor and follow the link. Most likely the premiere vintage synth store in all of North America. This place is going to be a true mecca for keyboard nerds for years to come... AMAZING!!!

I've always wanted to see MEDIO MUTANTE perform and this was probably the best setting I could have hoped for. Perfect clear blue skies, 75 degrees, in front of the nexus of current electronic music appreciation, MM didn't disappoint. There were a few new tracks in the mix I wish I recorded but was running out of juice. Can't wait to hear the new EP which is soon to be released.

Lastly, my dear friends Eric Archer and Erich Ragsdale(TJ Laserphone) of Bodytronix absolutely blew minds with their all original circut bent techno/electro/acid set complete with modified drum machines and all. That customized 606 Drumatix with the added 808 kick was a complete monster. I feel our Dutch friends would be really stoked about these guys. I can't even act like I know what all is going on in all those boxes and wires, but it's still mighty impressive!!! Here's a clip from Eric's camera at Awthumfetht.



Phheew, it was alot of fun and exhausting being in ATX for SXSW. Glad I left when I did! After my last day with the 70 degree weather, the temperature dropped 40 degrees and I actually came home to snow in Dallas in mid-March. Anyone familiar with Texas weather knows that snow, any snow, especially this late in the year is just really wrong and totally bizarre. Long story short, I had a blast!!! I hope the video above does justice to the bands and the memories I made this year!!! I really can't wait to see everyone again!

2 comments:

seandonson said...

Radness! Medio Mutante sound amazing, especially that first track.

C U NXT Year Tombo!

wwwwizard said...

Lotsa Awthum Fetht V photos here..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinguthrie/sets/72157623679934034/

What an amazing night!!