SXSW 2010: It has begun

And for the first time in 6 years, I won’t be in Austin to join in the festivities. Thinking about it though, there are some things I’m not going to miss this week from SXSW. The sunburn, the endless crowds and chaos, the over hype and excess and the general sick feeling I pick up at the end of the week.
I will of course miss the bands and showcases, but mainly the people. I have met and spent time with some amazing people in Austin, some of which have already been giving me a hard time for not making it down this year. I received a couple e-mails last night with photos of friends I’d normally be spending time with this week (below).

Seeing as how I really can’t do a good job reporting on the festival from Toronto, or don’t have the time to go through every showcasing artist, I’ll just point you in a couple directions.

The official showcase/band schedule is here,but Austin360 has a comprehensive list of all the official and unofficial parties happening. Also, you might want to check out this page. Thats a lot of mp3s, all from showcasing bands playing the festival.

Also, I read on Aux.tv about the Canadian bands going down for the festival (all listed here as part of the Canadian Blast). Head here to download a near-free 87 song sampler of those Canadian. Also, the Canadian Blast BBQ has just started at the Brush Square Park (featuring Plants and Animals, Born Ruffians, You Say Party! We Say Die!, Hollerado, Justin Rutledge and The Beauties, Radio Radio).

To my fellow comrades in Austin. Please say a quick prayer for your fallen soldier. And pour some Lonestar out for me.