Lessons in Not Wetting Yourself: Interviewing rockstars.

Hello, it's me Tolly.  Would you like to know four hard things I can do without getting nervous?

1.  Taxes
2.  Thumb wars
3.  Reverse the car out of our driveway*
4.  Make a duck call with my hand**

*Meaning: I don't get nervous.  Everyone watching does.
**This probably doesn't make anyone nervous.  Also it's not hard.

Would you like to know what does make me nervous?

1.  Cooking
2.  Long division
3.  Dogs that look like wolves
4.  Interviewing rockstars

SO.  When I was asked to do #4 last week at SXSW for Express Clothing, I was simultaneously thrilled / teensy bit terrified.

But I think it went ok.

The interviews were spread over three days at Cedar Door here in Austin, where Express and BMF Media Group cohosted the Express Rocks! Music Lounge.  There were over 50 bands, with Neon Trees as the headliner, and folks like Chromeo, Ellie Goulding, and The Sounds stopping by for interviews.  Express dressed me (thank God) and I got to hold a super-huge microphone!

Here are videos of my three favorite interviews: Diplo, Atomic Tom, and Asher Roth.  They are all viewable on the Express website, or more accurately, the Express Rocks portion of their website. 

I was super excited to talk to Diplo.  A long time ago, I wrote a column for The Deli called "DJ Education," and it's sort of like my weird closeted music secret: My brief but intense obsession with DJs.   In the DJ world, Diplo is like Michael Jackson.  Or at least Elton John.  What I'm saying is, he's a big deal. 

Atomic Tom's Tobias is Canadian.  Why is that pertinent?   I don't know.  Except that every single Canadian I've ever met is shockingly nice.  Including Tobias.  Here's his 60 Seconds with Tobias blog.

Asher Roth shook every crew members' hand before the interview, and is just straight-up charming.  Can you see it here?  I ran after him post-interview and made him take an iPhone picture with me.

 Here are some more photos from Express Rocks.

Me with Miss Holly Huddleston, contributor to one of my favorite local blogs: ATX Gossip. 

HOW EXCITING IS THIS.  I got to meet my beloved Peelander Z!  And boy did I gush.  I told them how I went on a date once with this guy to see them, and then I thought he was basically the coolest guy ever, and then I married him, and omigod would they mind terribly signing an autograph for my then date, now husband?

Now taped to the refrigerator!

Daniel Cavazos shot these pictures of my boys: GARY! and Happy.

Chris Apollo Lynn and I making swift use of the photo booth.  I don't know what we are trying to do here.

After this Express gig was all said and done, I can honestly say I had a blast!  Like, a ridiculously good time, and I don't think I scared too many bands.  Wonder if I'll get to do it again?  Express Rocks! does lounges at places like Coachella and Sundance, and while the chances of being shipped out to spots like that are probably slim ... a girl can dream. 

All of my band interviews can now be found on the homepage of the Express Rocks site.  Enjoy!

A sexily aloof reporter I never will be. (Also, Saturday's Free SXSW Party Rec.)

I gotta say, I'm having fun with these Express Rocks interviews.

I've also come to the realization that, while some reporters can be cool and detached during interviews, I will never be that reporter.  I'll ALWAYS be all up in yo' face.  I'll ALWAYS shove an enormous, toothy smile at you.  I don't know how not to grin like an idiot when there's a camera right there, y'all.  Whenever I attempt Sexy Face, it is a disaster. 

Fortunately, the bands we've been interviewing like to play along.  Kaskade, above, was probably my favorite one yesterday.  How cute is it that he's a dad, too?  After he walked away I wanted to holler, "wait come back!   Let's be friends!  I love San Francisco!!"  But, his handler whisked him away and that was that.  Sigh.

So!  I'll be doing the Express Lounge stuff again today at Cedar Door as we wrap up SXSW, but if I weren't committed to that, I would march across the river to this day party.  It starts at noon.

I think this line-up pretty much speaks for itself:

The Black Angels
Dennis Coffey
Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears w/special guests The Relatives
Menomena
White Denim
Bombay Bicycle Club
Young Buffalo
Dan Dyer 

Did I ever tell you guys that Ross used to be Black Joe Lewis' drummer? Right after he left, Black Joe completely blew up and got famous. We cry laugh about it all time.

White Denim and Dan Dyer are probably my favorite acts on that list, but here is a delightful music video from Dennis Coffey.  The Bob Dylan Subterranean Homesick Blues card-holding trick never gets old.

Friday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Pitchfork Presents: #Offline.

Man.   I kinda fell down on the job yesterday and Wednesday, huh?   Didn't post my SXSW free party recommendations!

But I had an excuse, I swear.  And that excuse was laundry.

I'm just kidding: Daddy turned 63 on Wednesday, and Ross and I drove down to San Antonio for it.  In our quest to become actual grown-ups, Ross and I also made an offer on a house this week (WHOA).    And finally, I was interviewing bands for Express Rocks yesterday.  I'm doing it again today and Saturday, and I gotta say, it's a pretty sweet gig!  They got in touch with me before SXSW, hired me to do some band interviews, and told me I could wear/have their clothes.  I said: "You've got yourself a deal."   

 

This is Cisco Adler and moi.  Of then 10 or so bands/musicians we interviewed yesterday, he was one of my favorites.  Articulate, passionate, a good talker: I know I say this all the time, but it goes a LONG WAY when a musician or band has a great personality.  The free booze didn't hurt either, which may or may not have boosted our conversation.

I know Ellie Goulding only looks mildly excited here, but SHE REALLY ENJOYED TALKING TO ME YOU GUYS.  I SWEAR.

Ahem.  Anyway, in all seriousness, Ellie was a delight to talk to.  I tend to get a little giddy over British accents, and she was also very down-to-earth.  You can see what I mean in this video.  Darling, right?

So.  More interviews today, and whenever the videos go up on Express's site I'll show them to you! 

Onto today's free party recommendation.  I'm going with Pitchfork Presents: #Offline!  It's a day party.

Why Pitchfork Presents: #Offline?  Partly because it's at a cool location -- the East Side Drive-In -- and partly because of this guy, the headliner tonight at 6:15pm.  Are you digging Toro & Moi as much as I am?

Tuesday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Art Disaster.

Going to keep today's SXSW party recommendation short and sweet.   Judging by the looks of things, this girl's got a head of hair to wash.  And we'll just not discuss the unshaven legs situation ... I'm about to take a machete with me into the shower.

 

Why Art Disaster?   It's a biannual Austin party, so SXSW out-of-towners, this is where the "townies" will be.  Also, Peelander-Z, a Japanese punk band clad in superhero costumes, will be opening the outside stage.  Friends, have you ever seen a Peelander-Z show?   Dare I say it's a bucket list experience. 

I'm being serious. You absolutely need to see this band live at least once in your life. The very first time I saw them, like six years ago at Beerland, they set up huge bowling pins on the stage, and mid-song, removed their drummer from his seat, picked him up and BOWLED HIM into the pins.

Which may be why a key component of their costume is a helmet.

Monday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Chroma.

If there's one word that keeps getting repeated over and over during SXSW 2011, it is "energy." 

"The energy this year is unbelievable."

"There's so much energy in the air."

That and "huge," as Roger Ebert aptly put it.

Both are true.  I have never, ever experienced a SXSW quite like this.  Kelly Krause, SXSW Interactive's press and publicity coordinator, and I were talking about it earlier, and I searched for proper descriptors. "Woodstock-meets-Animal-House?" I ventured, although that doesn't quite hit the mark.  Perhaps: Woodstock-meets-Sundance-meets-TED-talks (meets Animal House.  The streets are positively flowing with free booze).

Anyway, as per my promise on Friday, I'm going to post one free SXSW party a day here all week, through Saturday.  I recommend Do512, RepublicOfAustin, Ultra8201, and my magical new discovery, Austin2011.Sched.Org for comprehensive lists; the one party I post daily is simply my personal Top Pick. 

Why Chroma?  Because it's different.  And a little bit nuts.  And I want you to come see me covered in the color orange.  I am serious; I will be clothed and painted completely in orange doing I don't know what for this show.

Ok ... that's the real reason I want you to come tonight.   The other reason is, Moldover will be there, and if you are music geeky enough to know what 'controllerism'' is then you know he's a big deal!   (PS, I'm not nerdy at all.)

Moldover, bands, babes, multimedia displays, trippy on-site art.  Me in orange.  I'll see you there.

Your humble host on Fox Austin.

Oh look, I was on TV today.  Do you like how I forgot how to spell around moment 3:15?   That's always nice.

Anyway, Fox was interviewing me about my Neurotic's Guide to SXSW, posted on Monday.  I hope some of the tips are helpful!   Here are the resources I recommended:

Useful Apps:

Hurricane Party: For instantaneous group get-togethers

Tipsy Taxi ATX: When you're too blazed to drive

SXSW Party Resources:

Republic of Austin

Ultra8201

Do512

I will also be posting one free SXSW party a day, starting Monday.

And for a full GRID of free and non-free SXSW events:

Austin2011.sched.org

(That's the website I was trying to spell.  S-c-h-e-d.  I really had to think about it.  If only my grad school English department could see me now).

My Three Top Picks for SXSW Film 2011.

Confession.

Before this year, I never really knew how SXSW Film "worked."

In years past, people would ask if I was excited about all the movie screenings during SXSW.  "Yeah totally," I would say.

Lies.  I didn't know what was playing.

Except for TUB last year: A movie about a guy that jerks off in the shower and impregnates his bathtub.  That one I was quite excited about.

However, this year, I am turning over a new leaf.  I am actually going to see movies.  I have a badge, so why not use it? 

Because I find the internet highly confusing / overstimulating, I opened up my March 4 issue of The Austin Chronicle and circled my film selections there.  I would now like to share them with you.

How about that photo quality, huh?  It's probably blowing your mind.

*My Three Top Picks for SXSW Film 2011*

# 1: Hesher

Starring: Natalie Portman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson

Hello, Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  I don't care if he has dirty long hair.  I don't mind if he sits around in tighty whities.  I don't care if he draws on himself.  If Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in a movie, that's basically good enough for me.

My question is, Natalie Portman.  What?  This has got to be like the 18th movie she made last year.  If I were her, I would now hibernate with my pregnant self for a very long time.  It's time to kick your feet up, Natalie.  Take out the Bon-Bons.  Select from carton.  Insert in mouth.  You deserve it.

Right, so -- the plot.  Here's what The Chronicle says: "Loud music.  Pornography.  Burning shit down.  And it's just this kind of anarchy that's needed to shake the burdens of sorrow from a boy and his father."  But this could have said: "Cereal.  Cardboard box.  Grocery shopping.  Together at last" and I would still go see it.  Why?  Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I'm catching it Tuesday March 15, 9:30pm at Arbor Cinema.

#2: The Future

Starring: Miranda July, Hamish Linklater

This movie involves two of my favorite things, cats and Miranda July.  Details and trailers are somewhat spare.

As is the promotional art.

However!  Like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, if Miranda July is involved in, well ... anything, I'm pretty sure it's great.  From The Chronicle:

"The story of a couple who, upon deciding to adopt a cat, change their perspective on life, literally altering the course of time and testing their faith in each other and themselves."

Ross and I could essentially be this couple.  We got together shortly after he and Claudia got together, and look!   Now we are married.  Me and Ross, not me and Claudia.

You just don't know what you're missing, dog people.

I'm seeing it Wednesday March 16, 9:30pm at Alamo Drafthouse Ritz.

#3: Win Win

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor

Haha, I almost typed "Wine Wine."  Probably because Paul Giamatti is in this one, reminding me of one of my favorite (wine) movies of all time, Sideways.  Yay.

Now doesn't that look sweet?   Maybe a teeny-weeny bit corny.  That's ok.  Sometimes you just want a small town tale of family and small, but meaningful, triumphs.  Amiright?  

In truth I probably won't get to see Win Win until after SXSW.  It screens just once, Monday March 14, 7:15pm at The Paramount, which is approximately the time I'm going to be prepping for this fashion show at The Mohawk.   I would tell you more but I don't know much.   Only that I will be modeling as something solidly orange.  That's right, orange.  When people ask me to do this kind of stuff, I've learned it's best not to ask too many questions.

The Neurotic's Guide to SXSW.

Well I suppose it's time for me to write something about SXSW, huh?

The truth is, SXSW makes me both excited and terrified.  If you are an Austinite, attitudes about SXSW generally have one of two inflections:

1. Unabashed enthusiasm.

"Pass me the Redbull and my stack of business cards, because my new social network start-up / band / film / blog and I are going to make!  A!  Splash!"

2. Annoyed resignation.  

"This traffic is bullshit."
 "Who are these people." 

 "Get me the F outta Austin."

It's true.  Either you love SXSW and have been preparing for weeks, or you avoid the traffic and the city's manic energy altogether.

You hole up in your house or you skip town, and celebrate that other week the country recognizes, i.e. Spring Break.

But I admit it.  These days, I squarely belong to Group #1.  I ordered the business cards.  I applied for the press badge.  I joined some speaking panels.  I even hired a blog designer.  (And am crossing my fingers that the very screen you're reading now will look even prettier in a week or so).

Because the truth is, I love the way SXSW slaps me around a bit.  In one week, it stuffs me with more shows and free booze and creative contacts than I could ever possibly take in.  Historic things happen during SXSW, like when Twitter was announced there in 2007, and Bill Murray guest bar tended at Shangri-La last year.  At least I consider that historic.

So it's all undeniably thrilling for a person like me, but that doesn't mean I don't have a few nerves about the whole thing.

"Am I doing enough for SXSW?  Surely I'm not doing enough.  What's my panel schedule?  What if I'm late?  What if I'm wearing white pants and get my period while speaking on the panel?   Wait -- screw panels -- which shows should I see?   I don't even know which bands are playing!  And how does SXSW Film even work??" 

It all turns my brain into an echo chamber of anxiety.  Which is a little bit ridiculous, considering it's SXSW.  Not a Libyan revolution.  Perspective:  I lack this. 

So to deal, I've made a little list of the things that give me SXSW neuroses.  And, ways to alleviate them.  Do you have tips of your own?  If so, I'd love to hear them in the comments section.

For now, here is my quick and easy guide to not becoming a SXSMess.

 The Neurotic's Guide to SXSX:
Trouble-Shooting SXSW for Increased Well-Being and Insanity Prevention

Problem #1: You are disorganized.   First, realize that we all are.

I am not lying to you.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, who jumps in for a fulfilling SXSW experience is flying by the seat of their pants.  The only people who are organized are probably the SXSW organizers themselves, and one of my friends who is in fact a SXSW worker has to take a stiff drink every morning just to get through it all.  Are you sober in the morning?  You're one step ahead.

If you're a film/interactive/music industry worker and participating in panels, you already know when and where you're speaking.  If you're just there to listen to other panels/talks, practice the Rule of Three.  Pick three good ones each day that you absolutely must see, then allow yourself to wander just a bit.  Don't make yourself crazy.  Just open up your little schedule and circle the daily best.

If you're not an official "industry" person but are, like many of us, a SXSW enthusiast, then you basically just want to get your party on.

Again: The Rule of Three is here to help you.  Don't try to fit in absolutely every party every single day.  You will not.  Pick three good parties, three good shows, three good screenings, or a combination thereof.  By embracing the Rule of Three, you leave yourself room for spontaneity.  And friends, those accidental SXSW discoveries are often the most magical.

Problem #2: You do not know where to party.  Or, maybe you have an inkling, but there's just so many parties it's hard to know which ones to pick.  (Poor us!  What a burden to bear.  Too many parties.)

To help you and to help me, I'll be posting one solid free event each day during SXSW.  I used to try and post all the best things going on each day during SXSW, but forget that.  I plan to be out living it!  So check into Austin Eavesdropper during SXSW week for one daily SXSW Recommendation.

In the meantime, here are is a list of 25 free SXSW parties via local blog Republic of Austin to help get you started.

Problem #3: You cannot get around.  Ah, a common problem.  While SXSW is concentrated along the Red River corridor between roughly 12th and 4th streets, there's tons of stuff scattered throughout the city: From the east side to downtown Whole Foods.

Now, a true confession.  Besides ACL, SXSW is really the only time I bike.  (Apparently I require acronyms before mounting a bicycle.)  If you don't have a bike already, you can rent from any of these 13 businesses.

I have to tell you, I adore biking during SXSW.  No parking, and I can usually zip around faster than the cars stuck in downtown traffic.  Do beware of crazy motorists, though.  The SXSW attendees are drunk, the non-SXSW attendees have road rage at the sudden car clog in our fair city.  I often feel like I'm taking my life in my hands when I bike down 6th St.  So be smart: Swallow your hipster pride and wear a helmet, and don't bike at night without a flashy light thingy. 

There are also shuttles to SXSW, and when you're going from party to party, lots of pedi-cabs (as well as real cabs).  I'll be honest with you though, it's tough to get cabs during SX.  You may want to plan your Rule of Three events to be within walking distance from each other, or just wear good footwear and embrace the trek.

Whatever you do, driving and parking is the least desirable option.  There are never any good spaces, and you'll just get frustrated having to park out in the sticks. 

Problem #4: You are hungry.   Out-of-towners, did you know that Austin is the Food Trailer Capitol of the World?  I just made that up, but I think we're well on our way to being crowned.  There are food trailers beckoning to you from every downtown corner, with delicacies ranging from Turkish kebabs to empanadas to cupcakes.  Here is a full list of them.

For those fuzzy-headed mornings, here are 50 places to brunch during SXSW.

And, if you are a SXSW veteran you know this already.  But lots of parties hand out free food.  In my opinion, SXSW Interactive does this the best:  I think it's because they have the most investors and thus the most money to throw around.  These usually happen on Monday and Tuesday nights, when SXSW Interactive is wrapping up.

Problem #5: You don't have a SXSW badge or a wristband, but you still want to go.  One of the biggest misconceptions among SXSW newbies is that you have to flash a badge or wristband to get into all the parties.  Which is wrong, oh so sadly wrong!         

To enjoy your SXSW experience sans wristband or badge, all you really have to do is keep an eye out for the free parties.  And then, RSVP to them.  Check Partay Peeps, Showlist Austin, and Do512 to get the comprehensive party lowdown. 

So there you have it.  SXSW sanity achieved!

* * *

Now that we feel empowered and calm, I thought I'd tell you where I'll be during SXSW in an "official" capacity, as opposed to straight-up partying capacity, if you'd like to meet up and hang out.

SXSW Interactive

I am speaking on two panels:

Sunday, March 13, 3:30pm: Building Community in a Blogger Eat Blogger World  (we'll be talking about why it's cool / important to network with your blogger "competitors."  I specifically will be talking about why I think blogger competition is a big fat myth!)

Wednesday, March 16, 3:30pm: Welcome to the Future: The Rise of International Social Media (scroll down to see our panel description.  We'll be talking about Facebook and revolutions and stuff.)

SXSW Music

I will be interviewing bands at noon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, for Express Rocks TV.

If you are a band with national pull, I would love to talk to you!  More details on this forthcoming.


 What are your tips for SXSW success?  Where will you be hanging out?

SXSW 2010 recap: Mayer Hawthorne.

Doesn't South By seem like a million years ago? 

Now that I'm all caught up on sleep, and have established normal lifestyle patterns again - eating breakfast, for example - I've come to regard SXSW as an alternate universe.  Isn't that exactly how it feels?  If you immerse yourself in it? 

I want to thank regular readers of this blog for allowing Austin Eavesdropper to temporarily become a SXSW blog. GARY! and I are finishing our recaps today and tomorrow, and then will return to our regular programming of...well we're not sure really, but we'll think of something! (Outfits / Austin fun / psycho cats).

This year,  my personal SXSW experience was enhanced by select doses of funk and soul.  Casxio is one, Mayer Hawthorne is another, and interestingly enough, both acts are from Los Angeles.  Somethin' funky in the water, Angelinos?  

Below, GARY!'s video of Mayer Hawthorn at the Fader Fort party, leading off with a song cover that EVERY child of the '80s will remember.

SXSW 2010 recap: Hexadecagon and Octopus Project.

Some of you may have heard about "Hexadecagon," the multi-media show local faves Octopus Project put on at Whole Foods during SXSW.


I've seen lots of bands utilize projected visuals in their shows lately - Broken Bells, Ratatat. But Octopus Project took this idea to a new level, as GARY!'s videos attest.  For one, the projections were a 360 degree affair, literally surrounding you with surreal images both playful and haunting.  And secondly, this show happened off the beaten path of South By, in a tent erected inside the parking lot of Whole Foods. I like that, because while many bands are content to play in such nonconventional venues as unused portions of crosswalk during SXSW, it typically happens within a 20 block radius, stretching from 4th to 12th Streets, contained by Red River to roughly Colorado. Or so. Hexadecagon was a three months-in-the-making project, with a deliberately different setting, for a crowd who had planned well in advance to get there and get there early.

In other words: Away from the riff-raff.

GARY! shot six videos of the party, which is a lot, but TOTALLY WORTH IT to watch all of them. (Fun fact: the projected videos used at Hexadecagon were shot and edited by Austin’s own Wiley Wiggins, whom you may know as Mitch Kramer from Dazed and Confused.)




In the video below (says GARY!), Yvonne Lambert proves she's a master of the Theremin, in a performance being hailed as one of the top 5 performances of SXSW 2010 by USA Today.




Finally, here are some of my favorite Hexadecagon images, shot by Happy Mercado.

(AMAZING outfit.)

SXSW 2010: White Denim at Mohawk.

This was one of my favorite shows so far, and these fools are hometown.

Whenever I turn on this song of theirs, "Shake Shake Shake," I have to DANCE A LITTLE BIT.



Know what I mean?

That's what she said.

Our favorite autograph yet of SXSW!

GARY! got one too, but the picture was too blurry. I think because he was shaking too much with excitement as I took it. 

Look at this pod of crazies. We've got Stan, Chris, me, Happy, and GARY!  Stan is detecting the weather with his tongue, Chris is beyond excited, I am sporting Carrot Top hair, Happy is beginning to question his choice of social companions, GARY! is all, "I'm SO SURE."

In the above picture, I instructed everybody to make their "handsome face." GARY! misunderstood the assignment.

(This exact same thing happened last year at SXSW.  When GARY! and my beautiful friend Sissel joined me in a picture, the person taking it said to make a "hot face." GARY! and Sissel knew exactly what to do. And looked totally hot -

- while I just look PISSED).

Anyhoo! Last night's Gowalla party at The Belmont was a ridiculous treat. Miss Nina Hartley, it was such a pleasure to meet you!

SXSW 2010 Parties: Filter Magazine. The Temper Trap, Dr. Dog, Miike Snow.

I know I know, you're the boss of you! But as your SXSW comrade-in-arms, may I suggest:

Of note:

The Temper Trap. Did you see 500 Days of Summer? They're on the soundtrack. "Sweet Disposition." I interviewed them last year for G4TV with the delightful Chris Gore, and I can honestly tell you that they are the nicest band I have ever met. Much like The Great Nostalgic in that way, and you know I love them. Also, the vocalist is insane in the membrane.

Dr. Dog. Beatles-y. Loveable. Smart. Yes.

Miike Snow. Dance party. If you happen to watch any CW...cough cough GOSSIP GIRL cough...you may recognize "Animal" from one of the episodes. Don't even front, I know some of you watch.

(Also Miike Snow may possibly have the coolest website ever).

The Filter Magazine Showdown at Cedar Street is a three-day showcase, starting at 11:00am each day and running through early evening. Also, from 11:00am - 1:00pm each day, there will be free barbeque! Pretty radical.

Go RSVP. Right now.

More party news for this one - giveaways and what not - will be updated on Filter's Facebook page.

The people's Perez Hilton Party.

Soooo Mr. Hilton released this little video today recapping his SXSW 2009 Party.



Alright, we've got magnificent stars here - the likes of Kanye, Solange, Margaret Cho, etc. all represented in their celebtastic finery. Very well and good!

But Reader, if you'll take my hand, I'd like to walk you over to a slightly different corner of the party, and introduce you to these very glamorous people.

The faces sort of say it all, non? Don't you like how it looks as though we're sitting on trash bags? (As a matter of fact, we're sitting on bean bag chairs - GLAM ALERT!) This was taken toward the end of the night, and is honestly one of my favorite photos from the whole shebang.

But not as favorite as this one!

I die, revive myself, and die again every time I look at this picture. Can hardly type this damn post. Is that a homeless girl, camped out in the Perez Hilton Party? Aren't you enjoying the fact that this was taken right next to that little press backdrop they use for all the celeb photos??

There is just so much to love in this picture, although I must say I adore S.'s happy grin most of all.

Austin Eavesdropper on G4TV

I'd like to dedicate this segment to Dasani bottled water, without whom my sweaty, shiny face would not have been possible.

Austin Eavesdropper on Perez Hilton!

So guess what, you guys? My friend S. and I were on Perez Hilton today! (Click to #73).

I look a little strange, but hey I'll take it! At least I do not have a penis drawn on my face! (yet!)

If you look close, you can also spot my friend / colleague / partner-in-crime Cory Ryan, at #71, and squeezed in the middle of us is Austinist's fearless leader Allen Chen, holding down #72.

South By Comedown + Thoughts on blogs

When I tell people I have a blog, they typically react in one of two ways:

"Oh that's fantastic!"

Or,

"What's a 'blog?' Is that short for something? Wait - did you say 'blob?'"

It is endlessly fascinating to me to watch the world come around to the blogosphere. Most people have a working knowledge of what a blog is - I bet you remember your own a-ha moment when you realized the term was short for 'WEBLOG' - but events like SXSW tend to emphasize just how critical blogs are, and will become, over the next few years. Why? Well, immediacy is a part of it - sure. But let's face it: we love DIY media. That scrappy, sorta unpolished feel of user-generated media is oddly charming. And if Steven Johnson is correct, blogs will eventually usurp "old media" (hate that term, but you know what I mean) relatively soon.

Pretty wild.

Speaking of wild - South By, I love you, but damn I'm ready to re-enter civilian life again. There were more shows going on today, but I officially clocked out after leaving the Perez Hilton par-tay last night. My feet are BROKE.

Anyway, here are some highlights from the past few days...

Perez Hilton, complete with pink sparkly Aretha Franklin hat.


Surprise Kanye appearance at the Perez party.

Little Boots. Freaking adorable?

Solange Knowles, rockin' some ambitious eyeshadow.

Thao Nguyen, all-around badass and new LIFE IDOL. She sings, she plays, she beat boxes!!!

Cute hat.

Cursive at Waterloo Park.

The Temper Trap at ASCAP. Lived up to the buzz, and then some.

Trae Vedder of Death on Two Wheels. (I mean really. How can you not be a rockstar with a name like "Trae Vedder.")

Local boy Dan Dyer. (Funny story. I actually turned to the girl on my right after I took this picture, and said a little too breathily, "God, I have such a CRUUUUSH on him!!!" Her response? "I do too. I'm his girlfriend.")

Yelle at Maggie Mae's.

au revoir, sxsw.