When I was sorting through my SXSW pics a few weeks back, I stumbled upon a couple shots of Iain Archer that never saw the light of day. The one above is a candid pic that I grabbed while hanging out at the Driskill Hotel in ‘06. There’s something about this photo that I really dig; feels like it’s straight out of Esquire Magazine or something.
Add comment February 10th, 2010
If it weren’t for these boys, I probably would have never discovered SXSW. The Amazing Pilots looking serious in an Austin junkyard in ‘05.
1 comment January 18th, 2010
It’s hard to put into words the insanity of a Peelander Z performance (seen above at Hot Freaks in ‘09). Just check out this video from one of their shows, which’ll help paint a better picture. They’re by far one of the most fun bands I’ve ever seen play live, and I kind of don’t even like their music.
Add comment January 17th, 2010
A few months ago, I posted another pic from this show at the Irish SXSW showcase in ‘09, but the above is one of my all-time favorites that I’ve taken down at SXSW. Dubliner May Kay of the band, Fight Like Apes, is equal parts amazing and absolutely crazy when you she takes to the stage. And with hair like that, she couldn’t be any more photogenic to say the least.
Add comment January 16th, 2010
Duke Special at the Irish Breakfast in ‘06.
I wasn’t at this show with Ryan, but I vividly remember him talking about it when he got home from SXSW that year. He hadn’t seen Duke Special in eight years, and the last time Ryan had seen him, he was just your average looking Irish man and had pretty short hair.
As you can see, his look had changed quite a bit since then! But what struck Ryan even more than his long dreadlocks was Duke’s amazing performance that morning. It left a huge impression on Ryan, and I can only imagine the rest of the crowd at the Irish Breakfast. Just hearing Ryan describe it, made me feel like I’d been there too.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Duke Special perform several times since then, and he’s easily one of my favorite artists. He’s so incredibly talented that it really is a true pleasure to see him in action. And every time I watch him perform, especially when he plays “Salvation Tambourine”, I remember standing in the kitchen of our old apartment and listening to Ryan describe the dreadlocked frenzy of Duke pounding the piano as he chanted “I could go to London…” at that special show in Austin.
- Kim
2 comments January 15th, 2010
Here’s a shot I took of Iain Archer down in Austin back in ‘06. We found this incredible mural on the side of a rundown Mexican restaurant on the outskirts of town, and I just love how Iain sort of fits right into it. Or maybe he doesn’t fit at all…
While most in the US have probably never heard of Iain Archer, chances are you’ve heard his work. A native of Northern Ireland, Iain co-wrote several key tracks on Snow Patrol’s breakthrough album ‘Final Straw,’ including the hugely successful single “Run.” But as an artist, Iain is much more than just a collaborator, and it’s his solo work that’s truly special and absolutely worth checking out.
2 comments January 14th, 2010
Easily, one of the major highlights of the last two SXSWs, has been the Hot Freaks party at the Mohawk. A collaborative effort from the most influential music bloggers in the country, Hot Freaks showcases some of the best music on the indie horizon. I’ve gotten to see bands like The Dodos, Delta Spirit, Camera Obscura, These United States, Jason Lytle (formerly of Grandaddy), Christopher Denny and White Denim (as seen above), just to name a few. Last year, I didn’t even purchase a wristband cause I knew we’d have two solid days of great tunes to look forward to under one “roof,” and I was not mistaken.
Of course, I should probably point out that my buddies and I have also been lucky enough to get the ol’ VIP treatment both years, thanks to my good friend, Larry Little, at Future Sounds. It’s a pretty great thing, looking down from the reserved balcony with free booze and delicious complimentary tacos, while soaking up some sweet Austin sunshine. All live music should be consumed like this!
I did learn this past weekend, however, that Hot Freaks won’t be happening this year. And as sad as I am to know it won’t be waiting for us come March, I know that Larry and co. have some pretty incredible plans up their sleeves for this year’s fest instead (did somebody say, Super Rumble?). So RIP, Hot Freaks, and let the new party(s) begin!
Add comment January 13th, 2010
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We’ve still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You’ve made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I’ll sing along
- Glen Hansard “Falling Slowly”
(seen above with The Frames at SXSW in ‘05)
Add comment January 12th, 2010
In all my years of going to SXSW, I’ve never missed the annual Irish Breakfast at BD Riley’s. There have been many times where we’ve gone to the bar straight from the Austin airport (plus the one time we drove from LA, we arrived just in time, which I’ll never do again!), and I can think of no better way to kick off the fest than for it to be the first stop on the tour.
Spearheaded by my good friend, Angela Dorgan at Music From Ireland, the Irish Breakfast offers a full day’s lineup of some of the best new artists emerging from the Emerald Isle. Plus, as the name would imply, you do get a traditional Irish breakfast, and nothing beats a few pints of Guinness in the morning to go with the grub.
Above: Simple Kid plays the Irish Breakfast back in ‘07. I’d never heard of him before that morning, but I’ll never forget his incredible duet with Kermit the Frog on “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green.”
6 comments January 11th, 2010
Here’s a shot from the music video shoot I directed with Duke Special on Monday. Somehow, we found ourselves filming in Saint Olave Church, a medieval cathedral and one of the few buildings in the city that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. Definitely an interesting location to film a music video, and we actually shot two songs there, both off the recently released Mother Courage and Her Children record.
Add comment December 10th, 2009
