SXSW: Live from the Blogger Cage!

By: Austin L. Ray

Let me set a rather odd scene for you: I’m standing in what the folks at our party are calling a “blogger cage.” Basically, I’m typing on a computer that’s atop a small set of stairs and housed inside several metal bars. If you’ve ever seen a go-go dancer at a high-end club in a movie, then you’ve got the right mental picture. Except, you know, go-go dancers don’t blog. I think. I can’t tell you how weird it is.

To my left, Colour Revolt just began its afternoon set. As if we haven’t told you enough, this Oxford, Miss. quintet is worth checking out. I’m told that they had a keyboard crisis shortly before recording their excellent new album, and the result is guitars for days and days. Personally, I don’t think they’ve ever sounded better. Before Colour Revolt, Destroyer played to an insanely packed house. And before that, Nada Surf did an acoustic set. My Brightest Diamond started the day off at noon.

All in all, it’s been a great day so far, but I’m missing out on a great rock show while I type, so it’s time to round this out. More later…