SXSW Review: Austin, Texas Ya'll

The brothers Bliss N Eso, Venue 222, Austin, TX

Our first night out at SXSW after a long ass day of self promoting, speaker sessions and networking.  One thing you have to know about SXSW is that though there are over 1900 bands playing over four days.  Yes, 1900 bands over four days.  Quite an incredible organisation feat but even more crazy trying to get into your favourite artists venue.  The door man knew us by the second night we went to this venue - friendly people Austin people - that's about all I have to say about that. Of course in one of the 4-5 hip-hop venues throughout the city, we bumped into the brothers Bliss n Eso and their visual content dude a Ridout from Taranaki.

Battle Circus, Kiwi band based in NYC, Austin Convention Centre Showcase

 We were also invited to be part of Speed Showcases organised by Sounds Australia and NZ Music Commission - this gave us the opportunity to meet two kiwi bands - Battle Circus and Streetchant - very dope to have met and watched them perform.

Greg Schick, World Hip-Hop Market, Austin, TX

 On the day of our International Hip-Hop Showcase, we met a hip-hop head like us - his name Greg Schick - he is part of the Nomadic Wax crew and the World Hip-Hop Market - only the conscious need to check those links - this brother is down.

Street Chant and Kaps, Austin Convention Centre, Texas

Hanging with various new people and family throughout the week was how we spent our time off.  Watched some epic gigs for us - EPMD was one of them. Also caught TechN9ne, Killer Mike, Evidence, Babu, Rakaa, DJ Premier, Slaughterhouse, Wu Tang and Lo Down Loretta Brown just to name a few.

SXSW is an incredible experience - I suggest you go check it out yourself cos its very hard to explain our time there without stating how overwhelming the whole ordeal is but exhilarating and full of possibilities - if you ready to work - SXSW is for you. WORD.

Kaps, Aceylone, Rakaa Venue 222, Austin, TX