SXSW Guest Blog:: The Trash Pop Icons

Preparing for our trip to Austin for SXSW, I felt like a kid preparing for my first day of school. Not really knowing what to expect and full of questions. What’s it going to be like? Are people going to like me? Do I have everything I need? Did I pack enough shoes?! Needless to say, I was nervous, but excited and I think we all felt that.

Once we landed and drove away from the airport towards downtown, it was a little bit of a shock that Austin wasn’t at all what I expected. Where we all the cowboys?! Downtown Austin actually reminded each of us a lot of our home in San Francisco. The main differences were the food trucks everywhere and the fact that everyone was more than willing to have a conversation.  Meeting so many friendly people quickly eased all my nerves and made my decision of whether or not I liked Texas and easy one; I loved it!

I thought that being a female fronted band an event like this was going to be a bit of a challenge, but it proved to be the opposite. I think we got a little bit more attention for that. This was refreshing considering back home being a female fronted rock band makes it harder for people to pay attention and care. Or, at least, that’s how it feels sometimes. However, we soon found out that the only negative thing about being a “chick” band (sorry Bobby – our drummer) was how the humidity affected our hair! God bless Helene Curtis for inventing hair spray back in the 50’s. (yes, that’s a fact.) My sister, Naomi, and I would’ve been lost without it.

Day time on 6^th street during SXSW can be compared to your typical street fair only multiply the head count by about a thousand.  Night time transforms 6^th street into a madhouse (multiply the head count by a million! Or, at least, that’s how it feels). Crazy outfits. Music EVERYWHERE! People performing on the roofs of their cars. Anything just to get heard. Cd’s, flyers, food containers, etc. cover the streets like a grassy field in spring. It can be overwhelming at times, but that fact that everyone there has traveled for miles solely for the love of music makes the vibe out on the street unlike any I’ve ever experienced before.

When I was a kid first learning how to play guitar, SXSW and Austin, TX seemed like a million miles away. I had heard about it and was in awe of all the bands that were able to make the journey across country or across multiple countries and seas to be a part of it. To actually BE there, experiencing something so beautiful was a dream come true for me. (The SXSW tragedy is exempt from this statement. Our hearts go out to those affected and their families.)

Now that we’re home, I have a whole new list of questions for myself, only this time they’re a little bit different. What has this experience taught me? So much it’s hard to summarize. I think I’m still taking in the lessons. How and what can we improve? I am more aware now of my areas of opportunity as a performer than I ever was. Did I pack too many pairs of shoes? No way! There’s no such thing. Are we going back next year? Hell yes we are! And prepare yourself Texas, because we’re going to come back stronger and rocking harder than ever!

Thanks!
-Nadia*

50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss At SXSW (Part 1)

Since none of us here at Lucy Out Loud will be able to attend SXSW this year, we’ve put together a list of 50 acts(in no particular order) we think those of you that are attending shouldn’t miss! 

To check out our first installment (acts 1-10), click “Read More”!

*Note: some acts we’ve included are performing at South By So What?! and not South By South West. However, since the festival takes place during the week of South By Southwest, we’ve decided to still include them in our list!

Part 1 (Acts 1-10)

1. iTCH
   Hip-hop seems to reach further now than it ever has. With this, and the ability to combine punk, pop, and electronic elements into his music, iTCH has been able to create a unique sound with a bit of English charm, adding his name to a short list of artists who have successfully been able to do so. 
   Where to catch iTCH: 3.13 – 9:30pm – SONY Showcase @ Hangar Lounge; 3.14 – 2:20pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Blind Pig Rooftop; 3.14 – 7:20pm – Audiotree Showcase @ Licha’s Cantina
2. The Front Bottoms
   Thanks to Brian Sella’s unique voice (which shares a likeness to that of Say Anything’s Max Bemis or Andrew Jackson Jihad’s Sean Bonnette) and the duo’s clever lyrics, The Front Bottoms have built a huge following for themselves, proving that just because their music may not sound the prettiest, that doesn’t mean it isn’t pretty.
   Where to catch The Front Bottoms: 3.12 – 1:30pm – Run For Cover Records/Brixton Agency Showcase @ The Liberty; 3.12 – 6pm – The Chris Gethard Showcase @ Esther’s Follies; 3.12 – 11pm – BrooklynVegan Showcase @ Red 7 Patio; 3.14 – 8pm – APA Official Showcase @ The Palm Door; 3.14 – 1am – Bar None Showcase @ Valhalla
3. Dangerkids
   Dangerkids are one of the few bands who have been able to successfully merge the worlds of electronic hardcore and rap/rock. Their debut album near the tail-end of 2013 was well-received and ambitious, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them have a big year this year. 
   Where to catch Dangerkids: 3.16 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park
4. The Trash Pop Icons
   Fronted by sisters Nadia and Naomi Zep, the group has made a name for themselves throughout the San Francisco Bay area. The group’s debut album, A Way With Words, has a sound for any type of listener and an energy that is sure to translate to the stage.
   Where to catch The Trash Pop Icons: 3.12 – 12pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.12 – 4pm – Texas Rockfest @ Shiner’s Saloon, 3.13 – 7pm – Texas Rockfest @ Blue Moon; 3.14 – 7pm – Lot323’s Shocase @ the corner of Colorado & 4th
5. Tiny Moving Parts
   If mewithoutYou and La Dispute conceived a child at a pop/punk show, the result would be Minnesota’s Tiny Moving Parts. Sharp, quick, and harsh, their music is personal and begs to be shouted.
   Where to catch Tiny Moving Parts: 3.14 – Between 12pm and 6pm – Charlie Says “Fest!” @ 2326 E Cesar Chavez St.
6. letlive.
   We’ve heard a lot about letlive. over the last few years or so. And there’s a justified reason for why they’ve had the huge years that they’ve had. When the LA five-piece performs, they leave every ounce of them on their stage and with the fans. Whether you know this band or not, they’re one you’ll be disappointed for missing.
   Where to catch letlive.: 3.15 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park
7. From Indian Lakes
   Following a year that included their first headline tour, as well as an opening spot for The Main and Anberlin and recognition as one of Alternative Press’ 100 Bands You Need to Know in 2014, California’s From Indian Lakes are poised to have a great follow-up year.
   Where to catch From Indian Lakes: 3.11 – 7pm – To Write Love on Her Arms Texas UChapter @ Catalyst Teen Center; 3.13 – 12:05 – Equal Vision Records and Pure Noise Records Showcase @ G-Pen Annex; 3.13 – Between 12pm to 1am – The Audiotree Showcase @ Licha’s Cantina
   
   
8. Ashley Allen
   Ashley Allen has all of the makings to be a standout pop star – hooks, looks, and plenty of personality. Her music is undeniably catchy and mainstream-ready, making her an artist to surely watch. 
   Where to catch Ashley Allen: 3.14 – 12pm – High School Nation Tour @ 1121 E. 7th St
   
   
9. Lucius
   I(Eric) first saw Lucius perform at Boston Calling in September. They were one of the lower-billed openers, but they had everyone talking. Donned in identical black-and-white dresses, their staging was, and still is, as intriguing, charming, and distinctive as their music. 
   Where to catch Lucius: 3.12 – 8am – KUTX @ The Four Seasons; 3.12 – 5pm – The Paste Party @ Swan Dive; 3.12 – 10:45 – High Road Touring @ Cedar Street Courtyard; 3.13 – 6pm – Heartbreaker Banquet @ Willie Nelson’s “Luck, TX” Ranch; 3.13 – 12am – The Heart of Austin @ The Market; 3.14 – 6am – KGSR @ The W Hotel; 3.14 – 12pm – SXSW Radio Showcase @ The Convention Center; 3.14 – 4pm – The Tumblr House @ Clive Bar
   
   
10. Chiodos
    Chiodos are one of the most tirelessly-working groups out there. After a couple of years that saw a revolving door or lineup changes, 2013 was a return to form. Now, with an extensive tour schedule and a new album on its way, they’re set to retake their territory in 2014.
    Where to catch Chiodos: 3.14 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park