My Favorite Songs of SXSW
a blessing of a week
Back from Austin, I’m sitting in the east village as I write this - still basking in the memories of this past week. My second time to sxsw and the second time it was a perfect experience.
Amid the Israel’s genocide of Palestine, as I arrived in Austin, some artists had begun pulling out of official SXSW showcases upon discovering that some of the festival’s sponsors included the US Army, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Collins Aerospace. Refusing to play a role in supporting companies that are compliant in and benefitting from this genocide, and all wars around the world. A harsh reminder of the role so many of these organizations play in our daily lives.
I was really moved by the artists I saw this week. Nearly every artist - whether in official or unofficial performances - spoke their heart and spoke it clear. That these organizations, ones that profit off war, that profit off destruction of people, culture, and community, have no place in music. While it is depressing to see how many of them already do, it was inspiring to hear so many people talk about better futures, better possibilities to come. More beautiful worlds can exist and we can get there together.
I’m encouraged and motivated by the bravery, in every form, shown by these artists and it brought me that much closer to their music too. It felt special to be in the room with them, in community with so many people who deeply believe their message. Sharing shows with friends, making new ones, it was a powerful week that left my heart full. I’ve picked four of my favorite songs from the week of music to share here.
I also talked more about the experience and bands I loved this week on Pop Sick! The perfect and incredible radio show hosted by former guest MMM writer Romy!
Hope you can catch the replay here: https://www.radiofreebrooklyn.org/show-archive/?episode=RADIO9120775067&epuid=92a6ba22-2940-11ed-8169-db580d423d22
It was a joy to spend time talking music with another music-lover, something I always crave.
My Favs of SXSW
Meagre Martin - Please Clap
My favorite new-to-me band of the week has to be Meagre Martin. I took a little listen when I saw them on the marg.mp3 curated showcase with winspear, and knew it was right up my alley. But seeing them live changed everything - the four-piece based in Berlin absolutely rock tf out. I got to catch two sets and both ripped so hard.
Opening with one electric guitar, loose and jangly, the band so warm as they hop in. The writing is personal and honest, delivered with such a gorgeous tone. A little rasp, a little breathy, it just falls so wonderfully over this band. Building confidence as the band builds its sound too.
The chorus is so good. A simple two lines in a nod to maybe one of the most embarrassing moments ever captured on video, Jeb Bush’s ‘Please clap…’ paired with Meagre Martin’s honest plea to be wanted, to be enough. Oof it hits!!
As the song continues on, it only gets more fun. A little louder, a little looser, that western guitar dancing across it all. Live, the band went nuts with this, it’s so big and beautiful. Could watch this one for hours. I also love their newest single Malcom!!! Please get into Meagre Martin, you’ll be seeing them here a lot I imagine….
Sam Tudor - Spring
This was the only song all week that made me cry. I really think it’s a genius song, the writing so brilliant. As Tudor described at one show, it’s the classic half turtle death song / half love song. And if that doesn’t win you over, please hit play and let the music do it.
Tudor’s vocals are gentle and powerful at the same time. Soft but demanding your attention. These bits of poetry seep out atop the echoing snare and that fuzzy organ. Harmonies come flooding in, this massive synth appearing out of nowhere, giving the song a surprising massiveness. This is where the song really gets me.
This childhood memory of overlooking a pet turtle marking the start of different path “like this is where it all went wrong”, Tudor still trying to right this wrong, still coloring how he sees himself.
As the second verse starts - his relationship starts to parallel the turtle story and the insecurities and fear reappear. With some saxophone adding more shape and texture, it’s a beautiful moment. Launching into an only more beautiful one to follow, every instrument perfectly dialed in.
Ugh. Tugs on my heart strings. So glad I got to see this one live three times :)
Mei Semones - Inaka
I did just do a write up of this song before I left for Texas which I will leave here to do most of the talking. But man oh MAN does Mei Semones crush IRL. The band was beautiful - drums, bass, violin, viola, with Mei on vocals & guitar. She is a true shredder live, finding her way through crazy finger picked progressions and gnarly time changes, while she sings sweetly in both English and Japanese.
This song in particular is so beautiful - everyone featured, the band really showing off their chops in the first half, and getting to go wild in the second half. All the while, Semones with the most loving lyrics, “If I’m with you I don’t care where we are”. A real treat to witness, Semones is up to something special and I can’t wait for more people to see.
Mali Velasquez - Horse Trough
No surprise, the artist I was maybe most excited to see this last week was Mali Velasquez. Her debut album I’m Green is one of the most profound and realized albums, a distinct sound, precise and devastating lyrics, and a voice like no one else. I have been so damn eager to see her live.
And folks, it rocked.
It felt so special to hear these songs, and hear a handful of other fans in the room singing along. Like a glimpse of what Velasquez is heading for. Really strikes me as the kind of artist who will have the whole room singing along very very soon.
At the second set I caught, Velasquez and band closed with Horse Trough, an epic, growing tune that delivers so much in just 2mins. With standout lyrics like:
I hold my breath / in the horse trough / you’ve always been good / at pissing me off
and
too hungry to eat / to lonely to chew
It’s a beautiful and haunting tune. But what was SO fun live was letting this one evolve into a square-dancing country tune, the whole band bouncing to this and letting it get wild and weird. It was a moment where the whole band lightened, carrying the heavy, emotional set home with smiles on their faces. It was beautiful to see them all come alive one last time, a special rendition.
Ok ok back to the usual routine next week. I hope you’ve all been doing well <3
Yours,
Max