Portrait: Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten

SXSW 2011

SXSW 2011: Highlight Videos pt.1

I was very excited to see La Sera perform during SXSW. Katy Goodman's solo project is kind of getting brushed off quickly since the next Vivian Girls album is just around the corner, but it is definitely a project that deserves its moment in the spotlight. So it was good to see Goodman get a chance to showcase on her own. Her harmonies have always elevated the songs of the Vivian Girls, and those skills are highlighted on her La Sera album. It's filled with catchy hooks that are made even more infectious coming from Goodman's breathy vocals. I highly recommend giving the album a listen.
Below are some highlight videos from SXSW, including a performance one of my favorite Le Sera tracks "Devils Hearts Grow Gold."  

SXSW 2011: Highlight Images pt.1

Another SXSW is in the bag. It's was my forth to be exact. Anyone who knows me personally, or follows me on twitter, has probably heard some trash talking coming from my side regarding South-by in the weeks leading up to it. I have my issues. Even in just the four short years I've attended, I've watched the event explode to an insurmountable level. It seems that the discovery of music has taken a backseat to tons of corporate sponsored parties that attract hordes of people who aren't even interested in music, just free beer. However when it's all said and done, I always have a blast. 

The photos that follow are the reasons why. I played it light this year and narrowed down a short MUST must-see list, which I pretty much got everyone checked off.  Number 1 on that list was Chelsea Wolfe, who I got a double shot of and was not disappointed. She sounded amazing, she was super gorgeous, and really friendly. Also on that list were Sharon Van Etten, La Sera, and Shabazz Palaces, who can all be seen below.

I'll have more SXSW images tomorrow, and videos later in the week. So please check back. 

Sharon Van Etten

Chelsea Wolfe

Dum Dum Girls 

 La Sera

Oh Land

 Shabazz Palaces

American Music Club

Wye Oak

Free Download of Sharon Van Etten's Bowery Ballroom Show

Looks like Sharon Van Etten is giving away a free download of her very recent [01.08.11] show at New York's famed Bowery Ballroom. 

Van Etten is riding the wave of acclaim brought on by her latest album Epic. Which, for the record, is Trinity Stardust approved. The live set pretty much features 90% of that album along with some new songs as well. It was recently reported the she is working with The National on her next album, so perhaps these new tunes are a preview of that. Either way, this is a great chance for those not yet familiar with Van Etten to sample her work. So head over to nyctaper to get the live set. And after you fall in love with her (yes it will happen), jump to her site to pick up Epic. It is quite.... errrrr.... ahhh..  EPIC!