Real time Adventures // VALA FM
Just got the best news ever that a possible Fiona Apple album may drop next year. I’ve sat in the longest line ever to watch her perform at SXSW in 2012 (alongside a young kid by the name of James Blake) and would do it again. Here’s something to hold you tight til 2020. My infamous Fiona Apple mixtape!
Here we got! Recently I posted a complete list of all the artists I wanted to see at this year’s SXSW. I wanted to go deeper and actually share some of these artists that I think could have a nice buzz in 2018 and beyond. If you are out in Austin this year, let’s connect! Ill be around in search of the best coffee, tacos and also participating on the Co-Sign panel. Details here.
TRACKLIST:
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Looking forward to joining the KCRW crew this year for SXSW and seeing new and emerging talent. My goal is to check out some of these folks listed below. Also make sure to check out the Tune In jump off on 6th Street! (Flyer below).
Toronto’s Maylee Todd returns to the podcast for Episode # 80 co-hosted by Novena Carmel. I should note that prior to hitting record, we stuffed our faces w/ pal Sophia Chang at The Line Hotel inside Pot. (Shout out Roy Choi, Jess + Natasha!). On the podcast we discuss woman’s personal issues, Mushrooms in Joshua Tree, SXSW, the influence of Bjork, porno theaters in the 6 and other madness. Lots of nonsense but full of laughs.
I am not mad at this! Even if the track is an XXYYXX beat that Ive loved and played over and over in the car or on radio. It’s still dope! I heard SZA do this one live at SXSW but it was a bonus to find Chance The Rapper drop a verse on this cut. I love this cut!
Another long day in Austin as we kicked off the day hanging with Denitia and Sene for a quick catch up. I manage to venture into South Congress and snap some shots of the local folks and a performance from Ana Tijoux. Afterwards It was time to see Haerts followed by Little Dragon at the Dickie’s Roadhouse at Banger’s Bar and Sausage House. The bad absolutely killed it with previews of the new album! I am looking forward to hearing the studio version of the new record after loving what I heard last night!
Day Three was a killer but worth it. We were able to shoot and hang with Little Dragon at the Huf House which was settled in a cute little Austin neighborhood. I had tons of questions so it was nice to actually learn some of those answers which will be aired on a future broadcast of NUVOtv’s The Collective! After we headed to the park to connect with the amazing Ana Tijoux for a chat about her new album, perspective on music and life and I must say that was super heavy and beautiful. Sitting there next to the river and listening to her drop knowledge about how motherhood has changed her life and how the media exploits culture for profit was refreshing to hear in the midst of all this corporate madness here.After dinner we swung through to the Belmont for the Redbull Soundselect party and caught Thurz kill it with a live band followed by my faves Denitia And Sene who somehow with their mellow soul flow rocked an OFWGKTA party! Earl Sweatshirt was next who was joined by Tyler The Creator and Taco and from there is was mayhem! Peep the pics.
Day Two was a little more hectic as we walked around and searched for some cool bands! NUVOtv Fam Bam was in full effect shooting scenes for a future episode exploring Austin on the music and locals front. First up was the amazing and angelic Ely Guerra at the House Of Vans Mexico Showcase. Her presentation captivated the audience and was a much needed break from the madness on the streets. We then had a quick stop at Stubbs BBQ where I fell in love with the wing sauce! Moving on we hit up Pitchfork’s Show No Mercy Showcase where it was super loud. Tons of shredding, guitar solos and thrashing! Next up was Haven to see Banks who has easily become a Monday night KCRW favorite with the release of Warm Waters. The crowd was definitely feeling the set and vibes. I was equally impress with The Preatures who opened with a high energy set that reminded me a bit of the Yea Yea Yeah’s mixed with the official soundtrack of Footloose. Loved them! And last but not least another night with Machinedrum. This time it was a dj set. Big day ahead tomorrow! Check back for more snapshots!
Just waking up after a long night on the town and what a night! After a day of travel and meetings with the NUVO production crew I cruised around Austin and then found myself at AT&T’s Mobile Movement show featuring Reggie Watts, Sza, Machinedrum and Dj Shadow! The minute I saw these names on the bill I figured how impossible it might be to get in. Got in the badge line which circled around the block and within minutes I was in. That’s when that old SXSW badge magic began to kick in. Reggie Watts always blows me away with his comedic elements and soulful organic vocal made tunes. Top Dawg Entertainment’s latest signee Sza rocked the crowd with her melodic sounds while Machinedrum was impressive sonically! Dj Shadow, well, It’s DJ Shadow!!!
Easily my favorite track on his debut Good Kid M.AA.D City. I use to play this track nonstop on my radio show. Then listening to him on a panel with Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson at SXSW really allowed me to gain more respect for him. But back to this track! The guitar licks and those rim shots fit perfect with K’s vocals which layer just right over this vibey track. Great to see a promo clip for this track long after the release which made my number one slot of Best Albums of 2012!
I had the chance to catch up with Ninja Tune recording artist Bonobo and talk about the new forthcoming album “The North Borders” which is set to drop April 2nd of this year. We discuss his first concert and his love for sampling. Catch more cuts from the record tonight for our late night session on the far left of the fm dial or worldwide at kcrw.com.
Walked in just in time to catch Bun B of UGK doing Big Pimpin followed by Pusha T perform some Clipse classics and his verse on Mercy and then Kendrick Lamar rip through his catalogue of mixtapes before dropping verses from his Good Kid M.A.A.D City album. It was a treat to hear him speak the day before with Elliot Wilson. Texas Hip Hop shows are always fun when surrounded by the youth of the city. I managed to work my way in through the crowds and found a nice comfy spot only to find myself standing next to Austin Dj Chicken George. Small world!
Sometimes at SXSW you just have to be at the right place at the right time. I found myself in line with some great folks who provided optimism of getting into the free exclusive Depeche Mode show at Brazos Hall in Austin. In support of the new DM album, the band held an awesome chat a few days back at the Convention Center discussing the history of the band as well as personal reflections of standing the test of time. It blew my mind!
But to watch the band perform new songs off the new record as well as a couple classics was absolute heaven! Peep pics!
Crazy day! It’s been a minute since the first batch of SXSW batch of pics were posted. Kicked things off with Poolside followed by a panel with Clive Davis who I listened to across the way while waiting for the Kendrick Lamar X Elliot Wilson chat to kick off. I have to say it’s refreshing to hear a current and important emcee admit he is shy and enjoys being in the cave. It’s also great to hear Kendrick speak of the importance of longevity in music today. This was a great chat to be heard by lots of young ones in attendance. I also got some shots of some cool interesting folk! Enjoy!
Just kicked off day 2 at SXSW and have already had several highlights! Watching Anne Litt interview Devendra Banhart at the Convention Center and seeing out of the corner of my eye Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan casually chill with a cup of coffee was one of them! KCRW held two showcases which were amazing! Toro Y Moi absolutely blew my mind away. Watching an artist perform songs from an album you love and hold in a high regard is always a great experience. Wild Belle and Tom Odell killed it too!! Okay 2 in effect. Currently listening to Clive Davis from across the hall while waiting for this panel session with Elliott Smith and Kendrick Lamar! Stay posted for more shots + updates!
Sitting here at the Convention Center watching Jake Bugg and Boy. Sounding great! I have some amazing shots to share including one of my personal legends! Randomly shot some shot Ann Litt chatting it up with Devendra Banhart and who do I see out of the corner of my eye??? Peep the blog later to find out who! Okay! Signing off. See you in a bit!
I intend on hitting SXSW as a person documenting the madness. But along the way I get these dj gigs. So Im packing all my camera and Serato gear into separate bags. The minute I touch down I gotta fly to the Blah Blah Blah Science Party and rock a short set then head to the official KCRW jump off’s right after. Im also playing all night Saturday at the Direct TV/Guitar Center Jump off at The Rattle Inn. I’ve already lined up a few artists that Im excited about for the blog! So make sure to follow me on instagram, twitter and the blog for updates! Below are a few of the shows and panels ‘Im excited about!
:: Shows Im Excited to see! ::
Found a batch of unused shots from NYC and Austin from last year. Loved them so much had to share them on the blog. Hope you dig! And if your coming out to SXSW this year hope to see you!
2012 was my second year at the Austin music festival and by then I had already become a pro at finding my way around town, finding cheap hotels, escape routes after hours from the traffic and where to eat. This year Im gearing up for my 3rd year at the festival and excited to blog and document all the madness for KCRW. I find it easy to plan lightly every morning via the schedule and just float like the breeze. Allow changes, sit in on music panels during the day and always, ALWAYS recharge at the Convention Center! And purchase a music badge! Ive met so many artists, movers and shakers who avoid picking up a badge and complain how the festival sucked. The music badge gets you into events, avoid lines, receive a booklet with ALL the shows and guarantees you an amazing experience! Otherwise your stuck on 6th Street or local bars. Not that anything is wrong with 6th Street! I find some great bands playing there but just trust me! Purchase your badge here.
I was randomly searching through my pictures of last year’s pictures and found so many cool photos in my instagram feed. Das Racist, Miles Bonny, Theophilus London, Mobb Deep, Nardwaur, some toothless chola who offered me vices of my choice, Sonnymoon, The Stepkids, Homeboy Sandman , Fiona Apple and J Sole all popped up. I try to explain to friends that I approach SXSW as an adventurer and as a music fan. Id much rather bypass the smoozing and business card exchange in the VIP lounge for some live shows, loud guitars and photo snapping. It’s like that movie “Almost Famous” but on steroids. If your out there I’d love to see you! Give me a hollar! Email is below!
anthony.valadez@kcrw.com
-av
I caught Homeboy Sandman at SXSW in 2010. I was hooked. By 2011 we linked up at the following SXSW and lots of great things had happened since. Now working on releases for Stonesthrow, this brother gets to showcase his unique rhyme patterns to a new audience. His cadence and delivery are unlike any of contemporaries. I sat with HBS last year and we discussed his content for his music. I was moved about him writing a song about the homeless. His content reminds me of that, of a great boxer who throws jabs and punches that connect. In HBS’s case, those japs and upper cuts are rhymes. Great videos below that break down his past, present and future. Go google this brother and buy his product.
ANTHONY VALADEZ 