If there is one common thread everyone can agree on about SXSW, it’s that your body takes a BEATING. So rather than tell you about the trip by band, I’m doing it by malady. If anyone can point me to a first aid station in Austin… let me know.
1. Scab on finger
I have no idea when I got this scab, but on Tuesday night, I picked at it on my way to Emo’s. I had just arrived in Austin and was so excited to get downtown that I didn’t realize I was bleeding for a really long time. I was that bus person. By the time I arrived downtown it was staunched – luckily did not put a kink in my plan to see P.S. I Love You and Beach Fossils. Both were very fun, though very different: P.S. I Love you playing two-piece rock, and Beach Fossils keeping it jangly and upbeat.
2. Exhaustion
Most common SX malady. It hit me hard on Wednesday afternoon (post-Generationals, Braids, and Rainbow Arabia), and I found myself looking for a quiet lounge to recharge in at the Convention Center. I happened upon a haven of dim light, paper lanterns, and giant beanbags to chill out in, and it happened to be the Radio Day Stage. After a twenty minute power nap in a huge beanbag, I woke up to Jessica Lea Mayfield playing live. So that was pretty awesome, too.
3. Dead phone
This one will get you every time. I was desperate to charge my phone, so I went somewhere I knew I could finagle my way to an outlet. Former music committee director Patrick Tilley has been on the road with Seattle band Ivan and Alyosha, so I stopped in before their show to say hi and plug in my phone (twitter is a drain on the battery but I’ve been oversharing nonetheless: #wudsxsw). While my phone was charging, I got to see Ivan and Alyosha. I knew they’d be all right but they were great. I was seriously surprised and blown away. A treat to see and also really nice to have a full phone battery.
4. Gashed arm
This was a bad one. I was hanging out with our promotions associate director, Emily Roehl, after catching Sun Airway and Cave Singers. We sat down to await Okkervil River and get off our feet, but I had leaned on a cupboard that apparently was not secure. Because I am awesome, I stood up and it fell open on me, slicing my arm. It still looks nasssstyyy. Luckily, I survived to see Okkervil River and tell people how great Sun Airway and Cave Singers were. I saw Cave Singers at SXSW last year with a very small group and seeing them outside in a large, full venue was crazy.
5. Mild sunburn
It’s not bad at all (I SWEAR, MOM) because I was responsible and put on sunscreen, but I picked up a little color at the SXWI showcase this morning while seeing Cedarwell and Pioneer with a ton of friends from around the country. I got some more welcome sun while enjoying another Midwestern band at the French Legation Museum – sadcore staples Low of Duluth, MN.
6. Sore tailbone
In a strange, strange turn from the usual South By habit, I went to a seated showcase tonight at Central Presbyterian Church. Hosted by Pitchfork and featuring Cults, Glasser, tUnE-YarDs, Twin Shadow, and James Blake, I was getting my dance on from my seat. All the bands were absolutely amazing, though, and I do not regret my sore butt – it goes along with my sore feet anyway. It was great to see Twin Shadow again along with bands I hadn’t seen previously, including the super-hyped James Blake, who lived up to the potential his great album set for him.
This post will be copy-edited and prettied up at some point, I promise. But for now – this will do.
Party on, spring breakers –
Brigid
Hooray For Earth, such a kewl venue
Random water balloon fight broke out on 6th St
Purity Ring at the Pitchfork Showcase
Alabama Shakes at the Yours Truly house!
Chickens in the backyard at the YT house! 
What up, Zola Jesus
The Spin Showcase at Stubb’s
Tennis at the Hype Hotel. Free drinks AND Taco Bell!
Oh hey, Guards. Love ya.
GIVERS, my favorite show these guys are so great!
