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From DallasVoice.com Life+Style Lead Story Queer artists make their own way at this year’s South by Southwest music fest
The 800-pound gorilla of big music industry events, this annual spring-break ritual has seen itself undermined by its own success over the years, proving too popular to even host all the acts wanting to participate. In recent years, fans clamoring for music and bands hoping to bend as many ears as possible have found common cause in off-schedule shows and day parties. Though SXSW’s evening showcases continue to be the main attraction for those attending this major event, there has been a growing interest in the alternatives to the pricey official gigs. This year in particular, acts who weren’t even a part of the official SXSW roster nonetheless made the trek to Austin to soak up some of the free publicity the festival offered. For queer artists in particular, this proved invaluable. And performers were happy to set up and play just about any place that would allow it. Tracking down the queer artists at this year’s festival might have been a little more challenging than usual, but it was also less likely to require official festival credentials. More so than in many years now, finding a good time in Austin the week of SXSW required little more than a way to get around town, an adventurous spirit, and an ear to the ground. Following is a brief diary of the queer music this year’s festivities led me to.
SXSW may have officially gotten underway on a Wednesday, but judging from Thursday’s schedule, its queer launch came one evening later. Gay acts are scheduled literally all over downtown, making even catching them all a challenge. The night starts relatively early, with an 8 p.m. set by bisexual trash-rapper Vice Cooler, aka The Hawnay Troof. Set up in a parking lot outside the Cuban-themed Habana Annex on East Sixth Street., Cooler has traveled light to Austin — performing alone, accompanied only by his laptop. Dressed in a mustard-colored suit with a black shirt, he might have been confused for a lounge singer if not for his ratty sneakers. Thrashing around on the stage as he raps and screams, Cooler keeps the crowd involved. At one point, he invites the entire audience onto the stage with him. After repeatedly asking the crowd “You want a new suit?” and getting a resounding “Yeah!” Cooler strips down to his briefs onstage for a mid-gig costume change. Less than a block down Sixth Street at a venue dubbed Emo’s IV, another performer is also working a laptop to maximum effect. On a small crowded stage in the equally tiny venue, New York performance artist Jibz Cameron performs as her alter ego, Dynasty Handbag. Dressed as unflatteringly as possible in a leotard and MC Hammer-style sweatpants, Dynasty is a dead ringer for Amy Sedaris’ character Jerri Blank from the show “Strangers With Candy.” Awkwardly dancing, singing and lip-synching her way through her short, raunchy set, Cameron is mostly greeted by confused laughter. Nonetheless, the presence of lesbian Le Tigre guitarist JD Samson in the audience confirmed that this was an act worth checking out. Though not official SXSW venues, Austin’s gay bars were brimming with performers Thursday evening. In the west downtown warehouse district, venerable queer clubs Oilcan Harry’s and Rain teamed up with The Advocate and Gay.com to present a free evening of performances by queer artists. Although the crowds often seemed more interested in the outdoor smoking patios than the performers onstage, a few artists managed to break through the apathy. This was particularly the case for California bluegrass duo Coyote Grace, whose cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” left the room silent. A couple of blocks from Austin’s convention center, gay bar The Cockpit hosted Megalolz, another free night of bands, co-sponsored with Butt magazine. With DJ Lynne T of Lesbians on Ecstasy and dyke rapper Shunda K of Yo Majesty listed as the headliners, the evening seemed promising. Unfortunately, the long wait between acts made for a slow night. Rather than wait around through endless teardowns and set-ups, I decided to cut my losses and leave before the real fireworks even began.
The expected highlight for Friday night was a set by country chanteuse Shelby Lynne, whose recent tribute to legendary lesbian singer Dusty Springfield has been one of the most impressive records this year. As often happens at SXSW, though, a better opportunity presented itself in the form of Heloise & the Savoir Faire, a New York group drawing a serious buzz for their explosive live shows. Entering the small cramped Ale House from an alley off Sixth Street, it was obvious that news about this band had quickly traveled. And once Heloise and crew hit the stage, it became clear why. Flanked by two dancers who provided coordinated routines, handclaps and the occasional backup vocals, singer Heloise Williams belted out trashy disco with a campy edge. A veritable drag show with only a smidgen of the cross-dressing, this is what Scissor Sisters only wished they could be. Beth Ditto of The Gossip was spotted at the scene, quietly standing near the entrance. Even more surprising was the attendance of actor Elijah Wood. Taking occasional chugs from a bottle of Shiner Bock, Wood quickly worked his way to the front of the crowd and stayed there for the rest of the show. Since Wood was rumored to be hosting an afternoon party the next day, I took a shot and asked the diminutive star for details. “I think it’s a free party,” he said, graciously giving me the time and address. Looking to a friend, he tried to confirm that the event was, indeed, gratis. “Oh, yeah. All the gay parties are free,” said the actor’s buddy. Initially, the statement floored me. It only occurred to me much later that what I probably heard was “All the day parties are free.” Oh, well. So much for outing Frodo at the queerest show I’d seen at SXSW so far.
Held at the same venue that hosted The Hawnay Troof just a couple of days ago, the day party is indeed free, and surprisingly crowd-free. Co-hosted by Bust Magazine and Elijah Wood’s Simian Records label, the event is even offering free mimosas, rum shots and chair massages. Wood is on stage, looking very serious as he pumps out tunes from an iPod. A largely hung-over crowd do their best to stay out of the sun as they nurse Lone Star tallboys and sway to the young actor’s reggae-heavy mix. Next up come California girl-group Mika Miko, whose tour with lesbian bands Erase Errata and The Gossip last year first brought them to the attention of queer audiences. Ripping through a set of one- and two-minute funky punk tunes, the very young and very energetic quintet tear up the place, inspiring lots of mad pogo dances throughout the crowd. Though it’s hard to tell just what singer Jessie Clavin might be singing through the telephone receiver she uses as a microphone, the band’s spirit is infectious. And the tunes pump up the crowd up like no one else has up until then. Heloise and her Savoir Faire follow Mika Miko’s punk frenzy. And even in the harsh sunlight, the group leaves everything on the stage. The crowd rapturously dances as Heloise’s own dancers sweat their way through yet another thrilling set. The pace of the fiery performance leaves Heloise with her butt hanging out of her mini dress for most of the show, though she barely seems to notice. Saturday night ends up proving as frustrating as Saturday afternoon was stress-free. Though he’s only been to SXSW twice so far, queer blogging superstar Perez Hilton has already put together one of the fests most high-profile parties. And despite several requests to attend, it seems the Dallas Voice invitation must have gotten lost in the mail. A plan to try and crash the event is abandoned once I see lines literally around the block at the event venue. Even a backup plan to catch more free bands at local leather bar Chain Drive is dashed, with no parking spots visible within a mile of the place. Tired and frustrated, I find the shortest route out of downtown and away from this mayhem. Sunday, March 16 A couple of backyards in far East Austin provide the venue for the wildest experience in an already wild week, as the free GaybiGayGay fest draws queer freaks from every corner of town. A lineup of mostly punk and techno bands play from morning until night, and sales of T-shirts and sandwiches help pay for the rented pink port-a-potties. Though GaybiGayGay is only in its third year, organizers and hosts Hazey Fairless and Silky Shoemaker put together an excellent lineup. Dynasty Handbag makes the event, as do two-thirds of Le Tigre, now performing under the name MEN. Booze flows freely, crowds picnic and nap on blankets, and the whole party takes on the aura of a queer Woodstock festival. Just as in previous years, the party ends up going late into the night when cops show up to shut it down. Begun more than two decades ago as a mostly local music event, SXSW has over the years morphed into a largely industry-only event. This year, there was a clear sense that the pendulum has begun to swing back in the other direction. Whether festival organizers like it or not, music fans have begun to take back this fest, not by attending official gigs, but by catching many of the same bands at the multitude of new alternative venues. For queer acts and audiences in particular, this has proven a win-win, with bands earning valuable word-of-mouth publicity and fans getting a chance to see the best queer music has to offer for very little effort. More than ever before, music was liberated at this years’ SXSW. You can bet that next year will be even bigger for this indie groundswell and the festival that helped bring it together. This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, March 21, 2008. © Copyright by DallasVoice.com |
