Like the supremely chill afternoon of live music and bbq that the Underwater Peoples hosted at a cattle ranch outside of Austin the day before, Micro-Pixel-Rites’ SXSW debut on Thursday, March 18 was a family affair — and not only because it united a host of musicians, label people, and “blogger types” who were already acquainted either online and off. Even if you rolled up to a sea of strange faces, the afternoon was so long and the summer camp vibe was so strong that you were pretty much bound to leave feeling like you had known everyone there since you braved your first canonball off the dock. I know we are adults now, but it was just that kind of day.
In stark contrast to the UPs’ palatial accommodations, which included one of the largest beds I have ever seen and what appeared to be its own complementary cattle heard, the Micro-Pixel-Rites showcase went down in a charming but dilapidated backyard/DIY Space in Austin’s up-and-coming Eastern district. True to our founding creed — “Sisters doin’ it for themselves” — the four bloguettes* of Micro-Pixel-Rites alternated working the bar, taking photos, shooting video, troubleshooting, and schmoozing; another team of ladies served whiskey, and a third and final team churned out vegan barbecue sandwiches so full of evocative campfire flavor that they almost threw me for a Proustian moment. Todd from Olde English Spelling Bee — not a “sister” in the technical sense, but definitely true to the whole sister spirit — magnanimously stepped up to the plate as our sound man, and the afternoon unfolded like clockwork without even feeling like it did. Honestly, when you’re surrounded by so much good music and so many sun-dappled good vibes, the passage of time is probably the last thing you want to be thinking of. The following are a few micro-seconds that we managed to salvage from it all. Stay tuned for additional memories in motion and sound.
*From here on in, “blahguettes” will replace “bloguettes” in the standard American English.
RANGERS (SECOND LIVE APPEARANCE EVER)
ALEX BLEEKER AND THE FREAKS (WITH FULL REAL ESTATE LINEUP)
TODD
PEANUT GALLERY
Words: Emilie Friedlander
Photos: Micro-Pixel-Rites
More photos to come by the mighty Erez Avissar soon, and more videos by the Micro-Pixel-Rites team.
Tags: Alex Bleeker and the Freaks, Big Troubles, Campfires, Cloud Nothings, Coasting, Family Portrait, Micro-Pixel-Rites, Microphone Memory Emotion, No Demons Here, Olde English Spelling Bee, Pill Wonder, Pixelhorse, Rangers, Real Estate, Twin Sister, Underwater Peoples, Visitation Rites
man i totally regret not making it more of a priority to come out & show support for you ladies! i cant even remember where i was instead that day. looks like a solid time though- congrats to all 3 of you
[...] Read more from Emilie and see more pics at Visitation Rites… [...]
Loved this day and this show! Thanks for throwing such a great party, y’all! <3
So glad you liked it! And definitely a pleasure to meet you!
[...] across a similar, fantastic dichotomy: hardcore backyard chilling and deeply flavorful music. (VR stills) Reliving a day like that is good for you, here’s a couple captured moments from the [...]