What is SXSW missing? Absolutely nothing. Want to catch an exclusive screening, find the next big artists, learn about the next steps in technology or just bar hop with friends? Well, you can do all that and more.
The Orchard‘s attendees each had different goals and experiences this year. From participating in panels, hosting a party, catching up with old friends and jumping from show to show, we’d like to share highlights from our SXSW 2018 experience. A few of our attendees below share their favorite acts, events and more from their time in Austin. Travel with us back to the live music capital of the world.
Juiceboxxx was one of my favorites shows at SXSW. He tore off the roof with an unforgettable performance. I was also lucky enough to moderate an exceptional panel called Drinking Data: Principles of Human-Based Marketing with Jenni from Dangerbird, Marni from Sneak Attack and Graham from Sphere. Both The Orchard’s Happy Hour and the Sonos event were fun and full of some of the smartest and best people I know in the music industry. — Aaron Ford
It’s impossible to pick one favorite. Nina Nesbitt, Lee Fields, Gatecreeper, Albert Hammond Jr., Ahi, Descartes a Kant, Ezra Furman, Balún, so many great artists! It was great to laugh at some incredible jokes, hang with labels like Gatecreeper and even caught a sushi dinner with the Tigers (although sushi brunch would have been better).The chill Austin vibes of the Single Lock showcase set the pace for the whole week. — Liz Snair
I was so glad to catch Alice Phoebe Lou, a truly natural and authentic talent. A Majestic Casual artist, she is so comfortable on stage and was such a pleasure to watch and listen to. I enjoyed a dinner and a ton of laughs with friends and colleagues, Manlio and Tom (Funtime Productions). I had a blast at the Prism.fm event but The Orchard’s Happy Hour was the best! — Simon Semrau
It was great seeing Michael Rault. I have always liked him but I really like the soulful direction of his new music coming out on Daptone Records. I had far too many memorable experiences to mention them all, but the Soccer Mommy and The Shacks shows top the list. Catching a slew of talented groups at the Brooklyn Bowl Reunion event was also a highlight. Beyond the musis, Louis Mueller, Franklin BBQ and the Jester King Brewery were lovely. — Paul Hanly
I got to see Courtney Marie Andrews and was blown away. Her voice is even more impactful live than it is on the record. I also got the chance to meet Albert Hammond Jr. after watching his set, I was absolutely starstruck. The DELL/Glitch Mob show was next level. Their stage setup, aka Blade 2.0, is wild and they put on a performance like no other. — Chris Calabrese
Soccer Mommy was so talented she sounded exactly like her record and I will never forget watching Say Anything in a small tent at the Dine Alone showcase. They were my favorite band growing up so it was an awesome full circle moment. I loved seeing all my labels and industry friends, getting to know one another at The Orchard party. — Anna Mrzyglocki
There were so many incredible artists at SXSW this year but I have to say Ezra Furman was very impressive. Seeing everyone together at The Orchard’s party was exceptional as well. It’s great to have one place where we can gather with artists, labels and managers. My favorite event of the week was definitely The Glitch Mob event (Glass Air) at DELL Experience. The stage presence the showmanship of the band and the different activities around the venue made the whole experience awesome. To top everything off, I took a flight with SWAY. — Chris Cruz
With packed days of shows, mingling and panels, it is always key to take a second a look around at all the incredible people, artists and music that make this industry and festival such a wonder year in and year out. Find more pictures from The Orchard’s Happy Hour on Facebook and feel free to tag your friends and co-workers.
You never know what might happen at South By — See you next year!
