This was my second SXSW and you know that Sade song, “it’s never, as good as the first time….” Well, that definitely does not apply to SX. It was a fantastic experience the second time around and I cannot wait for next year! It’s difficult to extract 5 favorite moments, as there were so many, but, these definitely stand out.
Thousands of bands from across the globe scatter over 80 stages in Austin, TX and KCRW is there to capture the Sights and Sounds. Join Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley, along with his Southby cohort, Anne Litt as they hit the streets with microphones, capturing interview with folks the likes of Liz Lambert, the “unofficial mayor” of Austin, Terry Lickona the producer of Austin City Limits, and tons of artists, food vendors, pedi-cab drivers and the many personalities of Sixth Street.
Made possible by TuneIn 
Thousands of bands from across the globe scatter over 80 stages in Austin, TX and KCRW is there to capture the Sights and Sounds. Join Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley, along with his Southby cohort, Anne Litt as they hit the streets with microphones, capturing interview with folks the likes of Liz Lambert, the “unofficial mayor” of Austin, Terry Lickona the producer of Austin City Limits, and tons of artists, food vendors, pedi-cab drivers and the many personalities of Sixth Street.
Made possible by TuneIn
Every year I come back from SXSW happy and exhausted. We tried something a bit different this year with Morning Becomes Eclectic and I hope you enjoyed it. If you missed the shows, they are a must listen, in my not-so-humble opinion. You can hear them both in the archives – Thursday / Friday.
Kimbra
by Marc D’Amour
Honey Honey
by Marc D’Amour
The Alabama Shakes
by Marc D’Amour
I’ve been a fan of the former since the very beginning, but this was the moment I became a believer inMumford and Sons, who were undeniably a great live band and even brought out the Austin High marching band for a few songs. It was a triumphant finish to a great trip.
Read more from Rachel on the KCRW Music Blog
If I can avoid small talk by any means, I will. So I enjoy getting out of the loud environment and just interacting with some these brilliant artists such as Miles Bonny, J Boogie, Electric Wire Hustle, Sonnymoon, The Stepkids, Alice Russell and just talking about life, sound and the creation process. I love hearing these amazing artists talk about their new music, moving to a new city and raising little ones. It’s the human side of SXSW that I enjoy.
Direct from SXSW. New sub-genre alert,…Grave Wave!
— Jason Bentley (@jason_bentley) March 14, 2012
Breaking news! Hitman shares small plates at SXSW. instagr.am/p/IItOCKDT50/
— anne litt (@anne_litt) March 14, 2012
Coolest chorus ever. “Rotating my tires / Rotating my tires / Rotating my tires!” #South #Rap
— anthony valadez (@anthonyvaladez) March 15, 2012
Love that I pop in for hotdogs with an LA friend and there is Henry Clay People on stage playin what Zac calls “country Weezer”
— Betsy Moyer (@BetsyKCRW) March 13, 2012
Gary Clark Jr. You ARE Austin right now.
— Jason Bentley (@jason_bentley) March 16, 2012
Everyone is a venue… #SXSW
— Valida(@Validaaa) March 15, 2012
Adam Durwitz or Adam Durwitz look-a-like spotting. This game is fun
— Rachel Reynolds (@RachelRkcrw) March 15, 2012
I cannot believe I am backstage at Springsteen tonight!!! Thank you @garlandjeffreys!!! twitter.com/arianamKCRW/st…
— ariana morgenstern (@arianamKCRW) March 16, 2012
There is no luck in waiting in a 4 hour line. #patience #grind RT@Shaedreams@anthonyvaladez so lucky you got to see Fiona!
— anthony valadez (@anthonyvaladez) March 16, 2012
Wicked party happening at Seun Kuti show!!
— ariana morgenstern (@arianamKCRW) March 16, 2012
I guarded precious seats at KCRW’s SXSW showcase as if I was a security guard 3 times my actual size. I scared people off with my eyes
— Rachel Reynolds (@RachelRkcrw) March 17, 2012
Yes, Hari Krishnas still exist. And they are serenading me right now. #awkward
— Dan Wilcox (@thisisdanwilcox) March 17, 2012
Bout to start my set @ Silent Disco. holy chit, 1k folk inna forest w/ headphones. Aceyalone rockin w/ me for a while. #fuckYeah #letsGo
— Jeremy Sole (@JeremySole) March 17, 2012
Every single guy in this bar has a moustache or a beard. Its a variety pack of facial hair.
— Rachel Reynolds (@RachelRkcrw) March 17, 2012
Overheard in Austin; “yea some sh*t ya never heard uh befo,..electronica”
— Jason Bentley (@jason_bentley) March 17, 2012
Thank you #sxsw2012 I’m leaving you with fond memories of many great bands and a strange and unreasonable urge to eat a bag of Doritos(c).
— Dan Wilcox (@thisisdanwilcox) March 17, 2012
are my ears ringing or is that what silence sounds like? I can’t remember
— Rachel Reynolds (@RachelRkcrw) March 18, 2012
Every now and then you know you’re witnessing something very special. Today I got to watch the latest film from Director Emmett Malloy called the Big Easy Express, documenting a tour by train that traveled from California to New Orleans carrying Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Read more from Rachel on the KCRW Music Blog.
KCRW hosted an official day showcase at the Radio Day Stage at the Austin Convention Center for SXSW on Wednesday, March 14th, 2012.
We were proud to include Honey Honey in our line-up. Here KCRW DJ Anne Litt catches up with the band just after their performance.
Saturday, March 16 11am – 6pm at Cedar Street Courtyard
11:00am — Anna Ihlis
12:00 pm — The Bombettes
1:00 pm — We Are Serenades
2:00 pm — Imagine Dragons
3:00 pm — Milo Green
4:00 pm — Oberhofer
5:00 pm — Built To Spill
