They call it the calm before the storm. They say it's always darkest before the dawn. They say "It's all quiet on the western front," but we all know what they mean when they say things like this. They're saying the storm will be a'comin' round the bend with a fury never witnessed by human eyes. They're saying that with the end of the night and the decline of the moon brings the coming of new life with the fiery fury of the sun's glorious rise to stardom. They're saying things are calm from now, but don't count on it for much longer.
What I'm saying is that it's all quiet on the Republican front. And by Republican, I'm of course talking about the glorious Republic of Texas. This rip-roarin' southern state is known for quite a number of things. But for us music fans, we know exactly why Texas is important. Because we know that thousands upon millions of true music lovers converge upon the capital city of Austin for one of the largest music festivals in the nation - and I'm not talking about Austin City Limits. The event - the soirée - neigh, the tribute to music - is known in four letters: SXSW. It may be two months off, but South By Southwest 2009 has been in the planning stages for ages now. And the big names are finally checking themselves into the line-up list for appearances.
"The face that lost a thousand ships..." That's what they say about Helen. But all Grecians aside, South by Southwest is one of my favourite music festivals. Not that I've ever been, sadly enough. But like the images of Troy, South by Southwest is the festival that launched a thousand bands toward success. Every great band starts somewhere, and there's a fair chance that if you keep track of bands in the independent music scene, they got their start in a breezy March down in Austin during South by Southwest. The names of renowned bands that got their start down in South Texas I could list right now would send your head spinning, so I'll spare you the epicness. But why do I love SXSW? Simply because not only are our favourites in attendance (as performers and onlookers alike), but SXSW launches those tiny little guys into the forefront of our attention. It introduces the next big things, or the soon-to-be's, and we can celebrate their awesome musical talent with joyous splendour.
By far the most fabulous band to come out of last year's South by Southwest was a humble band from south of the border. Hailing from Mexico, Bam Bam came rolling through the Lone Star State in true fiesta spirit. With an epic sound like Broken Social Scene if they had only four members, Bam Bam brought a vibrant spirit to the entire festival in their quick but unforgettable musical debut. They present themselves as a Mexican version of The Pillows, and certainly won't let you down with their eclectic songs, wild attitude, and somewhat snarky - definitely fun - all Spanish lyrics.
As mention, South by Southwest isn't 'til March. You can get tickets if you so desire right here. But this is reason to hustle into your purchase, for Bam Bam is returning for another round in the Lone Star State with another performance at SXSW 2009! They promise awesomeness, and I doubt these folks could ever let you down. What should you do? Well, I highly suggest reading my review of Bam Bam from last year's South by Southwest (they can be the band of the week again this week since I took a break). Here's an album review as well! I also earnestly recommend visiting their Myspace to check out their songs, and that fiesta stuff I mentioned. As if just hearing their tunage wasn't enough of a treat, if you mosey on RIGHT HERE, you can snag a free digitial copy of Bam Bam's debut LP. I did say debut LP and free in the same sentence, folks. Why would you not want to have one for yourself? Get prepared - these Mexican cats don't simply know how to party - they'll teach you - neigh, redefine - how you party forever.
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