Shane Bartell's tips for SXSW
He grew up near Austin, Texas, and he's called the capital of the Lone Star State his home on two separate occasions, so singer/songwriter/guitarist Shane Bartell knows a thing or two about what goes on during the South by Southwest music festival and conference.
Bartell, who will showcase songs from his first full-length disc, Too Soon to Say (Lilywhite Records), at 1 a.m. March 20 at Austin's Lava Lounge, offers up a few memories and bits of advice for out-of-towners.
Best place to eat in Austin: "Well, I'm a vegetarian, so you're not going to get the usual barbecue answers from me -- although Mother's does have a mean barbecue tofu sandwich. The Mexican food is a must: Curra's, Las Manitas and probably Gueros. The best Indonesian food I've ever had is here -- Java Noodles. Ruby's BBQ has great veggie sides."
Best way to get around Austin: "Cab."
The one thing every Austin visitor should do during SXSW: "You'll know what to do."
Successful pickup lines he's used during the festival: "Uh, I don't think I've ever used one."
The biggest misconception about Austin: "That it's the land of Stevie Ray Vaughan."
Austin venue that's always worth checking out: "The Parish. Also, Ego's is a great dive, though they don't participate in the conference."
The best part about SXSW: "Everything. Narrowing it down: Free things and seeing people you only see once a year."
The worst part about SXSW: "Uh, seeing people you only see once a year."
Funniest thing witnessed during SXSW: "Me. Every year. I'm not elaborating on that."
Acts he plans to check out during SXSW '05: "I usually try and see hundreds of bands, so I can't really narrow it down. There really is something for everyone."
-- Introduction and interview by Chris M. Junior
Posted by medleyville at March 14, 2005 09:57 PM