Fresh from Austin’s SXSW, the nation’s largest indie music showcase, Chicago’s “The Future Laureates” had the chance to play several showcases and report back. Here’s the scoop from James of The Future Laureates:
We’ve been hearing about South by Southwest (SXSW) for years. Some people told us it was the best thing ever. Others said that the festival was one big sellout. Well, last week, we finally had a chance to see it for ourselves: it was AWESOME.
This past Friday and Saturday, The Future Laureates had the pleasure of playing three shows on 6th street, in Austin, TX. We were right in the thick of all the beautiful commotion and musical hullabaloo that is SXSW.
Friday afternoon found us at Bat Bar, along with a great lineup of fellow Chicago bands. Big thanks to Columbia College’s AEMMP Records, who put on this showcase.
Friday night we wandered down the block to the Thirsty Nickel for our first show at the RedGorilla Festival. Concurrent with SXSW, and in the same city, RedGorilla shows are therefore “unofficially” part of SXSW. That is, they are part of the many satellite events that have
grown out of the SXSW phenomenon. In contrast to official shows, RedGorilla shows are free, so we brought our music to the people…and what a lot of people there were! It was a real treat to play for so many enthusiastic new fans.
Saturday, at the Dizzy Rooster, we rounded out our week with a final showcase. It was St. Patrick’s Day, it was SXSW, and spirits were soaring. The energy in the crowd fed back to us on stage, and made for a truly amazing experience.
All in all, it was an incredible week full of warm, welcoming people and excellent music. We would be remiss if we did not extend a very big “thank you” to Kathy, Elsbeth, Mark, and Brynn for hosting us and keeping us off the streets at night. The trip would have been miserable without you.
Be sure to witness “The Fortress Sessions” CD Release event in May at the SubTerranean as TFL brings you their latest and greatest!
Learn more about The Future Laureates on CAUDog Records.