sxsw2011 Thu Mar 17 2011

SXSW Band Diary: Netherfriends -- Tuesday

In true Netherfriends fashion, I got in trouble for using people's and companies' real names on the internet. Oops...but seriously though, really? How did you google search that shit? Soooo sorry to all my friends, but your name will be changed.

Tuesday morning started out with a little bit of a freak-out. I really didn't want to head downtown with my van. I came up with the idea of bringing my bike in my van and parking somewhere east and free and riding my bike the rest of the way. I met up with Ramber and we got tacos at this place called Torchy's Tacos for some of my favorite migas breakfast tacos. After that, I went to get my artist packet. I opted for the cash option instead of the artist wristband. It was funny when someone at the Austin Convention Center told me I might be able to get a wristband as well and when I asked another man at the help desk he told me I had my chance and that I blew it. He tried to persuade me to buy the artist wristband. I laughed at him and walked away. There are so many free events with free booze! Why would I want a wristband? So I can see that band (that rhymes with) Ravves again? Most official shows have zero free booze as well. After that whole ordeal, I went to the (rhymes with) Rice Rream Ruck Ran show and saw some Dan Deacon-sounding guy play. Ate some ice cream and drank some free Rarks alcoholic energy drink. It made me feel like I was in college again and for some reason they taste way better now.

Our first show downtown was at Cedar Street Courtyard and it was sponsored by a beer company RBR that was put on my friend Rason of the band Rornery Rittle Rarlings. It was all Chicago bands and I got to see a lot of my friends from Alaska, Richmond, Philly and Chicago. The sound on stage was incredible! One of my cables crapped out on me during my set, but I fixed it quickly and people commended me on the way I handled the situation. What else was I supposed to do? Throw a tantrum on stage? After the show, I hung out with my buddies in Labble Labble and Right Rollution. Some guy with huge red hair asked me to get him a beer. Sorry dude... not a bartender. So glad we played early because the band members got drunk (as usual) one of them acted a fool (as usual) and then later sent me a sloppy drunk text saying he doesn't want to play with me anymore. Which makes zero sense. He hugged me before I left and told me he loves me. Ahh, the power of alcohol.

--Shawn from Netherfriends

Netherfriends SXSW Tour 2011

March 12 - Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In
2326 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX
7pm

March 15 - Cedar Street Courtyard - Chicago's PBR Blast Off
208 West 4th Street, Austin, TX
8:15pm

March 16 - Paradise on 6th
401 E. 6th St., Austin, TX
5pm

March 17 - Pita Pit
Downtown location, Congress and 7th, Austin, TX
3pm

March 18 - The Happening House
51st and Westmore, Austin, TX
8:30pm

March 19 - Your Mom's Burger Bar
1701 East Cesar Chavez Ste. B, Austin, TX
1pm

March 19 - House of 88 Chicago Party
3508 E. 17th St, Austin, TX.
5pm

March 19 - Skinny's Ballroom
115 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX
8pm