SXSW 2015

With the expansion of SXSW adding both film and tech worlds to the 28 year old music festival, SXSW 2015 has again proved to make Austin, TX. a destination for people from around the globe this year.  Nashville always seems to have a strong presence every year and this year Focus on the 615 was honored to be a part of some of the biggest parties and showcases that SXSW 2015 had to offer!

It all started for us on March 20th with the SPIN Annual Day Party at Stubb’s. Weather was not our friend, but the rain did not stop the outdoor event from hosting hundreds of festival attendees witnessing captivating performances by Run The Jewels, Twin Shadow, Screaming Females, Courtney Barnett, METZ, Will Butler, Viet Cong, Kate Boy and Earl Sweatshirt

Immediately following, we ventured over to Swan Dive to catch some Nashville favorites taking the stage at the official SXSW Fleming Artists Showcase.  The smooth sounds of indie-pop songwriter Zeke Duhon, Belmonts own soul jam band Koa and South African/Nashville rock band Civil Twilight were just a few of the stand out performances playing to packed crowds giving full attention.

March 21st closed the night for us at the AXE White Label Collective party hosted by SPIN at Cheer Up Charlies.  The AXE White Label Collective is a music and fashion mentorship program and talent incubator, very much in line with SPIN’s progressive spirit of supporting new music. John Legend was the featured guest, along with debut performances handpicked by Legend that included a diverse lineup showcasing Compton Cali rapper YG, electro-indie collective Lolawolf featuring Zoe Kravitz, alt-electro duo ASTR, and indie rocker James Davis.

SXSW is not for the faint of heart, with massive crowds and long lines, but it is indeed an eyeopening experience for those who have never attended.  With continued growth and expansion, SXSW 2015 made an impact in all genres of music, film and technology this year. Although we were only able to be there for a few days, we got our fix, and that was just enough time spent. Now, off to Nashville for Tin Pan South…..That is more our style!