SXSW: Day 1

REM and Van Morrison perform

13 Mar 2008 - REM and Van Morrison have kicked off the musical activity at this year’s South By South West Festival (SXSW).

Both hit the stage at separate venues in Austin, Texas on 12 March. Michael Stipe paid tribute to actor Heath Ledger during the band’s set at Stubbs Bar-B-Q, their only appearance at the festival.

Van Morrison drew a huge crowd for his set at the La Zona Rosa venue despite the fact that the 62 year-old wouldn’t allow fans to drink during his performance.

Sporting a fedora and sunglasses, he also had a go at an audience member who’d forgotten to turn off their mobile saying: "If someone will turn off that mobile phone, we'll get started."

Domino Records

UK label Domino Records hosted a special showcase for their artists at Antone’s nightclub with a bill that featured The Kills, Lightspeed Champion, These New Puritans and Sons and Daughters.

"If someone will turn off that mobile phone, we'll get started."
- Van Morrison on stage at La Zona Rosa

6 Music caught up with Desi from Lightspeed ahead of the gig: “It’s insane. I’m not just saying it, but it’s probably one of the only bills, even if I wasn’t playing, [that] I’d be interested to go to. All these bands are amazing. I’m a fan of all of them; they’re so good.”

Sons and Daughters

2008 marks the second trip to SXSW for Scottish five-piece Sons and Daughters who arrived in Texas off the back of their well-received new album, This Gift .

Bassist Ailidh told 6 Music that the size of the festival was overwhelming: "We came here unsigned in 2004 and I was very excited as I had never been in the States before, but it's just got bigger, it's insane now! I can’t believe there’s so much stuff going on.”

Drummer Dave Gow says they have some fond memories of the festival: “It’s quite nostalgic, actually being here. It was our first trip out of Glasgow to come to Austin to play. We slept on friends’ bedrooms floors the first time we came. We had such a good time, it’s just really nice to be back and think back to where we were the last time.”

You can catch up with Matt Everitt and Tom Robinson's blogs from the Festival.

You can hear Matt live from Texas on The Music Week on 16 March 1pm.

Jacqueline Springer