The Versatile Syndicate

So it begins. Accent is ready for our SXSW coverage. We did a whole package for pre-coverage which can be found here.

Isn't this banner freaking amazing? Our web editor, Hanlly did a great job with the banners on the site. I love it! I have a feeling walking around 6th street or ACC campus is never going to be the same again. But it's part of the job. And if it means bands approaching me more for coverage, then I'm all for it.

Check out my awesome bio Life & Arts Editor Devon wrote for me. I surely couldn't have done it better.

Hola amigos, this is Sarah Vasquez checking in. When I’m not clocking campus news for the Accent, I also moonlight as a professional music writer at Austin Vida. This is my sixth SXSW, so I’ve got the experience, the knowledge, and the stamina required to tackle a festival of this magnitude. While all you amateurs are suffering from heat stroke and blown ear drums, I’m going to be front and center, taking video and photos of the hot acts descending on Austin’s downtown. From off the map parties to wild and raw day shows, I’ll be proving that, here at the Accent, we don’t need no stinking badges (though I will have a full music badge).

I wrote the caption for this: Use a QR code reader on your smartphone to take a photo of the above code which will then directly link you to our specific SXSW coverage page on www.theaccent.org. Because typing the url is so 2009.

Everyone with a SXSW badge is going to have this type of code on it so when you meet someone you want to keep in touch with, you just scan the code on your smartphone and the info is stored. Cool but creepy technology.

Then Devon and I wrote super short briefs on unofficial shows/parties to check out during SXSW. Here are my contributions:

5. Red Gorilla Fest
Since 2007, this festival has expanded to a multi-venue display of up-and-coming independent music. Former alumni that have performed in RedGorilla Fest include Cage the Elephant, Dead Confederate and Family Force 5. Centrally located on downtown 6th Street, fans can enjoy bands and musicians from a variety of genres such as acoustic, blues, hip hop and punk. March 17-21, Venues TBA

6. FUSXSW
With the abundance of cliched indie rock scheduled during SXSW, Giant Steps Productions provides a much needed relief with a week of loud, in your face rock bands. Located in the small confines of Plush Bar, the lack of stages gives a more intimate feeling as the fans are right there rocking with the performing bands.
March 14, Beerland, March 16, The Parlor, March 17-20 Plush, March 20 Music Gym

7. The Versatile Cache: Volume 2 Release Party
To celebrate the second volume of their compilation, Versatile Syndicate is throwing a day long showcase at Hole in the Wall. Bands featured on the compilation such as Prayer for Animals, and Obsolete Machines perform on two stages at this free show.
March 18, 12 p.m. Hole in the Wall

8. Octopus Project’s Hexadecagon Show
The Octopus Project are bringing another visual experience to the masses during SXSW. The band is joining forces with visual artist Wiley Wiggins, who some may remember as the upcoming freshman in Dazed and Confused. The audience will be surrounded by eight speakers set up in a circle as eight images will project over their heads.
March 16 7:00 p.m. and 9 p.m. Whole Foods Rooftop

All that's all for now. Be sure to bookmark my Accent SXSW blog which can be found here.