{image1} An annual musical treat, the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas provides a buffet of performers in which the fans indulge themselves.
Since 1987, the festival has featured hundreds of acts on 50 stages, where musicians get their names out at a reasonable price. The festival's popularity grows every year, along with the names of many unknown yet talented acts.
OnMilwaukee.com caught up with two area performers to get their expectations before the festival and what their reactions were afterward.
Temper Temper
Combining the music of the '70s, '80s and today, Temper Temper has made a name for itself. One of the band's tunes will appear in an upcoming episode of "The OC." Its self-titled debut CD was third in the country in reported sales at indie record shops during its first two weeks. The band played the South by Southwest Festival for a little fun.
"To be honest, we had zero expectations going into it," Andy Menchal, bassist for the band, says. "We just expected to play our music and make some new friends."
And that's just what the band did, driving 20 hours straight to be in Austin for about eight hours.
Playing the gig, shooting pool and talking with friends such as The Mistreaters, Temper Temper was just happy to be at the festival.
"It was a positive experience, but we felt like we were under a microscope throughout our time there," Menchal says. "It seemed to be very 'industry.'"
Milwaukee-strong Temper Temper's self-titled debut release is available now. Visit tempertemper.net for more details on the band.
Michelle Anthony
Whitefish Bay native and alt.country rocker Michelle Anthony had similar expectations, but her results led to a huge decision.
She, too, had low expectations going in. Anthony says, "I just wanted to meet people and jaunt on through the Midwest on tour.
"Also, our goal was not to have our equipment stolen."
Along with meeting new friends and fans, she was excited to see her Los Angeles manager at the festival. "I'm happy he got a chance to see the results of the work I've been putting in," she says.
"I think the best thing to do is to go into it without any expectations," Anthony says. "It's always a nice surprise, and that's how music works. Just go in with a love of the music, and something great will happen. I'd do it again in a second."
Next year, the drive to the festival shouldn't be too long for Anthony, as she has decided to move to the Austin area with her husband. Surely, she didn't see that one coming. With no equipment stolen and a new hometown, Anthony is ready to start a new musical chapter in her life.
Visit michelleanthonymusic.com for more information.
The South by Southwest Festival can be reached on the Web at sxsw.com.
