Philly-based music blogger extraordinaire Cher Dunn of
mylifeinsound shared her SXSW experience so far and some of the flicks she’s taken along the way. Just in case your FOMO gets too hard to handle, also check out Cher’s playlist of all the hottest new songs and bands at the festival this year.
Is this your first time at SXSW so far? What’s your favorite music festival?
My friend and I went to SXSW for the first time in 2011 we swore to each other then that we would go every year no matter what. We have ever since! SXSW is my favorite festival because it’s so different from all of the others. The entire city shuts down and becomes a music venue; there is live music blasting from every building you pass. There is music from every genre, and bands and musicians from all over the world. It’s so easy to find new music to love. It’s also easy to run into your favorite artists just out on the street. There is a very magical vibe here.
What’s been the highlight and lowlight of your SXSW trip so far?
The highlight has to be interviewing Brandon Boyd from Incubus. I’ve been a fan of their music so long and he was an absolute dream. The lowlight has to be just missing certain bands trying to get everywhere and scheduling conflicts. For a music fan deciding what shows to see or miss can be extremely hard. Also, MEW’s last show getting rained out was tragic.
What’s the best show you’ve seen at SXSW so far?
The best show so far was seeing Incubus at The Belmont. It’s the smallest stage the band has played since they first started touring 24 years ago. Incubus plays their music flawlessly while emitting so much energy through the crowd. It’s explosive. I was also excited to see Courtney Barnett, Wolf Alice and JUCE! Those are three bands of babes you definitely need to check out.
What’s your favorite love song?
“Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears. What a classic!
Who would you rather be: the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?
This is probably the hardest question in the world. I’d probably have to say the Rolling Stones. I love their style and I always wanted to sing “Gimme Shelter” with Mick Jagger, it’s such a powerful song.
SXSW 2015 Playlist
“Mystery” – Boxed in
“Young Chasers” – Circa Waves
“Burnin’ Up” – JUCE
“5 Seconds” – Twin Shadow
“2 Shy” – Shura
“Cadillac Girl”- Only Real
“Say My Name (feat. Zyra)”- ODESZA
“Ready For Your Love” – Gorgon City, MNEK
“Real”- Years & Years
“Silhouettes”- Viet Cong
“History Eraser” – Courtney Barnett
“Moaning Lisa Smile” – Wolf Alice