Off the SXSW Beat: Music Pizza Meltdown, RanchO RelaxO, More!

Image from Music Pizza Meltdown

Hey look, here are more free, unofficial showcases comin’ at ya, involving pizza, RanchO RelaxO, and Trailer Space Records, though not necessarily in that order.

You know that Wednesday the 18th has a lot going on, but the day just got tastier. Stephanie Bonham and Moth!Fight!’s Kevin Adickes are putting on their “Music Pizza Meltdown” featuring pizza, bands, and no charge for admission. To quote them directly: “Austin’s pizzerias are a treasure beloved by locals. Now, as SXSW looms and our city reaches its maximum occupancy, we’re celebrating these institutions and sharing them with the world: It’s a Music Pizza Meltdown! We’ve gathered the finest ingredients, including 11 critically adored national acts, and seasoned the event with top-shelf refreshments provided by a coalition of the best Austin pie-slingers.”

Two other day shows taking place Wednesday include the Tee Pee Records showcase at the Scoot Inn, and the RanchO RelaxO party at Club 1808. Tee Pee records, known for releasing albums by High on Fire, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, etc., are hosting a showcase featuring noisy psych from the likes of Night Horse, the softer sounds of Sleepy Sun, and the downright darling Krista Muir.

The homestead/collective RanchO RelaxO are also planning a big showcase at the eastside destination Club 1808 that day, featuring both intriguing local acts and a dollop of visitors. Starting things off is the irrepressibly talented Wild Moccasins from Houston, followed by The Carrots and Daniel Francis Doyle. Quite a start, and other notable Austinites include Yellow Fever, {{{Sunset}}}, and the Reverse X Rays. This showcase also features Air Waves out of New York City, and the relentlessly noisy Dark Meat from Athens, Georgia, who will close out the night.

Thursday, March 19th is the Trailer Space Records show, featuring a showcase from the 7”-obsessed Bachelor Records out of Austria. This showcase promises free beer, and features hyper punked-up bands including Personal and the Pizzas, Nobunny and an opening slot from the Rock n Roll Adventure Kids.

Also on March 19th, the label Monofonus Press is having "Woolworth's Harsh Realm: a Monofonaissance Affaire," which combines the worlds of live music and the Renaissance Faire into one neat package. If this soiree is anything like the Monofonus Press Halloween celebration or their E.A.S.T. exhibit, we can expect merry-making, some interactive art, interesting drinks and many costumes. Among the bands set to play are Monofonus roster bands Over the Hill, Pillow Queens, Diagonals and The Roller, with national acts The Mae Shi, Wildildlife and more performing. Follow the jump for all the details.