SXSW Music Highlights: Motörhead & More

Global Rock Show (Panel) at Austin Convention Center (3/18): Moderated by Dart Music International founder Dave Dart, the Global Rock Show panel addressed the trials and tribulations of international bands aiming to make a name for themselves in the U.S., and discussed strategies for eventual success. Derek Woodgate, who has worked with Sonic Youth and The Swans in the past, and is currently the Chief Creative Officer at Plutopia Productions, was especially frank and tactful, commenting on the changing times and new technologies, and recommending various tactics that visiting acts could employ. Government grants, visas, touring logistics, marketing, and networking were all a part of an educational hour of debate.

Stone Temple Pilots at Austin Music Hall (3/18): The mere mention of Stone Temple Pilots drew mixed reactions all week long. While many consider the California band to still be a relevant hard rock band and were eager for news of another album, others were all too willing to pass them up as has-beens. We probably landed somewhere in between but only until the evening of the 18th when the band dispelled any notions that their best days were behind them. After kicking off with solid renditions of favorites like “Vaseline,” “Crackerman,” and “Wicked Garden,” the band conveyed the news that much of the frenzied crowd had been waiting for -- a new album is due in May. New single “Between The Lines” was followed by still more hits like “Creep,” “Sour Girl,” “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Sex Type Thing.” The highlight of the evening (and arguably one of the top moments of the festival), however, had to be the first song of the encore when Robby Krieger from The Doors joined the band to perform “Roadhouse Blues.” A gimmick, some might say, but undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a legend live in concert, even if for a handful of minutes. The fact that STP was in top notch form all night didn’t hurt either.

We Are Scientists at Emo’s Main Room (3/19): Chock-full of infectious hooks, memorable melodies, and humorous, self-deprecating lyrics, We Are Scientists’ 2005 full-length With Love And Squalor placed the New York band firmly on our radar and we’ve been following their development ever since. The setlist at Friday’s night official showcase gig at Emo’s understandably focused on their upcoming release Barbara (due in June of this year) and also included some choice tracks off 2008’s Brain Thrust Mastery. And although it was a tad disappointing not to hear some of our favorites off WLAS, we can report that the new material sounds very promising and was served up with typical gusto. Plus there was a special moment towards the end when a gentlemen was afforded a minute to get on stage and propose to the love of his life, who joyfully accepted. SXSW dreams are made of this!