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Digital Freedom

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Digital Freedom and DC Does TX rocked the house at SxSW

Well more accurately we rocked the parking lot, proving that Washington, D.C. isn't just filled with wonks or punks....but indie rockers as well. Seven bands from Washington, D.C. drove in, flew in and rolled in for the massive musical extravaganza we have all come to love. The day started out a little cloudy but by the end the sun was beaming Texas love and the music was flowing. First up was Georgie James www.myspace.com/georgiejames a male and female duo signed to Saddle Creek Records. With keyboard and guitar they started the day with a special blend of voices and sonic harmony...even better than coffee. Next Hardly Art's newest sensation Le Loup www.myspace.com/leloup with seven members dancing and shaking onstage, while Sam lead the bunch. These United States mellowed out the set with their brand of Americana and heartfelt songwriting...found this post on TUS myspace page http://www.myspace.com/theseunited (from Austin, TX resident Fadi Skeiker..."So, I listened to you guys for the first time yesterday morning on NPR's song of the day, I liked the song so I checked your site and you were supposed to be playing two blocks away from me on yesterday afternoon!!!!!... I went to see your concert.... Later in the evening, I add you on myspace and I am about to order your CD soon... This classic SXSW fairytale happens only in These United states!!!!!..." You have to love the Internet and its ability to connect people with music they love instantly. Pash was up next http://www.pashband.com/. Erik, Mer, Ryan and Joe rocked the stage in Texas several days before hitting the road backing up Martin Royle http://www.myspace.com/martinroylemusic(of Washington Social Club fame) while he opens up for Montreal's Stars (http://www.myspace.com/stars). Middle Distance Runner (http://www.middledistancerunner.com/) took the stage with a swagger as Steve and Ian's voices popped over Eric's backbeat, and Allan and Jay added the special sauce with their electric guitar stylings...as they performed their new song "Unbeliever" (check it out here:http://youtube.com/watch?v=dc0Y8TRP3cE).Jukebox the Ghost brought the house (parking lot) down with their quirky, witty and three piece rockdom. Love Ben's vocals as his voice lilts and soars like a reincarnated Jeff Buckley (http://www.jukeboxtheghost.com/). Exit Clov's, http://www.exitclov.com/ Susan and Emily's hauntingly tight harmonies (these twin sisters share a close musical bond) was in evidence as they took the stage with keyboard and violins in tow. This band sways and rocks in all the right places. Rounding out the day was Samantha Murphy http://www.smtvmusic.com/ who brought a film crew with her to SxSW to record new episodes of the Samantha Murphy Show. Samantha's powerhouse vocals and finally crafted songwriting exposes the raw emotion that wells up inside all of us. Her haunting lyrics from "Alone Like Me" always send chills up my spine. Samantha's voice echoes Shelby Lynn's but with a presence all her own. Michael Ross, who chose Samantha's debut album "somewhere between starving & stardom" as one of his top 10 for 2007's Village Voice Annual Pazz & Jop poll, knows what he is talking about...so pay attention...go listen to Samantha Murphy and watch her new TV show.Well that's it folks. Our day in Texas was fun, hot and a listening to all of these great bands from Washington, D.C. was the perfect way to spend a day at SxSW 2008.
Check out our photos: http://www.flickr.com/groups/digitalfreedom/pool

posted by Digital Freedom Campaign #

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