SXSW 2011 Preview: Asobi Seksu

Ever since Asobi Seksu were called Sportfuck they've been winning over fans in the indie-rock world but their latest album, Fluorescence, could see the band catapulted into the public consciousness. I, for one, hope that is the case. Like most music in the 21st century their sound doesn't fit neatly in any one genre box. We are the iPod generation and our musicians wear their influences on their sleeves. For Asobi Seksu you can hear elements of shoe-gaze, brit-pop, early 90's college rock and straight-up pop music all melded together. In 12 songs and 45ish minutes Fluorescence manages to showcase everything that made this blogger pay attention. Lucky for you AND me we'll have several chances to catch Asobi Seksu live during SXSW 2011 in both official and unofficial capacities.


Asobi Seksu - Trails video via YouTube

Your first chance to catch Asobi at SXSW 2011 will be an OFFICIAL showcase by The Windish Agency happening at ND. They are playing the headlining slot at 1am Thursday morning AKA late Wednesday night. That showcase is packed with great artists so it's probably a good idea to arrive early.

Your next chance to catch Asobi Seksu will be during the day Thursday at a free, unofficial showcase, which is also happening at ND. I'm, of course, referring to the Prefix Magazine day party at which Asobi plays at 2:30p. For those of you keeping track, that means the band will be playing the same stage twice within roughly a 12 hour time period. Don't tell them that, it will only make them feel more tired.

After that second set at ND the band will, in theory, have a 24 hour break with their next gig happening Friday during the day over at Peckerheads. This is another unofficial day party, this one sponsored by My Old Kentucky Blog. Show List Austin doesn't have set times listed for this particular party so your guess is as good as mine on when they play for this event.

Saturday Asobi plays two events, the first being an unofficial showcase at Lustre Pearl sponsored by Dickies and Filter Magazine. They are scheduled for a 2pm set time at this party, then later in the evening they play their second OFFICIAL showcase, this one at The Parish. They are scheduled to go on at 11pm for that Parish room showcase and for those of you who have never been to that venue, I highly recommend it. It's known for having the best sound in the city and the acoustics are superb.


Asobi Seksu - Transparence video via YouTube