SXSW 2011 Preview: The Holidays

One of my favorite things about SXSW is how bands who are huge in their native lands come to Austin to play in a empty parking lots to crowds of 10's of people who couldn't care less if they tried. My favorite example of this is Razorlight who I saw at my first SXSW, they play stadiums in England and here in Austin people appeared at their show to get free Stubb's BBQ, it was pretty amazing. Australian band, The Holidays have a lot of buzz down-under but their debut LP hasn't even been released in the U.S. yet. Methinks after they play a few key gigs at SXSW they could be the next Cut Copy. Their music is ridiculously fun, dance-able and radio-ready. I have already fallen in love with this band and I have featured links to song samples on the Bloggy F*c*book page already. I predict that after SXSW 2011 The Holiday album will get a U.S. release, they'll be attached to a big tour and hit the festival circuit this summer catapulting them into blog-stardom. In other words, if you don't catch them at SXSW you'll probably have a chance to see them at Austin City Limits Fest.


The Holiday - Golden Sky video via YouTube


Your first chance to catch The Holidays at SXSW 2011 is actually the Tuesday before the music portion of the festival officially begins. The band is playing the Gigmaven day-party at Emo's on Tuesday the 15th. Not too sure if they'll be playing the inside or outside stage but I'm sure you'll be able to find that info at the venue.

The Sydney band next takes to the Mohawk's stage for the Austinist, Windish Agency, Laneway Festival, Eat Your Own Ear, "Austin or Bust" party. I REALLY wish that party had more sponsors I kind of want to do 3-5 more links in the party's title. Anyway, The Holidays are scheduled for a 3pm set time at the 'Hawk for that opening day, day-party on Wednesday the 16th and they're playing the inside stage.

Sadly, as of this moment, it looks like your only other chance to catch The Holidays at SXSW won't be until Saturday night when they play their official showcase at ND. Wed-Sat is a pretty huge gap in any bands SXSW schedule, so I'm betting that they will add more shows whilst here in town.


The Holidays - Moonlight Hours video via YouTube

Actually, upon further inspection, it looks like The Holidays are actually playing a show on MONDAY the 14th during SXSWi with Local Natives at the Speakeasy. This year has been crazy with music events during the film and interactive portions of SXSW and I find it very confusing. I don't really have any details on the show at the Speakeasy I just happened to noticed it on The Holidays MySpace. Apparently this party is only for people with SXSW interactive badges and it's sponsored by Say Media, I did find this poster.

So, it looks like The Holidays are playing two gigs before SXSW music starts and two gigs after SXSW music starts. Is this the trend of future south by's?


The Holidays - Broken Bones video via YouTube