SXSW 2011 Preview: Tristen

As someone who writes about music, I am sent lots of music. Generally, I give as much of it as I can a listen and most of it doesn't really make much of an impression. However, occasionally, I am sent an album that makes me go, "Wait! Who is this? What is this?" This was the case when I first heard Tristen's debut album, Charlatans at the Garden Gate. I listened to the whole album and then started it over so I could listen again. Tristen isn't re-inventing the wheel here, she's just making some really beautiful and beautifully written music. I loved Tristen's album so much that I interviewed her back in early February just so we could hang out and hang out we did. I plan to catch Tristen again whilst she is back in Austin, if only to chat but those of you who haven't seen her perform with a full band need to catch one of her sets. I saw Tristen and Smith Westerns in the same night, I love both artists but Smith Westerns looked like amateurs after seeing Tristen's band of music professionals. Sorry SW but y'all are mad sloppy!


Tristen - Matchstick Murder video via YouTube

At the moment, it looks like you'll have THREE chances to catch Tristen during SXSW 2011. Two of those chances are at official SXSW showcases requiring credentials and/or a cover charge and one of those chances is an unofficial showcase requiring only your perspicacity.

Tristen's first show is Wednesday night, where she'll play her first official showcase at The Phoenix. She is scheduled for an 8pm set time and these official showcases are, generally, quite prompt so don't dilly-dally!

Your next chance to see Tristen and co. perform is Thursday night at her second official showcase. This one is more of a headlining set, Tristen won't go on until midnight Thursday night/Friday morning and this showcase takes place at Maggie Mae's Gibson Room.

Your third, and final chance, to see Tristen at SXSW 2011 is an unofficial day-party at the Mohawk. It's the March into Softness 2011 party sponsored by The AV Club and Tristen is scheduled to play the inside stage at 1:15p, so arrive early!


Tristen - Special Kind of Fear video via YouTube