 |
| Yawn Mower at Rock or Die VI |
Rock or Die VI
Thursday was the big day for the Rock or Die VI showcase that Little Dickman Records had graciously invited me to co-present. We booked the bands during the day: Stuyedeyed, Gustaf, Grim Streaker, Yawn Mower, Dentist, Looms, Well Wisher, Sharkmuffin, and Old Lady. The venue, Hard Luck Lounge, capped off the evening with a showcase featuring Volk, Mayeux & Broussard, and Madisons.
 |
| Chris Dickman |
Chris Dickman, Rosi, and I got to the venue early to set up. A little late in the game, we realized that, given the facts that all the bands were from out of town and most of them would be running between venues for shows throughout the day, we would be short on equipment at certain points during the show. Chris and I made a run to acquire a drum kit; and, while we were out, we got a text telling us that the bass head had given up the ghost. We pulled back into Hard Luck just as second band, Stuyedeyed, were starting their set. Thanks to Rock N Roll Rentals of Austin for saving the day.
 |
| Stuyedeyed |
What we didn't count on, though, was the fact that we wouldn't have any guitar amps for Grim Streaker. They drew on their well of DIY spirit and used the three bass amps (including the one Chris and I grabbed and the miraculously resurrected house bass head) we had on hand to play an extra heavy sounding set. Everything worked out. They were great. It was a beautiful day, and we cruised along for the rest of the afternoon.
 |
| Grim Streaker |
 |
| Yawn Mower |
 |
| Dentist |
Rosi had some big video ambitions, using two cameras and some external sound devices to capture a couple of songs from each band. I think it worked out pretty well considering that she was a little short-handed, and I'm excited to share the results here when they're ready.
 |
| Looms |
As for the rest of the bands, everyone really turned in great sets. As the day wore on, the crowd got a little bigger. There was one woman in the audience who excitedly asked me the name of each band as they played. "This is Sharkmuffin." "Well Wisher." "Old Lady."
 |
| Sharkmuffin |
 |
| Well Wisher |
 |
| Old Lady |
Once the sun went down and video was no longer an option, Rosi and I made the call to break for dinner after about 8 hours of music. I drove her back to her Airbnb after dinner and made it back to Hard Luck in time for the end of Madisons' set. They had the crowd going until after 11pm. Chris and I broke down the drums; loaded out; and absolutely crashed back at the hotel.
After most of a week of running around, it was a great day to tune out some of the coporate noise and relax in the sunshine with friends and family from New Jersey and Brooklyn. I look forward to Little Dickman's showcases every year for that reason. The shows they put on always come from the heart, and I'm happy they allowed me to be a part of this one.
I'll probably cram my final two days in Austin into one post after I get home.
No comments :
Post a Comment