SXSW Day 1: Broken Bells, Rafter, Drink Up Buttercup

One of my main goals during the SXSW Festival was to catch Broken Bells at some point during the week. Fortunately for me, I stumbled across a parking garage where James Mercer and Danger Mouse were filming a show for Spinner. After making the cutoff by only 20 people AOL treated us to some free beer and hot dogs before funneling everyone downstairs for the video shoot. This could have been an example of being in the right place at the right time, so I took full advantage and I’ve got plenty of pictures to show for it!

I was shocked at just how good a parking garage could sound. They played straight through the album only stopping to thank the crowd a few times. Danger Mouse played drums most of the set while playing guitar on a few songs and even sitting in on keys for a song. The band seemed to be enjoying themselves on stage and if I’m not mistaken I think I caught Mercer smiling at one point during the set, remarkable.

After “Broken Bells,” we caught a few street musicians and a few songs from Rafter at Hype Machine’s Lose Control 2 party. Then it was over to Peckerhead’s for the incredibly animated Drink Up Buttercup. The boys from Philly made it nice and easy to snap some good shots as they tore through their set. The rest of the night was spent between Hype Machine’s party and various Austin restaurants as day one came to a close.

Expect many more photos as day two of the festival kicks off and bands swing through Austin for the weekend!