Molly Contogeorge
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4/5/2008 11:25:05 PM
---- Updated 4/19/2008 2:13:28 AM
SxSW [Part 1]
The mere fact that I had to wake up at 3am on the morning of March 11th means that it’s safe to assume my trip from LA to Austin was a pretty sleepy one. I think I must have drifted from point A to point B purely through luck because I really can’t remember how I got the energy to run through LAX all the way to gate 48.
My first impression of Austin was the airport itself (and like most airports it was completely a-buzz) but I also noticed just how big the difference in the overall atmosphere of Austin-Bergstrom was, and let me tell you that the air wasn’t just tinged with excitement, it was dripping with it.
How funny it was to see the baggage claim carousels produce guitar case after guitar case before even a single suitcase was pushed through the chute. When I finally took the time to actually take a gander at the people around me, (through red and bleary eyes mind you) all I saw were bands, camera crews and all kinds of people decked out in weird and wonderful clothing as well as your straight out indie rock gear featuring skinny jeans, white T’s, vests, Chuck Taylors and a hat...
The cab drive through IH-35 took me to my motel, and for the first few hours all I saw was my pillow because let me tell you, I was stuffed...
Having never even travelled to America before, I knew that at 17 I had to prepare myself for just how intimidated I was likely to feel amongst all the other musicians who I knew would have a knowledge of the industry more extensive than mine, with a whole history of experience and credibility already behind them.
When I walked through the streets of Austin I allowed myself, for a time, to forget about all of my worries because I truly felt a part of something. I don’t know whether it was the registrant badge hanging from my neck, or the Southby showbag straining my shoulder, or if in fact it was just during the times I sat at a cafe on 6th watching other musicians and locals being drawn in by a mish-mash of sounds blasting from door to door that I felt elated at my opportunity to attend SXSW. All’s I know is that from the minute I arrived in Austin to the day I said goodbye to it I experienced an invaluable education on the run, which is more than some aspiring 17 year old singer/songwriters can say for themselves...
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the Rivergods
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4/6/2008 7:35:54 AM
Yeah, what they said, Molly. Plan your work and work your plan. You've already got some nice reviews in your bio, and it looks like you've got the right peeps in your corner (family). Curious....did you perform at SxSW or just attend as an observer? I'm glad you're reporting cuz I've not been there, myself.
Looking forward to hearing some of your work.
Welcome aboard.
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