MTYMX IN REVIEW

"So, how was Mexico?"

That question has been coming up alot lately, often enough that I figured it was time I stopped putting off publishing this post. Given much of the negative and frankly uninformed press immediately following the festival, it's been important to me that I get this right.

A MOMENT FOR THE PRE$$

In retrospect, the main failing of many of the articles about MtyMX was simply a lack of perspective, particularly in that they were writing in accepted press style and employing more traditional press methods.

And here is where I say that if you're reading this, odds are I'm not talking about your personal blog or local online publication. Put down that rope, please.

You can hardly fault them for that. After all, they're press, right? Nice people. I made friends with alot of them. I mean, I was there as press too, and accumulating and analyzing "unbiased facts" and stats (think # of buses that were 10+ hours late, # of bands that dropped out, # people dead [0!!!], # of tents broken into [1!]) is a good chunk of what press is usually supposed to do. And yeah, some of the most obvious numbers naturally don't look so hot on paper. After all, it's hard to calculate smiles per capita at an after party.

Once those numbers and impressions are gathered, they have to be put in some context if anything is going to make sense to the reporter, much less the reader. The natural context for MtyMx in most people's mind is "music festival," meaning some large, overblown showcase of really big bands of today and yesteryear that lasts several days, charges criminal prices for bottled water, and has corporate sponsorship out the hey ho. Well guys, the fact is that MtyMx was never meant to be Coachella: Monterrey Edition. It wasn't even meant to be NRML, which I sadly had to miss. MtyMx was a different animal from its inception: utterly DIY, corporate subsidy free, and boldly inclusive.

And realize this: most of the people sent down there by more popular news outlets are not the most seasoned reporters (not that I am) and are by no means used to the difficulties that pop up traveling internationally (I guess I am). Smaller problems that were realistically simple inconveniences were overblown into "organizational failures" and "disasters."

A MOMENT FOR FRIENDSHIP

One of the greatest things about the festival was the lack of barriers. Ok, a language barrier was definitely there, but you can thank our underfunded education system and cultural narcissism for that. What I'm talking about though is how bands, organizers, press, "normal people," local kids, and smatterings of other internationals were all hanging out and meshing with few discernible divisions. Example: Dan Deacon was so all over the place eating tacos, talking to people, and giving high fives that he became what one attendee described as "the event's spirit animal." Ok, that attendee was me, but that doesn't make it untrue. Point being, the connections people were making felt palpable. Spending 12+ hours on a bus with 40 other people will do that.

A MOMENT FOR BIG YELLOW BUSES

This brings us to what I consider the primary source of the festival's woes: the buses. The delays and no shows and psychotic breaks among the drivers and breaches of contract regarding the state of the buses, etc. (the list goes on) created the scheduling woes that forced most of the attendees and bands that did not attend to decide to do so. Evidence? Nobody that took a Greyhound down had any problems. Thee Oh Sees and a few others had legitimate logistical issues that kept them from coming. I don't blame bands for not wanting to jeopardize the 1st leg of a tour they've been anticipating for months. On the other hand, the bands that were getting flown in that canceled, well that's just stupid. No sympathy for them. Andrew WK managed to show up:

So why couldn't they? He's at least ten times busier than their lazy asses. Waiting around at borders is a regular part of international travel, so that's not really an excuse either. Expect it next time, guys. Most bands that canceled can now say "Oh, being scared wasn't why we didn't come," but sadly that was a factor for a few.

THE CROWD

All press and bands? No, not quite. The fact you could get a press pass by asking nicely might have had something to do with so many people being "press," too. Not that a press pass got you many boons. The one press perk was being able to get onstage, which was cool at first. Once I started to realize all my pictures were of band members' backs, the magic disappeared pretty quickly. After the drinks tickets were gone, everyone was pretty much in the same spot.

The Mexican kids who came out were all sweet, awesome, spoke better English than me, and were totally attached to their respective significant others at the hip. Some of them were saying the 3 day pass was probably priced a bit heavy. That's too bad. Would have liked to have met more of them.

THE TERRIBLE CRIMES COMMITTED UPON THE PROPERTY AND PERSONS OF US CITIZENS

1. Two people that wandered into the hills surrounding the festival got their stuff stolen. Lesson: oops, don't do that.
   
2. Two people had their tent slashed, losing a camera and some clothes. Locals brought back their passports. Lesson: some people suck, but some people don't.
   
3. Some guy wandered into the slum with his camera and was told to leave by a man with a shotgun. Lesson: oops, don't do that.
   

Overall, the people involved in these incidents had great attitudes and were generally poster children for how to not lose your cool in a crisis. As I said before, nobody died.

OH YEAH, THE MUSIC

So many bands backing out meant that the acts from Mexico got a larger share of the limelight. At the end of the day, that turned out to be good thing. Sure, the Yo Garage scene is a little incestuous and everyone is in everyone else's bands. You can say that about most successful scenes though *COUGH* BK *COUGH* ATX *COUGH*. It's really great there's such a thing as Yo Garage in Monterrey. If every town had a DIY venue or two like that, the world would be a better place. The sense of community was really great and shockingly not cliquey. That blew me away.

Musical highlights are up now. Click for on photos for larger sizes:

Mentira Mentira: if punk is dead, then here is its seriously bad ass ghost.

Jovenes y Sexys make really cute, adorable music and are nice people.

Alexico needs to teach the world how to not make a heavily electronics dependent live show a dull, soul stealing experience. New favorite.

Best Fwends absolutely stole the show on Monday. After seeing them at AWTHUMFETHT V, I can't say I was too surprised.

And hey guys, live rap can actually be really fun! If you don't believe me, then allow me to invite you to Das Racist's next show.

I would have been way more excited about seeing Liars a few years ago, but that's just because I'm a jerk. Their show lived up to all my expectations.

I hear XYX is hanging out in Austin for a bit, so be sure and check them out.

Not only did the members of Ringo Deathstarr help me keep my sanity on that long long bus ride, they managed to sound amazing playing at 7 or so in the morning when we finally got to the after party. After setting up their tents in the predawn light, they woke up to play another great set that afternoon. That deserves some sort of medal.

I have yet to see a headliner show up Dan Deacon. Two words: mass hypnosis. There were some weird Jungian dynamics happening.

But that didn't keep Neon Indian from trying. They're pretty good. You may have heard them on the Internet or something.

As one of the coolest things going on in Brooklyn right now, Telepathe did not disappoint, keeping things dark, even in the daylight. On that note, Indian Jewelry was really mind blowing, too. No pic though. My camera does not get along with strobe lights.

I'd managed to avoid listening to Banjo or Freakout before I saw them that groggy Sunday afternoon, but I'm glad I did.

Coasting was good, as per every time. Troopers all the way.

Did you know that your favorite summertime beverage shares a name with a really great band? Lemonade are champion human beings.

Remember when you were really into hardcore? Was your life an endless series of hooks and breakdowns getting stuck in your head? Ratas del Vaticano might make that happen for you again.

If you want more photos of MtyMx, I made a Flickr set for just that purpose. There's also a Flickr group for MtyMx that features many photographs taken by people who are better at it than me and/or own much nicer cameras.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line/comment. This now concludes ZinBin's coverage/hype of MtyMx.

DISCLAIMER: I MISSED THE FESTIVAL PROPER'S FIRST DAY. I WAS STUCK ON A BUS. SORRY I DIDN'T GET TO SEE YOUR BAND.

SXSW HIT LIST FOR TUESDAY 3/16

You've had your few days of SXSW to eat tacos, learn the geography enough to get really lost later, and pretend your hangover was jetlag, now get ready for the good stuff

TUESDAY: IT BEGINS

The time has come when the moon's gravity is strongest and the black goat is upon the hillside, signaling to the legions of the Awthum Empire to awaken and gather themselves at the appointed place, 501 Brushy. That's right AWTHUMFETH V is back to fill your life with brain changing music, performances, and art. I look forward to this day party (or "experimentaloidic pre post apocalypse music/performing/art celebration fest") every year, but this lineup has me filled with joyous anticipation. Think TENSE, Psychic Violence, Darktown Strutters, Computer Jesus Refrigerator, Best Fwends, Criminal Tower, How I Quit Crack, S U R V I V E, Trash Stache, and a slew of other talented performers I. PLUS IT'S FREE. PLUS IT'S GONNA BE GREAT. ++++ PROJECTIONS, DJs, and special guest appearances. %1100 guaranteed to not be like anything else you see the whole week. Full lineup and showtimes (here). And there's even this associated mixtape you can download. If you can open .rar files, it's pretty good

Despite rumors to the contrary, Todd P and co are returning to the corner of 6th and Waller (Cheer Up Charlie's) with 5 full days of music. Tuesday's lineup is curated by Veronica of M'Lady's Records and sports an Austin heavy lineup: Ringo Deathstarr, Silent Diane, Pataphysics, Hatchet Wound, Soft Healer, Cowabunga Babes, Cry Blood Apache, Psychic Violence (again), VC Childcraft, How I Quit Crack (again), No Mas Bodas, Numerators, and Tow the Line. Lots of overlap with AWTHUMFETHT. They should carpool. The whole thing starts at 6:30. As per standard, there are going to be shows here all week. Check out Todd P's site for a full schedule. Just scroll down 'til you find it. Cross your fingers Cheer Up Charlie's is whipping up some of those jalapeno margaritas that I vaguely recall enjoying tremendously. Onwards

If you can't wait another day for an absolutely vicious dance party, you are in luck. Hype Machine's Lose Control 2 party is getting things started a little early. Yet another show that's stuffed to the brim with the best Austin has to offer and ya know, little known acts like Database and French Horn Rebellion. Any other necessary details are (here). I have so much personal love for this lineup. Warms my heart to see this happening

Big party with an open bar from 8-9. Nitty gritty (here)

Domy Books is begins a multi-day event with a screening of Rusty Kelly's Thurible and Ben Aqua and Ryan Beltran's The The The. As you can see from the poster, Domy has alot going on this week. Full schedule (here). That Thursday lineup looks pretty great

EAST SIDE MYSTICS

The word of the day is OPTIONS. The number of events is MANY. The adjective I'd use to describe all the possibilities for fun today is WONDERFUL.

MANY WONDERFUL OPTIONS
Note this starts at 4. Free kegs + grillables + I am not sure what strings they had to pull/trans-dimensional portals they had to open, but there will be centaur rides. I think it's easy to conclude that the fine folks at Misprint are some sort of space witches. Amazing!

And at 7! Right down the street! At Cheer Up Charlie's! Nanobang presents a Micro-Nano(bangbang) party with DJ sounds by DJ MVSCLZ, DJ Dan Gentile, DJ Rusty Lazer; live sounds by Computer Jesus Refrigerator; free frEE FREE Pineapple Jalapeno Margaritas & Tequila Lime Avocado Vegan Ice Cream; taro card readings; the usual creative loveliness you expect from a Nanobang event.

SPECIAL MESSAGE


BACK TO POST (IT'LL BE LATE NOW)
Heh, uh yeah, this is tonight. Not yesterday. I never make mistakes. Ever.

Quite the army of assorted local favorites tonight at Mohawk.

Tittsworth. Do you really have to say more?

MORE
There's a free show at Sonny's Vintage (2928 Guadalupe St # 104) from 4-7 that features Shells and Some Others. Tripp T-shirts (24th and Nueces) is hosting a back to school edition of Prints for Non-Profit, with Prince Klassen, Zlam Dunk, Dubb Sicks, and free Lone Star beers and Sweet Leaf Teas. 6-9. Also, if you're looking to get some spinning time in this evening, Backspin Records is hosting an open deck session from 6:30-9:30.

I mention this mainly because the $7 you would pay to see bands you probably don't want to see benefits the bats. The bats are good. Do something for the bats. If someone has had the questionable judgment to entrust a child to your care for the day, this is an excellent opportunity to make yourself look really cool. Make up bat facts (they have been taught to sing Elton John). Fill them with inordinate amounts of sugar. Tell them the hippies that populate this event are in cat cave men. A family event, but like I said, bats.

BONUS

WORLD OF TOMORROW

Hey you, it's ART WEEK AUSTIN! Highlights here, full listing (hHeErReE)

AND TODAY
Lots of art shows this time of year. The sunlight must make people want to look at things.Like this thing. Look at this thing. This looks interesting. Check out the artist's rather sparse site for more and then come out to the show
And KVRX wants dollars. More specifically, they kindly request 7 of yours in exchange for a show by Car Stereo (Wars) and some other local bands I have yet to become familiar with. We must investigate
Irresponsible Voltron is coming at you with a flier that looks like a Voltron. It doesn't look too irresponsible here, but that's OK. I don't really want to see Voltron driving drunk, forgetting to pick up its kids from daycare, or paying its gas bill 3 months late. Just like every Thursday, it's all going down at Barcelona

FRIDAY THE 24TH

VEGA VEGA VEGA

VEGA + PRINCE KLASSEN + DONESKI, wow. You're sure to find something you like in there. Hell, you might even like all of it. Fresh from exposing Crystal Castles as whiny narc babies, VEGA is celebrating the release of a new EP. For free! Do it! Simian's Friday pick. Period.
In case Booty Bar gets too crowded for you, there's this. Lot's of potential here. Still haven't made it out to Back Alley Social, but they seem to be getting their act together fast, no? Also free! And for those who prefer more rocking and less rolling, Mohawk has got your back.

SATYRDEI
Come eat cheap pizza, drink cheap beer, and watch people eat alot of pizza and drink alot of beer. That's right, it's a pizza eating contest. I think team registration is closed, but don't let that stop you. It's tasty pizza, too. The action happens 3-7 Chris Riley wants you to come eat free vegan ice cream from Nada Moo! That's theirs exclamation mark, not mine, but I'd put it there anyway. Alot of great bands here; bands that are not just great "local" bands, but great in general. If Cry Blood Apache was from New Zealand, they would still be cool. Yes, even New Zealand. They're just that good. DJing action in between sets provided courtesy of DJ MSCLVZ. He will be likely just have flown in from Berlin, but Rome is also a possibility. In other news, Chris Riley just got an endorsement from the Chronicle, but that shouldn't stop you from continuing your support and involvement. Actually voting is also important. Caring is also nice. If you haven't been paying attention to local politics, this is a good chance to start getting involved via eating, listening to music, and drinking. Perfect? Yes This looks great, too. On any other weekend, I'd be screaming at you to go to this. Track down the RSVP, if you want to dodge the cover Local art, music, and free beer are coming to the Blackerby Violin Shop. There's no real flier, so I'll just tell you it's from 6-12 at 1111 W. Anderson Ln. It's a good thing

I wasn't kidding about there being alot of art shows. UT's graduating design class is exhibiting for one night only, 6-9 at the Flatbed World Headquarters. Maybe I will meet someone to redesign my blog. Oh joy

NO SHIRT NO SHOES NO SUNDAY
The Austin Video Bee will be doing its thing 1-8 at the Art Authority. If you didn't sign up, it's too late now, but don't forget to check out the results at the premier, May 2nd. Count on hearing more about that
I don't remember what I wore to my 8th grade dance. I think we had a sock hop, actually. Could be fun.

This weekend looks like it's going to be a storm of niceness! Almost makes me wish I wasn't going to the coast. Almost. FYI My Bloody Valentine was great. I will spare you the awful pictures I took with my cell phone. If you get the chance to see them, do. And make sure and get close. And bring earplugs.

BONUZ MVSCLZ VIDEO

OH AND

Almost forgot about that one. New monthly spot at a rooftop club? Well the guys at Learning Secrets always have done well for themselves. I hear tell there will be free Red Stripe from 10-11
If you've missed seeing Ringo Deathstarr live, it's about time you do. How about this Thursday? Why, that sounds wonderful.

I know I've been hammering this one into the ground. I know my flawless and charming rhetoric already won you over long ago. I know the gravity of the situation must seem unquestionable, BUT just in case I have failed to convince you to make the pilgrimage to see "Never Too Young To Die" tonight at the Alamo Ritz, I present video artifacts of
THEN

AND MORE THEN


AND THE TERROR OF NOW


Dear 12 Step Program,

Why do you always to this to people? Why?

Love,
Simian G.

P.S.
WHYYYYYYYY