beauty in a wicked world.

Standing in a shaded bar, I patiently waited for Loney, Dear to finish their sound check. Honestly, I was just thinking about where I could find an open bar. As soon as the band struck its first chord, I was hooked. Apparently, Sweden has a plethora of musical talent. I finally got two of their albums, and I cannot stop listening to them. There is definitely a contrast between the latest, "Dear John", and "Loney, Noir". "Dear John" is much more dark and emotional. The instrumentals, the vocals, and the lyrics all have a very serious tone. "Loney, Noir", although not happy go lucky, gives more of a sense of optimism. I can appreciate both sides of the coin and both are wonderful. It is nice to see an artist not spit out a repeat of the previous album but with different lyrics.

Although South by Southwest was over two weeks ago, I can't help but talk about it. I left the city of Austin, TX feeling tired, but also in awe from all of the new music I found. That is the great thing about it. You can walk around downtown Austin looking for the band you were dying to see, yet you can stumble upon something you never would have expected. Pete and the Pirates (pictured), Beast from Montreal, Shout Out Out Out Out (no, that is not a typo), Tricky (reminds me of Portishead), K'Naan (reggae version of N.E.R.D.)...this list could go on. You can really see the passion in these artists' eyes. They haven't become jaded by fame and money. Their unfiltered passion for the art is what motivates them. This is what motivates me to work in the music industry. Behind closed doors, it is not a glamourous industry. You don't have to tell me twice. Giving courageous artists the chance to allow the public to enjoy something so personal: that is something worth fighting for.

Of course, SXSW also gives music-goers the chance to enjoy artists they wouldn't normally get a chance to see. Grizzly Bear is an amazing group. Standing three feet away from Ed Droste as he sang beautiful melodies: pricesless. Seeing Kanye West, Common, and Erykah Badu perform on one stage, together: When does that happen?

Until SXSW 2010...