Compass points north at SXSW fest

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This article was published 21/03/2011 (5607 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AUSTIN, Texas — The first time Saskatoon rockers the Sheepdogs travelled to the South by Southwest music conference, they felt lucky to be one of the countless acts performing unauthorized showcases. Two years ago, simply playing in a bar in Austin during SXSW week was a thrill. Of course, without wristbands or badges, there was no access to any of the official showcases or networking events.

This week, Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Leot Hanson and Sam Corbett are seeing the event from a very different perspective. As one of the top eight finalists in Rolling Stone magazine’s best new band contest, they’ve been embraced by the industry, able to go to the best parties and rub elbows with their favourite acts.

“The last time, we were on the other side of the fence, looking in. We were still trying to get our foot in the door,” says singer-guitarist Currie. “This time, we can go to all the good things.”

Between parties, however, the band has been impressing audiences with a deliciously swampy style of old-school boogie-blues. During a sizzling Canada House showcase on Thursday, the quartet unfurled its Southern influences, the sweet guitar lines and soulful singing anchored by a powerful rhythm section. “We’re big fans of the South and barbecue culture,” noted Currie, as he introduced the song Southern Dreaming. Judging by their sound, they’re also fans of the Allman Brothers and Black Crowes.

Because of Rolling Stone‘s Do You Wanna Be a Rock Star? competition, the buzz on Sheepdogs is impossible to avoid. They’re the only Canadian act in the running for a prize that includes a Rolling Stone cover, a gig at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and a major-label record deal. The eight finalists were determined by editors and readers, but fans will pick the winner through online voting. To give voters content to help make their decisions, each band travelled to New York City last week to record a couple of songs and take part in a photo shoot. You can cast your vote at www.rollingstone.com.

The Sheepdogs are one of close to 150 Canadian bands performing at this year’s South by Southwest event, which runs until Sunday in Austin. According to Canadian music-industry executives, after the United States, Canada is the country with the highest representation.

It isn’t hard to find Canadian music amid the hundreds of bands playing in Austin. The Canadian Blast barbecue, which kicked off the Canadian content Wednesday, took place in a busy downtown park, and a large Canadian flag on the roof of the tent ensured high visibility. Although precise attendance figures were not available, organizers said it appeared to be the largest Canadian Blast in five years. Hundreds waited in line for up to an hour for complimentary food and beverages.

“Obviously, we attract people based on the hospitality, but it’s also the quality of the music,” said Duncan McVie, the newly installed president of the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, one of the organizing bodies. “It’s a great testament to what we’re doing in Canada to see that many people show up.”

The Winnipeg band Imaginary Cities launched the Blast with an energetic set of new-wave influenced pop rock, followed by rapper More or Les and his crew. Diamond Rings, the Toronto-based synth-pop outfit dreamt up by the flamboyant John O’Regan, played to an enthusiastic clutch of fans, and Kingston noisemonger PS I Love You, a.k.a. Paul Saulnier and Benjamin Nelson, practically made ears bleed with the volume and intensity of their performance. The passionate French-Canadian indie rockers Karkwa was the band highlight of the day, while rapper/storyteller Buck 65 joined forces with singer-songwriter Jenn Grant for an intriguing collaboration.

After the sun went down, the Canadian festivities continued at Planet Quebec and Canada House, two separate bars on the Sixth Street strip that were taken over by Canadian programming. During the day Thursday, Canada House had a terrific lineup, including sets by Great Lake Swimmers, who were forced to perform without their bass player, because he was stuck in traffic in downtown Austin, as well as In-Flight Safety, Rah Rah, Cadence Weapon, PS I Love You, Imaginary Cities and B.C singer-songwriter Frazey Ford. Again, the free food and beverages helped ensure a packed house.

Canadian outlets Six Shooter Records and Starfish Entertainment took over Thursday night at Canada House with an all-female showcase that began with excellent performances by Winnipeg’s Christine Fellows, although her intimate set with two cellists was marred somewhat by feedback, and Grant, who punched up her new songs with help from the guys in In-Flight Safety.

— Postmedia News