Day 2-Trade show and first music

In his song, the Pretender, Jackson Browne said "locked between the longing for love and the struggle for the legal tender". That's how the groups must feel who play for the corporate events. When they play a SxSW showcase, they theoretically get their fans. But when they do a corporate event, they get paid quite nicely. However, as many people are talking as are listening.

Last night we went to the SAY: event at the Speakeasy on Congress. Nice of them to have a VIP line. However the non-VIP line was shorter and moved faster.

They did give us three drink tix on the way in. Saw two bands, Mister Loveless and Quiet Life. Mister Loveless played on the roof. Dale had enough good sense to have us bring along ear plugs. As a budding audio engineer, he understands protecting his ears as valuable assets. I would probably hear better today out of my left ear had I paid attention to this early on. Mister Loveless was loud, and pretty good. Kind of punk pop. Thirty years ago they would have been called punk, but today, they sound like a lot of pop groups.

Quiet Life played on the main downstairs stage. A little country, a little blues and a little rock, with some Allman Bros. feel. Very nice tunes, three guitars, some great riffs, very melodic. Would go see them in a bar any time.

Earlier in the day we went to the SxSW trade show floor. Lots of interesting things there, both internet, emphasis on social and music. Dale's number one booth, a guy selling a home or small label vinyl production kit. Seemed pretty sophisticated. About 5 grand. I will try to get the name for a later posting.

Dinner last night was at Wink. Went there last year and both times it was very good. Highly recommended if you can get in. Pricey though. Had a stimulating dinner conversation with Dale, Eric Picard and Tony Incalcatera. Talked about a lot of things, including a very interesting tangent on how the mind works. Different kinds of memory, etc. Nice time.

First full day of music today. Looking forward. Check back for more on the music at SxSW.