Austin or Bust

Several San Diego bands will make the 22-hour drive to Austin, Texas mid-March for the annual South by Southwest music festival and conference. Over 2000 performers seeking labels, booking agents, and recognition will pack 90-plus venues over the course of the week. An estimated 13,000 industry representatives attended the event last year.

The March 16 San Diego Hoe-down will showcase Silent Comedy, Little Hurricane, and Writer at Austin’s Lustre Pearl. San Diego’s Requiemme Management and Booking Showcase on March 19 at Maggie Mae’s will feature Black Heart Procession, Maren Parusel, the Hot Moon (members of the Album Leaf, Grand Ole Party, and Black Heart), and Gun Runner.

“The first time I went it was beautiful, stressful, and insane,” says Gun Runner frontman Sean Davenport over a beer at Live Wire. “There’s a lot of prestige going with a Brooklyn indie band [Abigail Warchild]. It’s more special for a smaller town like San Diego, which isn’t recognized as much musically, to be represented. We’ve already got label interest and management, so it’s just cool to see new bands and party.”

“For the bands I’m working with, we’re mostly looking for booking agents this year,” says Mario Escovedo (of the Dragons and MEX). He is curating his third official Requiemme showcase this year. “Maren Parusel and Gun Runner are ready to travel, and I’ve gotten them as far as I can. Also, we’re looking to get more national exposure. It’s a great thing in that way.”

Gun Runner and Maren Parusel will also be performing at the Trumer Pills Afternoon Social at Klub Krucial on March 17. Other San Diego acts include Inspired Flight, Lesands, Steve Poltz, OFF! (with San Diego drummer Mario Rubalcaba), and Grand Tarantula.

Preview the Requiemme showcase on March 15 at Soda Bar.