While some students left the country for spring break last week, plenty of others stayed to volunteer or enjoy free events during the annual South by Southwest conference in downtown Austin. From film world premieres with big name actors like Amy Schumer and Ryan Gosling, to official and unofficial SXSW live music performances by Wiz Khalifa and Miley Cyrus, this year’s festival was swimming with celebrities. Throughout the week, ORANGE Magazine staff found themselves surrounded by stars and couldn’t help but run into — or hunt down — these famous folks.
From features on celebrities like Russell Brand to photojournalism in Afghanistan, SXSW showcased a diverse selection of documentaries and biopics. This spring, get the popcorn ready and bring on the encore presentations.
With new bands cropping up every day, it’s easy to get lost in the clutter, but O Conqueror aims to buck that trend with standout publicity tactics and, more importantly, their own special blend of psychedelic blues.
“Trainwreck” is a quirky, enrapturing comedy about a woman named Amy and her life as a drinking, weed-smoking, casual sexual-encountering journalist. Oddly enough, the real star of “Trainwreck” is NBA athlete LeBron James.
As I stood in line, thumbing through the latest copy of the Chronicle to bide my time before the film, "BRAND: A Second Coming," I thought about the first time I had actually heard the name, “Russell Brand.” I was just shy of 14, glued to the television for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. I waited anxiously for a favorite celebrity to pop out from behind backstage, but was surprised to watch a man in tight, black clothes waltz out into the arena.
Whether you’re gearing up for a show, waiting in between sets or regaining your strength, finding a place to eat should be convenient but unforgettable. These spots around town are worth pausing the chaos, even if it’s just to grab-and-go.
Whether you are trying to get into every free show, or wondering what place has the best/cheapest eats, ORANGE editors will be on top of all the SXSW happenings. Check out our editors’ twitters as we keep you posted on our best and worst SXSW shenanigans.
It’s not every day that someone comes across a 494-year-old werewolf that plays violin, but with South By Southwest just around the corner, don’t be surprised when the Violin Monster takes over the streets of Austin — with or without a full moon.
Hello Lamppost is one project that stands out from the rest because the spectator is more than just an observer — he or she is the heartbeat to this work of art.
Big Bill wants you to take a walk on the wild side. With their manic brand of “cartoon punk” and a mission to make even the biggest introvert cut loose, the band continues to win over new fans who they lovingly refer to as “Bill-ions.”
This is an enchanted place. No, I don’t mean really cool or fun or eclectic - it’s literally enchanted. Things happen here that don’t happen in the real world. Each member of the ORANGE Music Staff has experienced that pivotal moment that changed their lives forever. It’s a blessing and a curse, really. No matter how mind-bogglingly awesome our celebrity run-ins or community festival experiences may have been, we are now forever spoiled, fully aware of the depressing fact that no other city will ever match the serendipitous beauty of Austin.
