The Radavist

I’m even surprised I had the time to walk around SxSW for an afternoon but I did anyway. Something about the shitshow that descends upon this sleepy little town is very alluring for a person who likes shooting photos. The freaks mix in with the locals and the homeless cope with it the best way they know how. I lost one roll of exposed film somehow, so you’ll have to make due with these…

Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / f4 80mm
Kodak Portra 400

Seriously. I’m burnt out and I didn’t even go to many shows. Today was unofficially the “last” day of SxSW. The hordes of people will start heading back to their home town tomorrow and slowly but surely, the decompression and reconstruction of Austin will take place. Yesterday, I met Erik and Sofia from Sweden. In the next few days, they’re leaving on a 10-month cycle tour of the western United States called The Great Escape. I’m letting them crash with me for a few days before they begin their Raidô.

Last night was a wreck, which lead to a great ride and finally, I was ready for music. So this afternoon, I went by Barcelona to see the only DJ group / crew / bass record label I give a shit about anymore, Trouble and Bass. I’ve known these guys for years, since before this blog was even in existence. Seeing them grow and prosper over the years has been very inspiring. I made it in time for Drop the Lime and Death Face‘s sets. As the crowd became even more intoxicated by the deadly bass, the mood darkened and it was still daylight out!

Check out the gallery by clicking the image above or click here to open in a new tab.

Today was awesome. We started off with a detox ride to some hills and immediately got sucked into the madness that is SxSW. I randomly bumped into Matty B, who was working at the Handsome roasters pop up shop. After some much-needed caffeine, I headed over to Yellow Jacket, where Elle Camino Vintage Clothes had her pop up shop going and from there, it just got kinda fuzzy. I do know that I saw Lamour Supreme at Secret Walls at some point but again, the rest of the night was a blur. Check it out for yourself here.

We’re what? Not even a few days in SxSW here in Austin and I’m already over it. The saving grace is avoiding the crowds, hanging with friends, both new and old, and maybe hearing some music. A group of us saw High on Fire (who’s stoked for De Vermis Mysteriis?) last night and today, I caught a few songs from the Portland-based band, White Orange. Then, it all became a blur of open apertures and congested streets.

Check out more randomness in the Gallery by clicking the photo above.

The best way to deal with SxSW is out on your road bike in the hills (hopefully you brought your bike). Or, if you prefer, a quick roll through the city often delivers some prime people watching. After I cleaned up from my morning ride, I headed into downtown to an old friend and along the way, I caught a few photos. Nothing serious, just an idea of what it’s like here during SxSW. Click the image above to see the Gallery.