SXSW Festival exclusive: Part III. Thomas Dolby and the police chief

More news from the famous SXSW festival, live!

A chat with Schuyler Fisk
 

Sitting peacefully in The Continental Club on Wednesday night, the sound of Schuyler Fisk’s voice warmed the listeners with its smooth notes and plainspoken lyrics.  This Austin fixture club has the history behind it to bring the real talent, and this evening proved it, as usual.   The straightforward honesty of Fisk’s talent makes her wholehearted and approachable in every way.  She was kind enough to chat about her work, family and where her heart is. 

When asked whether she had visited Europe or had any plans to do so, Fisk talked fondly of her performances in Slovakia and Slovenia.  The mention of Prague, however, lit her face with a bright smile.  Not only does Fisk know Prague personally, but she comes from a family of Czech heritage and has lots of family in Moravia. 

“Actually, my mother is writing a book about it, coming out on May 1st,” said the charming singer, referring to the gracious Sissy Spacek, who was in attendance for Fisk’s SXSW performance. 

No tour dates are set for Europe, as Fisk sets out for a string of US performances scheduled until November 2012. 

“What do I want to do for my work?  More of the same,” she answered with a smile.  We want that, too.

http://www.schuylerfisk.com/MEDIA-1

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo about SXSW

Pushing through the stampede on 6th Street, we asked Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo about SXSW. 

“What is SXSW?”  Chief Acevedo explained first in literal terms.  It’s a festival of music, film, and interactive media where lots of people come into Austin to see and hear the latest developments, which we already knew. 

“Oh, what is it me?” he clarified.  “It’s highly combustible,” he spoke over the masses charging up and down 6th Street, “but it’s a place where people from all kinds of cultures, beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, and religions come together...and it all works because of their love of music.”

Well said.

 
Thomas Dolby and his new album
 

80s music pioneer Thomas Dolby has released his first new album in 20 years: A Map of the Floating City. Considering how widely Dolby’s art has varied, there was no telling what the new tracks would bring.  He only managed to perform one new track before the venue pulled the plug for his time slot.  Nonetheless, Evil Twin Brother features samples from Regina Spektor and is a fun adventure fantasy.  The same charm endures, but continues to rework itself in Dolby’s signature synth lines.  Better, a live performance is fun.  Wearing a burnt orange fedora, Dolby is relaxed, happy, and laughing with his two band members: guitarist Kevin Armstrong and drummer Mat Hector.  It’s contagious in this cozy club, and the audience is bouncing and clapping as if the room is one large stage.

As Dolby was pursued by adorers, Armstrong kindly provided us with the new CD for review, and shared that the trio has played together for 21 years.  A saying about musicians made Armstrong laugh.  There is good music, good money, and good friends; if you have two of the three, you can be a successful music group.  “Oh, is that right?” he replied.  “Well, I’ve got great music and great friends.”

Dolby definitely keeps busy as he chases equipment, management and venue coordinators, but the news of his time capsule was an added point of interest.  As the Thomas Dolby tour moves through the USA, there is an extra vehicle traveling with it.  One must see to believe: http://www.youtube.com/thetimecapsuletv

The best accessories to the tour are the lovely assistants, Laura and Pandora, who exude the same happy steampunk presence as the rest of the ensemble.  No matter how good the CD is, nothing compares to being there