Of the Portuguese musicians that had the opportunity to step on the South by Southwest stages, David Fonseca is the one which did it more often in the last few years with three consecutive presences. We wanted to know his opinion and David sent us some comments which enable us to understand the way he perceived this visit to Austin and how was the 2009 festival edition.
This year showcase occurred at the Stephen F’s Hotel bar and in a generic way it “went very well and was fun. Playing on a reduced format is always a great challenge and artistically it was very positive”, he commented on his show, which had the participation of Rita Redshoes on some of the songs that he presented.
The contact with the music industry and with all the foreign media is another positive catch of SXSW. “We’re able to establish several contacts with the industry and everyday of the festival were valuable on advertising this project”.
For someone which returns to such an event with particular characteristics, one of the obvious questions encompass a comparison with the other editions in which he participated, being that “it’s the 3rd time that I participate on this festival and everything seemed within its usual…a big rock festival, an incredible place to get to know people and new music and establish contacts with the other industries”. So as to arise curiosity of those which followed the SXSW by distance he ends by saying that “ the festival spirit was very much alive and it is difficult to explain it to those who weren’t there…”.
Amongst the thousands of shows happening between the 18th and 22nd March and of the concerts he went, some stood out. “I watched some bands that I really liked… Richard Swift was one of the shows that I enjoyed the most, he’s one of the musicians that I most admire on live performances and I hope he comes to Portugal very soon! I also liked to watch Laura Marling (one of the records I listen to the most last year), Fanfarlo, St. Vinvet andPJ Harvey…”, the mention of the concert at Stubbs where John Parish accompanied PJ Harvey became a key reference to those that had the opportunity to watch it.
The influence that the different musicians that he watched may have over the music he does possibly will not overlap to the impact that the 6th Street environment has on the people that were there. “ It is likely that they may influence me musically (the concerts I watched), although the influences don’t work as straightforward. I think that it is easier to be influenced by the festival spirit and by the systematic party of those 4 crazy days”, are the words which reinforce what he had mentioned before.
Because participating in the SXSW requires a considerable investment, forcing many musicians to not bring all the desirable means or band elements, it would make sense for a group of artists to face their participation on a coordinated way so to gather more attention, better means and even some financial support? “That would be logical although most of the bands of other countries do it with the governmental or private support. Maybe it’s time for the Portuguese government cooperate on a initiative that has taken the Portuguese music to other public and industries, who knows if next year that is a reality and we have a Portuguese day at SXSW?“.
As for repeating SXSW participation, after 3 consecutive years of travelling to Texas, the desire still holds, independently of focusing on other events. “ I think that it is always a valuable experience to participate on events such as this, I’ll see how next year agenda looks like. And there are many other wordy festivals on which is its worthwhile to bet on.”
Thanks David.
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