SXSW Sneak Peek: Casxio

Walking around aimlessly downtown during last year’s SXSW, I overheard this band playing through a speaker from the venue. Intrigued by what I heard, I walked upstairs of Nuno’s to see Casxio playing on stage. Unfortunately, I only caught the last two or three songs from their set, but the funky soul pop music impressed me. I grabbed a free sampler they were handing out and left.

I guess the selection committee for SXSW felt the same way as I did because although, this is their second year performing during the festival, this year is the first year they are an official showcase band.

With the number of applicants that apply to play at SXSW, what do you think made your band stand out above the rest to be selected?

Eric: Well the priority for the organizers of any massive music showcase is to book bands that have a new and unique sound to offer, as well as a powerful live show. There are also less obvious factors that come to play as far as which bands get selected. Relationships with bookers and organizers that bands build over time are most definitely factors that may open doors. The fact is that there is an over saturation of bands these days that are out there hustling and trying to make a legit career out of their music. Hence, meeting people and building relationships is the second most vital aspect of making a career in music. The MOST important is quality. But, unfortunately, as I listen to more radio, I become more and more skeptical. Cold, hard truth.

What preparation have you taken for the upcoming showcase?

Eric: We learned a lot last year about what it takes to set yourself apart from the hundreds of other bands in attendance. Our prep is, for the most part, promo related. We'll be bringing down some t-shirts and stickers but we're not concerned about making a ton of money on merchandise on this trip. Don't get me wrong, we're all about making some cheddar, but our focus is on getting people to our sets and making our show bangin'.

Here are the list of shows you can see Casxio during the week of SXSW:
03/19/2009 1:45PM @ BLIND PIG ROOF DECK – 317 E. 6th St. (near Trinity)
03/19/2009 7:45PM @ BARCELONA - 209 E 6th St. (near San Jacinto)
03/20/2009 3:45PM @ TROUBADOR SALOON - 503 East 6th St. (near Neches)
03/21/2009 12:30PM @ RUSTY SPURS - 403 East 7th St (near Trinity)

Anyone and everyone can download 4 mp3s from Casxio’s website for free just by signing up for their mailing list.
Click here for a free download of their most popular song "Seventeen". (link directs you to a downloading site)

Here is Casxio’s video for “Boiling Point” directed by Fresh Kill (freshkill.com) (released last month):