Rewind: Maggie Tam’s big BUST adventure @ SXSW 2008

by Maggie

Has it been nearly a week since BUST’s day party at SXSW?  It was hot, hot, hot…  everything from the bands, to the bad asses struttin’ their stuff, to the amazing Austin, Texas weather! It goes without saying that I was going to party it up, rock out to amazing music, and meet cool people from around the globe. We were all there to showcase, promote and fiercely work it! I managed to do all of this while having an incredibly fun time!! I’m still not fully recovered from the 24/7 combo of work and play.  Seriously, don’t ask me about the days and times when all of this rockin’ mayhem went down last week. I’m reporting it all, in no particular order.  Just enjoy the ride!!

Here I am holding up my BUST with members of Magic Johnson and New Bloods‘ Tour Manager at KRS Showcase!


Miss Kate Hall from KRSMika Miko showed her love for BUST! 


Check out how rad and sweet Lightspeed Champion is on Domino Records! BUST sponsored Domino’s showcase at SXSW too! 

My B.F.F, Marcus Hicks of Speedbump + SDN joined me on the SXSW madness and helped me promote the BUST Party. I’ve known Marcus from way, way back in the days in San Francisco.  Funny thing….. I worked with Marcus at a punk rock, shoe and clothing store and I was underage to go to his night job at the Cover Wagon to see some of the best punk and rock ‘n’ roll bands ever.  Thank god for a fake I.D. and for knowing Mr. Marcus!!  

 Here is Mr. Marcus showing off his muscles at Birds Barbershop’s Big Top amazing day party in Austin. 
 
 
 Scottish band, Sons And Daughters on Domino Records was absolutely lovely and BUSTy!!
 
I so heart Austin!! Next year, I’m going to get my hair styled at Birds, so I can truly rock the southern charm. Their FREE Big Top Blowout had Dizzee Rascal and an amazing lineup of bands that had me shakin’ the moneymaker!  FYI: you can get a mohawk for only 15-buck-a-roos at Birds!  Free booze, taco stands, photo booths, and fun times!!  What more do you want? Well there was more to be had!  Another AWESOME place that we discovered off of the SXSW strip was Spiderhouse Patio Bar and Cafe.  We cruised on over there to check out the metal bands on Kemado Records.  They also had free booze at their party!  I also got to meet Death Vallery from TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls. She’s my favorite!!
 
 

The Sword, a local Austin band on Kemado Records are an amazing bunch of talented musicians.  They had me rockin’ and bangin’ my head in front of the stage!

We also went to BUST’s sponsored K Records Showcase and caught the lovely Kimya Dawson.  Y’all may know her songs from the soundtrack Juno and the song "Anyone But You", by The Moldy Peaches.  Kimya writes fun tunes that you would want your kids to listen to or listen to at an anti-war rally. Which, Marcus and I went to at SXSW!  I’m impressed with the political statement some of the musicians made while still showing us a good time.  We caught the Body of War Showcase with Kimya, Tom Morello and Billy Bragg performing.


Kimya Dawson, photo courtesy from K Records by Jeff R.W. 

Yes, I have eclectic taste in music and that’s what makes the world go around and makes me happy!  Plus, Marcus and I are old-er! Speaking of old!  We had to check out The English Beat, Perry Farrell (remember from Jane’s Addiction), and of course the legendary punk band, X from L.A!!  I still swoon over John Doe and the entire band inspires me.  They still have it going on after all of these years! 

                                                
X is going on a 31st Anniversary Tour! 
Don’t miss your chance to see them all together!!
 
We also went to and/or tried to go to all of our friends parties and/or showcases or check out their artists: Bloodshot Records, Sub Pop Records, Mint Records, Secretly Canadian/JagJaguwar/Dead Oceans, Yep Roc Records, Anti Records, Minty Fresh Records, Perez Hilton Party, SFNTC Party, VICE Party, Mpress Records, Merge Records, Benefit for Girls Rock Camp Austin, Saddle Creek Records, Barsuk Records, World’s Fair Records, Mute Records, Afropunk, Manhattan Records, Back Porch Records, Blackheart Records, Epitaph Records, Beggars Group, Matador, etc…  It’s nice to put faces to names that I correspond with all the time and if I missed meeting any of you at this year’s SXSW, there will always be next year!     
Noisettes ruled the Afropunk showcase! 
 
Okay, I’m saving the best for last!! 😉  I’m proud to say that we, at BUST delivered on everything we promised you gals and guys! Our hangover lounge and craft party was the most unique event of all the SXSW day parties!  Where else could you see amazing music, and have an international celebrity that’s truly a real music lover DJ at your party? Get FREE Bloody Mary’s, Mojitos, sparking juice, energy boost packets, massages, and craft your own eye masks for your hung-over eyes and totes bags for the long trip home???  Where? But at a BUST Magazine party!! And not to toot our own horns, but BUST was just rewarded yesterday with a prestigious Folio award for throwing our events!!  So, be on the lookout for future parties that we invite you to, it maybe worth the flight to visit us.  *To keep abreast of BUST developments and parties, just sign up for the BUSTline Newsletter on BUST.com. 


BUST MAGAZINE’S SXSW HANGOVER LOUNGE AND CRAFT PARTY
 

Loved me some Grand Ole Party!  Funk, rock and super sassy!!
 

Simian RecordsHeloise and the Savoir Faire  You have to see them LIVE!!! They are FIERCE!

 
 
Kick ass and super cute DJs: Sheila B. + Elijah Wood
Thanks again guys for dj’n the party! 
 

White Shoes and the Couples Company from Jarkata, Indonesia on Minty Fresh came by our party. They were featured in BUST a few issues ago. Their music is so sweet and makes me proud that they are representin’ the East + West. Just like me! 

 
 
Pour on the free 10 Cane Rum‘s Mojitos!!  Cheers!!
 
Massage Therapist, Dawn is giving BUST Magazine’s Dawn, an amazing back massage at the hangover lounge.
 
Come to a BUST event and get free copies of BUST and meet members of the crew.  Here’s Laurie and Adam workin’ the BUST booth!
 

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, check out the craftiest eye masks and tote bag from Tulip and Aleene’s Craft Stations and Crafty Chica!  Be on the lookout for more crafty goodness at BUST’s Spring Fling Craftacular!
 

 
Miss Tina Sparkles of Sparkle Craft was workin’ her magic at the craft station! My new B.F.F.s are the ladies of Austin Craft Mafia and Stitch Austin!! We heart y’all dearly at BUST! 
 
Seriously, I love handmade goods, crafted cuteness and sassy style. Check out Miss Jen Perkins’ bling bling from Naughty Secretary Club.   
 
And this precious pic? Well, I found this on Simian Records‘ myspace page! This cute kid’s awesome mommy obviously went to our party and picked up a BUST pin and Simian Records’ sticker.  This pic did not only bring a big smile to my face, but completely made me feel like I did my job!  Thanks kid and until next year’s SXSW!  -xoxo-
 
 

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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