#FBF Kid Cudi x GWHH @ SXSW

Today’s been a Kid Cudi day for me.

It started when I had the notion to check the video above in our archives because it had been blocked for some time by one of those label copyright infringement warnings, you know those… (¬_¬)

But to my pleasant surprise, the video played and it was unblocked!

I relived the classic performance by Cudi, not only because of how he kills it, but also for sentimental reasons. It’s not just mine, but probably collectively, our favorite concert video we’ve produced of all-time.

This was a secret show for SXSW and there was a mere Twitter account to follow that would reveal the performers and location of the night… that night. I remember we were at Peter Rosenberg’s Hot 97 showcase and scanning my phone to see that it was Kid Cudi headlining and he was to go on in any minute. I gathered some of the team to make the 10 minute walk to the venue, get in, text the rest of the video crew to get here quick because it’s about to close and Cudi is already on stage. Our 3 video guys: co-founder Maks G, Teddy Waffles, and Eugene IMP roll in as seemingly the last people to be let in, then immediately split up — right, center, left respectively and hit record.

The first song: this “Cudi Zone” x “Memories” x “Day N Nite” turn-up medley before the term turn-up was invented. That’s how this happened for us and Cudi and the Austin crowd delivered a memorable, energetic relationship. Cudi always brings it live and seeing him perform in this semi-intimate, and very surprise setting, is easily a top 5 concert experience as a whole that I’ve ever covered in Gowhere history.

Alas… it’s never not fresh to bring back a classic from time to time…

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SXSW [Full Photo Recap]

It’s spring break, it’s a music festival, it’s downtown Austin… it’s SXSW. This is our visual recap of SXSW 2015.

PREVIOUSLY: Our full GWHH x SXSW event by event recaps

Holt @ SXSW

I’ve seen Holt rap with Treated Crew, interview ShowYouSuck at JBTV, and DJ on several occasions, but never seen him own the spotlight like he did this weekend at SXSW. It’s really not accurate to say I saw his show when it was more like I was at his party. When he wasn’t crowd surfing, Holt held The Main down with multiple tracks off his forthcoming release from GOOD Music. Clearly drawn from a diverse background of punk, indie, and hip hop, Holt has cultivated a sound of his own – I can’t wait for the world to hear this shit. After the show, I caught up with him for a quick Q&A…

WD: So was that a preview of the album?
HOLT: Yeah, all of those songs are on the album. Except White Wedding – that was just for the show.

WD: What about Nightcall?
HOLT: Nah, we made that shit just to give to people.

WD: That was smooth as hell, man.
HOLT: The album’s a lot like that, the song’s are either hard as fuck or super chill.

WD: Obviously, congrats on GOOD Music.
HOLT: Thank you very much.

WD: How many times did you jump out that window till you liked it?
HOLT: 8 times. 8 times we jumped outa that fuckin window.**

WD: Was it your idea?
HOLT: Yeah, I concept everything visually. And no matter what I’m creating, I collaborate with homies whether it’s music, videos, clothes…

WD: Whats next for Treated Crew?
HOLT: Treated Crew is forever on the rise. We will forever make (actually) exclusive, high quality shit for people to have whether its clothes, art or music.

WD: Any show you’re tryna catch here at SXSW?
HOLT: Always gotta catch Freddie Gibbs, cuz he’s cold as fuck.

WD: Pizza or Tacos?
HOLT: Thats a loaded question!

WD: Aright gimme your favorite pizza place.
HOLT: Giordano’s pizza. Deep Dish. From the Crib. South Side. Chicago pizza. Pizza, mother fucker. Not Lou Malnatis. Not fuckin Uno’s… It aint deep dish if it aint Giordanos.

WD: Yes, thank you! And tacos?
HOLT: There’s too many at the crib!

WD: My spot’s La Pasadita.
HOLT: La Pasadita on Division? Yeah, that’s flame. But Zacatacos – flamest steak, bruh.

WD: Aright, that’s all I got.
HOLT: Tight.

 

**

I’m excited to announce this morning that I just signed to #GOODmusic and my music is FINALLY coming out!! Be on the look out for new music!!!!! #HOLT2015 #GOODmusic #RT

A video posted by nigel holt (@hxlt2015) on Mar 4, 2015 at 5:07am PST

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Making a Splash

I knew it was going to rain yesterday but that obviously wasn’t going to stop the pursuit of smoked chicken, open bars, and low vibrations. And there I was, two blackberry somethings deep, telling my stomach “we’re not done here” as I worked on a plate from BBQ Heaven when the rain started bouncing. I threw on what I thought was a rain jacket to find I had apparently packed a wind breaker. Super. Sopping wet, I had to take it back to HQ and regroup. With the Mass Appeal BBQ and Spotify House now out of the question, I looked to my compass that is the SXSW pocket guide. I missed Pell’s spot at Spotify because of the rain but saw he’d be at Peter Rosenberg’s ICM Showcase at Highland, so I highlighted a few shows in the area and took it downtown.

I was pretty bummed about missing the big parties, but reminded myself of the SXSW I use to think of a few years ago – a place where artists, whether buzzing or trying to make a splash, are given the opportunity to do their thing and share it with an audience who’s looking for that scratch to an itch they haven’t reached before. Now I won’t play it off like I haven’t heard of Pell or Boogie – Pell’s “Eleven:11” and Boogie’s “Bitter Raps” both see heavy rotation when I’ve got the aux chord – but the opportunity to see an artist on the rise in a intimate setting is invaluable to someone who frequents shows.

If you find yourself at SXSW, I highly recommend getting out to the smaller showcases. Go places you’ve never been. See the artists you’ve heard of but never seen, and stick around for a couple acts. Support the people doing what they love. Seriously check your cool at the door, let loose and have some fun.

 

Ray-Ban X Boiler Room @ SXSW

Boiler Room did not disappoint last night with slated artists Shash’U, STWO, Rae Sremmurd, Badbadnotgood, Ghostface Killah, Kaytranada, and special guests, Goldlink, Funk Master Flex, J Rocc, Freddie Gibbs, and Dipset – yeah, man. I swear if the bar didn’t shut it down, Just Blaze and Action Bronson may have taken the stage too. Highlights of the 5 hour event include Ghostface and Killah Priest slaying Wu classics to the live beats of Badbadnotgood, J Rocc absolutely tearing the decks apart, and Dipset playing the hits. Shouts to Ray-Ban and Boiler Room for throwing the dopest party I’ve been to since Pitchfork afters with Tek-Life (RIP DJ Rashad).