Adios Austin!

We hope you’re recovering. South-By-Southwest 2009 is over and done. Once again, the Spring Break for the music biz continues to prove itself as a world-class showcase arena for emerging talent. In light of the economic climate, the confab was reportedly down in attendance by 10%. But it made for shorter lines and a much more manageable crowd down 6th Street. In addition, it made getting into big events less hectic. We heard the Guitar Hero Metallica show was fairly painless to get into. Those who had passes for the event walked right in without waiting in any lines. But what was different this year compared to the past few was the emergence of several unsigned acts that captured a focused attention by UK and US talent scouts. The buzz for Silverlake act Local Natives seemed to grow after their first showcase gig. By Friday, a large contingent of the British music biz was in attendance. By Sat, both UK and US talent execs were in the hunt. The Temper Trap reportedly has more offers on the table and the management derby on Fake Problems continues to heat up as well. Meanwhile, acts such as Glasvegas and Canadian outfit The Arkells were on the A&R hot list. Other notable showcasing acts included Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, White Denim and the Redlight-managed Alberta Cross.  And we heard Kanye West’s not-so secret show at the Fader Fort surpassed expectations. Well, we hope you had fun. Until then, we’ll have to wait another year for some Austin BBQ and Shiner Boch. Next up, Coachella…