Small Sins Go in Search of Swag, Cycle Through SXSW -- Road Report

For Spinner's SXSW Road Report we wanted to find a band that wasn't afraid to get down and dirty, and, of course, tell us all about it, which is why we've teamed up with Toronto's Small Sins. No stranger to the madhouse that is Austin mid-March, the enterprising indie rockers are seasoned pros at making the most of the five-day blitz (March 16-20), taking in the sights and sounds and BBQ of SXSW at all hours (and we do mean ALL hours). Stay tuned for faithful updates from keyboardist Kevin Hilliard as he details Small Sins adventures (and misadventures) while in the good ol' Lone Star State this week. Day Four:

The 10AM alarm clock felt like it went off about five hours too soon. Nothing better than playing a free beer party at noon. At least everyone involved had an understanding: The band, the audience, the crew, etc. WILL be hungover so just deal with it. And it WAS a party being put on by The Onion ('Helping nerds become snobs') so you knew everyone would see the humour in the situation.

We did our best to show a little enthusiasm despite the hour and lack of people (here's a shot of the 'crowd' about 15 mins before we went on), it picked up!

Now on to the important stuff -- free stuff! As soon as the gig was done Thom and guitarist 'Scuba' Steve Krecklo went off to do a recording session for the website New Normal Music in the basement of a kick-ass winery in downtown Austin. Upon our arrival we heard a rumour concerning free clothing for the band. That was our cue! Our inquiry into the details of said freebies was met with "...Well there is a free gifting suite for artists. It's four blocks away. Here, ride these four 10-speed bikes over there. Tell them Rene sent you, they'll know what to do." Yes!

Watch Small Sins' Perform at the Winery in Austin
Smash cut to four dudes rushing through traffic on a mission. Sure, we got some free stuff even though the woman in charge kept asking, "What band are you again?" Her smile said "welcome" but her eyes said "who are these idiots and why should we be giving them anything?" Naturally we kept the bikes and booted around town for the rest of the night on them. I wonder if they ever got them back?


Top celebrity sighting Fri: J Mascis walking down 6th Ave, Adam Duritz (about whom we had a raging debate about in the van on the way down. Was he the one who dated Jennifer Aniston or did he date Courtney Cox? Turns out it was both...)

Quote of the day -- a chorus from singer Caleb Coy:

When I die I hope I get into heaven
but I don't know if they let cowboys in
If they don't just let me go to Texas
'cuz that's as close as I been.

Amen. One more day to go...