PAPERMAG couldn't make it to Austin for SXSW this year, so we'reliving vicariously through much-buzzed-about Berkeley indie-pop band the Morning Benders. Currently touring in support of their just-released album, Big Echo, they've stopped off in Austin to play the festival. Frontman Christopher Chu has been keeping us updated on their adventures and, here, in the Morning Benders' final diary entry, they realize playing three shows in one day is really hard.

On Wednesday we had gotten a taste of South By, butit wasn't until Thursday that we really got deep into it. Three showsin one day seems to be realistic, but it's definitely testing man'slimits. We started the day off outside at the super-awesome and chillEastbound and Found, then moved next door to the epic FADER Fort, andfinished off at Ms. Beas, a makeshift venue outside in a park, for thejam-packed True Panther Showcase. It's interesting playing threevariations of the same set in three completely different venues. Justwhen you feel like playing a song might become routine, you take a lookaround and realize how different the people and surroundings are.There's a certain vibrancy to SXSW that is hard to put your finger on.Sure, all these people have probably already seen 10 bands before you(and will likely see another 10 bands after you), but everyone hereloves music so much they are willing to jump into the fray time andtime again.

Morning Benders' Diary, Day 3
Morning Benders' Diary, Day 2
Morning Benders' Diary, Day 1

Photo of Christopher Chu via Flickr.