The Morning Benders' SXSW Diary, Day 4: On the Edge

PAPERMAG couldn't make it to Austin for SXSW this year, so we're living 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, but it wasn't until Thursday that we really got deep into it. Three shows in one day seems to be realistic, but it's definitely testing man's limits. We started the day off outside at the super-awesome and chill Eastbound and Found, then moved next door to the epic FADER Fort, and finished off at Ms. Beas, a makeshift venue outside in a park, for the jam-packed True Panther Showcase. It's interesting playing three variations of the same set in three completely different venues. Just when you feel like playing a song might become routine, you take a look around 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 here loves music so much they are willing to jump into the fray time and time again.

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

Photo of Christopher Chu via Flickr.