Today I finalize plans to fly out to Austin, TX for the 2012 South by Southwest (SXSW) extravaganza. This will be my second year to attend this conclave of artists, musicians, publishers, producers, directors and innovators...all of which I humbly claim to be. Excited is not even close to describe the vibrations in my being at this moment!
I recently embraced the music side of my business with my theory of "Enthology"...endeavoring to engage, with a full belly flop into the sacred waters of the mystical unknown.
I opened up a recording studio in my dkWells Productions office, called The Studio @ Baker Street, where we have already begun the recording process for several artist.
I also formed my own record label, Stormcrow Records, and signed a talented young artist, Andrew Baum, who is a cross between Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Hayes Carll. We recently finished his EP, Sober, and took him to the International Folk Alliance in Memphis to showcase his talents along with twenty three other artists who played in my dkWells Music Showcase Room.
Late last year I launched a Podcast, with intent to eventually sell to XM Satellite Radio, which features the best of British Music that you're likely not going to hear anywhere else. There are a few names that will pop up, like A Silent Film, who broke the US charts last year with their single, Driven By Their Beating Hearts. These lads are mates of mine from Oxford, and have agreed to take time off from their busy touring schedule to do an interview with me in the near future. I also had the good fortune to produce a video for the song.
The Podcast is titled, XPat Radio. While in Austin I will be setting up shop at Lattitude 30, which during SXSW is transformed into The British Music Embassy. I will have access to over forty UK bands to interview and feature on upcoming editions of XPat Radio.
I'll also be able to hook up with my Austin music friends for their Showcases, and take in a ton of panels and other band showcases during my six day stay.
Finally, I have begun to record my second LP, Thank God for Thomas Edison (named after a song of the same name I wrote at Bonarroo last year). Upon my return from Austin I will be going full throttle to see the project completed in time for a late summer release.
So there you have it! Remember to Think, Drink, Create and Be Merry...this is the only chance you get!
Cheers!
dkWells, aka, Sir Hook of Warrick
