THE DAILY TEXAN’S
GUIDE TO
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
carlos garcia
| the daily texan staff
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E DITORS Jordyn Zitman Tiana Woodard Brooke Sjoberg DESIGNERS Mireya Rahman Christiana Peeks Nila Selvaraj WRITERS Molly Bolf David Antonio Sandeep Bhakta Abby Hopkins Romi Geller Lindsey Ferris A RTISTS Mel Westfall Raquel Higine Lauren Ibanez P HOTOGRAPHERS Joshua Guenther
Editor’s note: South by Southwest is here, and Spring Break isn’t. Before you go to the screening of “Us” or hear Omar Apollo perform, read these eight pages to get ready.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
J O R DYN Z IT M AN Jordyn Zitman is a journalism sophomore and co-editor of Life&Arts. Her coverage will touch on everything from space travel to politics to cannabusiness.
B RO O KE SJ O B E R G Brooke Sjoberg is a journalism junior and associate Life&Arts editor. Showcasing the best of the silver screen, she will critique and review all of the movies premiering at the film festival this year.
L AN D RY AL L R E D Landry Allred is a journalism sophomore and senior Life&Arts reporter. Coverage will draw from all industries, including animation, AR sensors, and music technology.
T I A N A WO O DAR D Tiana Woodard is a radio-television-film and English sophomore and co-editor of Life&Arts. From K-pop to R&B, she’ll cover a wide range of artist performances and showcases.
N O AH LE V I N E Noah Levine is a radio-television-film freshman and Life&Arts reporter. He will review the best new films premiering in all genres, although he hopes they’re mostly horror.
P E Y TO N YO U N G Peyton Young is a radio-television-film and journalism junior and co-editor of Video. His footage will capture everything from red carpet appearances to interactive art shows.
JOHN MELENDEZ John Melendez is a journalism sophomore and senior Life&Arts reporter. The latest in music technology, industry and performance will be the focus of his coverage.
K ATI E B AU E R Katie Bauer is a journalism junior and the photo editor at The Daily Texan. Her photography will showcase panels, concerts, interactive events and more.
C AR L O S G AR C IA Carlos Garcia is a journalism senior and an associate photo editor at The Daily Texan. He is excited to cover all the adventures that come with SXSW.
E D DI E G AS PAR Eddie Gaspar is a history junior and a senior photographer at The Daily Texan. His photo coverage will range from 2019 presidential candidates to Austin’s rising artists.
What’s Inside?
public 3 media 6 film 4 access 7 eats 5 local 8
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
NO BADGE, By Molly Bolf @mollybolf5
SXSW is more than an acronym that UT students associate with heavy traffic and pricey tickets — it’s the coming together of industry professionals, artists and everyday people focused on sharing ideas and learning from each other. Austin residents are just a bus ride away from events that promise to entertain — including those that don’t require a SXSW badge. 3. SXSW Marketplace
If you’ve never been to SXSW, this is a great starting point to experience the innovation and creativity it brings to Austin. The SXSW Marketplace features local, national and global brands — the website describes it as a “collection of pop-up shops from unique brands at the center of SXSW.” Even if you’re not buying anything, the SXSW Marketplace is an ideal place to window shop. Companies from all over the world come to showcase their best products, and it’s worth a visit. The marketplace is open March 15–16 at the Austin Convention Center. A guest pass, which is free and available on SXSW’s website, is required.
2. International Women’s
Day Celebration Presented by the European Union and UN Women, International Women’s Day will celebrate the art, music and films created by those who identify as women or non-binary. The programs are hosted by female leaders, like CEOs and UN leaders, and feature topics like gender and race, women in art and entrepreneurship. The event is on March 8, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m, at Palm Door on Sixth. A guest pass is required for this event.
4. SXSW Community Screenings From March 9–10, AFS Cinema and the Rollins Theatre at The Long Center will be screening films from various organizations, free to the public. Plan a trip to watch “Films for the Forest,” a presentation of short films by Rainforest Partnership, or “Face of Austin 2019,” a short film program by local filmmakers. These screenings are free and do not require a guest pass.
7. Lafayette Live Crawfish Boil @
1 Mohawk 2 Palm Door on Sixth 3 Austin Convention Center 4 Rollins Theater 5 Lustre Pearl 6 Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden 7 C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
1. Just Another Manic Monday (of Music) with The Onion and A.V. Club Just Another Manic Monday is known for featuring up-and-coming artists – in 2017, the event was headlined by Lizzo, Noname and Sylvan Esso. This year’s Manic Monday will feature bands including Deerhunter, Priests, The Beths and more. The event is free, takes place at Mohawk and is open to the public. RSVP required, and guests must be 21 or over. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. on March 11.
SXSW 2019: A True Cajun Experience Free crawfish at a free SXSW event? The Lafayette Live Crawfish Boil is happening on March 13 at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. This event is free and offers attendees authentic cajun crawfish, hot jambalaya, a free drink and live music. Guests must register online through eventbrite in advance.
5. SXSW Puppy Party 2019 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and your friends with paws by bringing them to Lustre Pearl on March 17 from 12 to 4 p.m, for a day of puppy cuddles, doggy photo booths, St. Patrick’s Day activities, drawings and Tito’s Vodka. This event benefits “Austin Pets Alive!” and features adoptable puppies. Admission is free, and online registration is required.
6. #WeDC House If you’re interested in a career in the nation’s Capitol, bring your friends to Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden this weekend and learn about opportunities in Washington. #WeDC (which stands for We the People of Washington, D.C.) is hosting a three day event committed to showing attendees “that Washington D.C. is the Capital of Inclusive Innovation.” The event is from March 9–11, and starts at 11 a.m on the first day.
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ti n! ve r Aus o l l a s o n rou te ar tu res
DATE NIGHT RIDE FREE WITH VALID UT ID CapMetro offers 14 routes that operate every 15 minutes every day – making it easier to get around and enjoy the evening. Take High-Frequency routes to get around town: capmetro.org/every15
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019F
joshua guenther | the daily texan file “Days of the Whale” depicts graffiti artists using their art to defy a criminal gang in Colombia. This film shows that graffiti means more than the vandalism term that is often applied to it.
By David Antonio @dantonio2
A whale cannot swim in polluted water. This is one of the many pieces of symbolism seen throughout the film “Days of the Whale.” As the first feature film by director Catalina Arroyave, it has already won two screenplay awards and the FDC, Colombian film developing fund. The motion picture will have its world premiere at SXSW. Its first screening will be on March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Ritz. The film depicts two young graffiti artists, Cristina and Simon, portrayed by Laura Tobón and David Escallón, as they muster the courage to defy a criminal gang in their hometown of Medellín, Colombia. The couple decide to paint over a threat on a wall with a mural of a whale. After facing backlash, Cristina and Simon utilize the strength of youth against fear, violence and the risks of growing up. “Days of the Whale,” a true street-style approach to the traditional coming-ofage film style, utilizes graffiti to symbolize the characters’ feelings as well as foreshadow future events in
the film. This creative approach made it very easy to follow. The soundtrack was artfully and intentionally chosen as well. Each song referenced to gangs and bullet holes and suggested leaving a place. Arroyave did a tremendous job focusing on every detail to have intention in the film’s overall delivery. In regard to the acting, it was a well done collective performance without any individual standouts. The main actors did a good job in creating chemistry between the characters, a necessity to sell this idea of a couple courageously overcoming violence but their individual scenes were not as well developed. The biggest acting fluke of the film was the stepmother’s performance. Her performance was mainly irrelevant and stale. Every scene she was in took place in the house, and she was constantly being blown off by every character in the film to the point where it was comical. Her character’s entire purpose in the film was to illustrate the contrast between Cristina’s father and mother, and she didn’t even do that well. The loss in storyline is
Days of the Whale R AT I N G
further extrapolated with the audience never being introduced to how Cristina and Simon met in the first place or how they began doing graffiti. Along with the character chemistry comes development, another highlight to the film. The protagonist started out as an ignorant and stubborn graffiti artist and evolved into a strong and fearless woman. The cinematography was superb, so each frame of film looks very crisp. The film had surprisingly good lighting given the number of nighttime scenes. The lighting was well thought out, adding dark green and blue hues for night scenes with gangs, eliciting an eerie vibe for the gang. While the film “Days of the Whale” exemplifies everything necessary for a successful film behind the scenes, the lack of background information and a seemingly pointless supporting actress in the film cost it a perfect rating.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
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food truck tour By Sandeep Bhakta @sandeepbhakta1
Through its food, SXSW offers its attendees a unique culture and dining experience to complement its various events. Since 2013, SXSW has relied on its creation “SouthBites Trailer Park” to tether together Austin’s food trucks, but 2019 presents a unique year as the festival will no longer offer the service. The food trailer spirit remains strong and persistent in Austin, so here are some trucks that keep the culture alive and have something delicious to offer.
1. Four Brothers
80 Rainey St. 718 E. 6th Street on the intersection of I-35 and 6th Street Dish to try: Four Brothers Arepas.
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The Four Brothers food truck offers its customers Venezuelan comfort food and often, it’s gluten-free. The Four Brothers Arepas is composed of two circular pieces of dough, resembling flat bread, accompanied by a stuffing consisting of shredded pork or chicken, black beans, avocados, tomatoes, sweet plantain and cheese. Served hot, the Four Brothers Arepas helps introduce a food culture that’s both refined and expansive. Four Brothers will also be offering bowls, cachapas, which resemble a quesadilla, yucas and tequeños, which is a deep fried cheese stick.
2. Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
1704 E Cesar Chavez St. Tacos to try: Migas and fajita steak Drink to try: The Queen smoothie, if you don’t
mind seeds. Although farther out from the festival than other trucks, this trailer in particular delivers savory, salty, crunchy and smooth wrapped up in the embrace of a homemade tortilla. This dish is Veracruz’s Migas taco which has also been included in Food Network’s “Top 5 Tacos in America” listing. The combination of eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, pico de gallo and monterey jack cheese simply works. The steak fajita taco, accompanied by queso fresco and avocado, is most delicious when accompanied by Veracruz’s spicy red chili sauce and the green tomatillo sauce. The queso fresco and steak fit together well, and these sauces help to accentuate that.
3. Mr. Catfish & More
1144 Airport Blvd Dish to try: the Catfish
Mr. Catfish, with its main location at 1144 Airport Blvd, will have its truck at SXSW. They primarily focus on fried seafood and combining cajun and creole flavors into their dishes. Their catfish is fried and makes a satisfying crunch while also carrying none of the ill flavors associated with the fish’s diet. Their sides are also worth mentioning. Whether it’s their hushpuppies or even fries, the mix of inspired cajun flavor
mel westfall
| the daily texan staff
comes through.
4. Little Lucy’s
75 Rainey St. 718 E. Sixth Street on the intersection of I-35 and 6th Donut to try: The Chow Chow, with cinnamon sugar, and the Maltese, Italian cream cake. Little Lucy’s specializes in mini donuts that pack a punch in a single bite. The donuts are tiny, but they’re crispy and fluffy. The
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dough isn’t heavy and the flavor stays consistent with each piece. The cinnamon sugar is arguably their most well-known donuts and for good reason. The Italian cream cake is also a contender for a top seller. During the festival, Little Lucy’s will help cover the sugar cravings of attendees by having multiple locations, a mobile cart and options for new vegan and gluten-free ice cream.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019 F
Omar Apollo Apollo Omar talks identity By Tiana Woodard @tianarochon
Like most young Americans, Indiana native and self-made R&B artist Omar Apollo enrolled in college immediately after high school graduation. Dropping out two weeks in, Apollo traded books for a mic and guitar and hasn’t looked back since. Following the release of his 2018 debut EP Stereo, Apollo’s multifaceted R&B has moved from his Indiana bedroom studio to center stage. 1.7 million monthly Spotify listeners, multiple press interviews and a tour later, Apollo’s artistry will be showcased alongside many others at this year’s SXSW Music Festival. The Daily Texan spoke with Apollo before his SXSW AWAL House showcase performance on March 13 at Antone’s about his evolving artistry and identity as a first-generation, Mexican-American in the music industry. Daily Texan: How do you hope to change the face of Mexican-American artists in the American music industry? OA: When I grew up, I didn’t have any Latino or Latinx idols. If they were, they wouldn’t claim that side, which is really weird and annoying. It seemed there was no one else really notable in the United States. I just want to be that role model for kids. When there was this 14-year-old kid covering my song, I was just like, ‘Damn, this is so crazy.’ Because he was Mexican. I was just like, ‘man, that’s so sick’. It was just real inspirational for me. It was like, that’s why I do that shit.
copyright aiden cullen, and reproduced with permission
DT: Have you ever felt a cer-
tain pressure to fit expectations or a genre as a Mexican-American artist? OA: I feel like there’s an ‘Oh, you’re supposed to do this.’ ‘You have to do that.’ But I just love music. I can’t put myself in anything. It is what it is. There is a pressure, but I don’t care. I just love music so much I’m just going to do what sounds good to me. People try to get me to sing in Spanish more, but I’m not super comfortable with how good I am writing it. I listen to a lot of Spanish music, and the writing is so beautiful, and I feel like I’m not there yet so it hasn’t come to me naturally. At first, I did feel it, I thought, I have to make Spanish songs and even my mom and dad were like, I need to make more, but it hasn’t come. DT: One way you’ve stood apart from other rising artists is for your homemade, DIY approach. Has your rising success impacted your way of making music? OA: DIY is just so funny because I just make shit. Who else is gonna do it? I remember one time someone told me when they listened to my shit it sounds like they’re listening to an artist, I had producers on some shit, which is cool. I totally want to work with a bunch of producers too, but right now I feel like I have so much to get out and learn that I can hold off on it. I mean I’ve tried to working with other people and I almost feel like I have to compromise. I have the people that I work with now, we’re on the same page. What’s cool about the people I work with now, it feels like we’re all growing together. Like I said, who else is going to make the music? Imma keep making my beats and shit.
By Abby Hopkins @abbyhopkins_
Technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality can feel futuristic and out of reach. South by Southwest is bringing these technologies to Austin’s own backyard. These technologies are powerful tools for multiple industries. With lots to explore, it can be difficult knowing where to start. The Daily Texan has compiled this list of VR, AR and MR opportunities at SXSW.
Exhibits
SXSW is holding a virtual cinema showcasing 26 unique stories from VR exhibitors at the JW Marriott in Griffin Hall from March 11 through March 13. With engaging documentaries, comedic narratives and immersive experiences, there is something for everyone. Follow the life of 17-year-old Rani, who is determined to fight cultural norms, from Varanasi, India with “Girl Icon” at booth 71. A dance-oriented experience is available at Booth Nine with
“Runnin,” a retro-future interactive dance party. Take part in a fight for survival on an island planet with “Eleven Eleven” at booth 16.
Speaker Sessions
While the virtual cinema shows what these technologies can do, SXSW is also designating sessions for discussion. Key speakers will explore the ins and outs of how VR, AR and MR can impact specific industries. With the emergence of these immersive technologies, many may worry about isolation and a disconnect from the world. The panel session, “Better with Friends: The Social Life of VR,” will discuss ways to connect the real and virtual worlds to improve communication. (March 13 from 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. at JW Marriott, Salon 1-2) “An Honest Hologram? The Ethics of MR Design” is a dual speaker session that will explore the issue of ethics when utilizing these technologies and offer tools to implement boundaries. (March 11 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at JW Marriott, Salon 1-2) Other sessions explore topics such as VR, AR and
MR in sports, space programs and marketing, so look at the full list to find a niche.
Workshop Sessions
For a more hands-on experience, SXSW is offering three workshops. Get to work and learn the fundamentals of designing AR at “Build Your Own AR Prototype,” where participants create and test their own engaging experience. (March 11 from 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. at Westin Austin Downtown, Continental 1) Interested in app development? “Chalk Talk: Developing for VR, AR and MR,” invites participants to explore the creation of apps using VR and AR technologies. (March 11 from 12:30 p.m.–2 p.m. at Westin Austin Downtown, The Gallery Room, or March 12 from 3:30 p.m.– 5 p.m. at Westin Austin Downtown, Continental 1)
Meet Up Sessions
Networking is heavily emphasized for college students. Luckily, it’s also a large part of SXSW. Virtual technology enthusiasts can find their people at these sessions. “The Women in XR Meet Up” is for the ladies. Meet with other women in the virtual technology industry, share experiences and discuss ideas about the future. (March 13 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Fairmont, Wisteria Room) The “VR/AR Healthcare Meet Up” will connect you to professionals in the healthcare industry to discuss how the future of technology can impact the clinical setting. (March 13 from 11 a.m. –12 p.m. at Fairraquel higine | the daily texan staff mont, Primrose)
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
festival accommodations lauren ibanez
| the daily
texan staff
By Romi Geller @macaromes
For 32 years, crowds of industry professionals have flocked to Austin to take part in South by Southwest. An integral part of planning any event — especially one as massive as SXSW — is providing information and accommodation for attendees with disabilities. SXSW attendees who require assistance can request accommodations by emailing the address located on SXSW’s accessibility page. According to the accommodation page, those who require a companion while attending SXSW can request one companion wristband.
SXSW also allows ADA-approved service animals at all events and provides volunteers at information booths. For attendees and presenters who are blind, deaf, have vision impairments or are hard of hearing, SXSW recommends contacting them directly to
As a society, because the disabled community is not perceived (as) a marginalized group, when we have valid critiques and complaints we are perceived as wanting special treatment.” KRISTEN LOPEZ
WRITER AND FILM CRITIC
d i s c u s s “reasonable” accommodations. SXSW provides American Sign Language interpreters for several events at the Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake, and offers to schedule interpreters elsewhere on request. An accessible viewing platform is available to attendees who use mobility devices such as scooters or wheelchairs. As for transportation around the conference, an accessible van for those who use mobility devices is available during scheduled shuttle hours. While the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that public events must provide certain accommodations, attendees often have to be their own advocate when
planning to take part in an event. Writer and activist Hannah Soyer, a speaker on the SXSW panel “The Disability Story: Diversity in Media,” requires a mobility device. She said preparing to attend an event does not start and stop at the accessibility web page. “With most accommodation pages, you often have to call and get more details, or even just call and make sure that those accommodations will for sure be available,” Soyer said. “Whether or not information is provided online, you often have to do further digging.” Kristen Lopez, a writer and film critic, focuses her work on portrayals of disability in film. She will be attending SXSW as a film critic and said oftentimes the process of obtaining accommodations is a burden that falls on those with the disability. “As a society, because the disabled community is not perceived (as) a marginalized group, when we have valid critiques and
complaints, we are perceived as wanting special treatment,” Lopez said. Teaching fellow Travis Chi Wing Lau, who specializes in disability studies, said advocating for one’s rights continues beyond attending public events — it is a daily task. “There’s a sense of burden placed on marginalized groups, having to often disclose their experiences in order to get what should be fairly universal and necessary access,” Lau said. “To articulate their needs and feel like they have to constantly bring up the question of accessibility.” Writer and activist Emily Ladau, another speaker on the Diversity in Media panel, said she is attending SXSW in part because it is important to her to expand the places where disability is represented. “I chose to get out of that disability bubble a little bit when attending SXSW because it’s really important for me to be able to get in front of people and talk to them about the value of including an authentic disability narrative,” Ladau said. Attending SXSW can be a mental, physical and financial burden for all attendees, but by prioritizing accessibility, Lau said events that celebrate the convergence of voices enable a larger range of voices to take part in the conversation. “If festivals are focused on exchanging not only ideas, but conversations, prioritizing access is the way you can enable those conversations to happen,” Lau said. “If you are there to circulate ideas, access will allow more people to enter the conversation.”
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
By Lindsey Ferris @Ferris_Lindsey
Austin’s own diversity of sound will still be present at this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival. From March 11–17, Austinite musicians from all genres will perform at venues scattered across the state capital. Here are seven performances to make sure to catch: Sphynx — Pop Feb. 13, the day City Hall declared Sphynx Day, may have passed, but that doesn’t mean this Austinite band can’t still be celebrated. Their synthpop sound lends the band a space rock feel that explains their radio success across the U.S., U.K. and Mexico. Sphynx copyright tameca jones, and reproduced with permission Austinite musicians from all genres are slated to perform at SXSW.
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with university ID in March! 1-800 SKYDIVE
performs from 8–8:40 p.m. at the Iron Bear on March 16. Thalea String Quartet — Classical Formed in 2014 at a festival in Italy, Thalea String Quartet plays to bring first-time listeners and classical music connoisseurs timeless music. The quartet has recently joined the UT community by being named the Young Professional String Quartet at the Butler School of Music. They have also performed in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. They perform from 9–9:40 p.m. at the Parker Jazz Club on March 13. Kydd Jones — R&B Born and raised in Austin, producer and singer-songwriter Kydd Jones gained international fame by performing at North by Northeast in Toronto and the Brooklyn HipHop Festival. Since then, he has come home and performed at Austin City Limits. Kydd Jones’ music is reminiscent of Lil’ Wayne’s earlier days with his witty verses. He
performs from 8:10–8:30 p.m. at the Doris Miller Auditorium on March 16. Zack Varner — Jazz Zack Varner, an alto and tenor saxophonist has studied jazz all his life and holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance from UT. His first album as a bandleader, Blues in the Nude , holds 11 originals performed by elite Austin musicians. Varner’s take on jazz is enticing yet soothing with its uptempo sound. He performs from 8–8:40 p.m. at Elephant Room on March 16. The Bright Light Social Hour — Rock You may recognize the The Bright Light Social Hour’s sound from the theme of the hit Amazon series “Sneaky Pete,” which the band composed. The band has also played Lollapalooza, ACL, Sasquatch! and Hangout Festival. The distinct vocals that blend into the band’s eerie sound create
a psychedelic tone. They perform from 10:30–11:10 p.m. at Empire Garage on March 11, and from 12:45–1:25 a.m. at Cheer Up Charlie’s on March 12. Tameca Jones — Soul Tameca Jones, Austin Music Awards’ 2018 best female vocalist, has been featured in Billboard and NPR, and has opened for singers such as Leon Bridges and Willie Nelson. She is releasing a new single during SXSW. Jones performs from 1–1:50 a.m. at Cooper’s BBQ on March 13. Deanna Wheeler — Country Deanna Wheeler, an Air Force veteran and musician, combines the country sound of Reba, McBride and Stevie Nicks into a modern pop-country flair she calls her own. Wheeler has battled paralysis and life to perform strong lyrics that leave listeners quaking with emotion. Wheeler performs from 11–11:40 p.m. at Saxon Pub on March 16.