SXSW: Music Day 4: Kanye West, Liz Phair, James Blake…

Photos by Daniel Boczarski and Words by Josh Antonuccio

As the over-crowded streets of Austin reached a near-fever pitch, SXSW ended today with a host of killer performances, secret shows, and mixed emotions.

The biggest news of the night, by far, was the unmistakable presence of hip-hop royalty for the final night of SXSW, with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. music show at the Vevo power station commanding the most media attention and speculation. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of those who had RSVP’d were sent a text earlier in the day informing them that they wouldn’t be able to fit them all. For those who were able to gain access, the show didn’t disappoint with its star power, with the likes of Jay-Z, John Legend, Bon Iver, Mos Def, and Kid Cudi, as well as other members of Kanye’s label and the man himself, all making appearances on stage.

Elsewhere, Snoop Dogg showed up with Warren G to honor the death of fallen hip-hop comrade Nate Dogg and LL Cool J made an appearance later in the day at the Red Bull Thre3 Style show. On a strange note, Odd Future Wolfgang Kill Them All ended up furiously storming off stage after a mere 15 minutes of music, yelling at the crowd and refusing to come back on.

Over at the Memorial Shores stage, Bright Eyes performed a string of songs across their discography for a nearly two-and-a-half-hour set, while Panic! at the Disco and the Bravery (who was joined by Dennis Quaid for a song) closed out the festival at Stubb’s.

Earlier in the day, the MOG showcase commanded a nearly two-block line for nearly six hours as Big Boi, Wild Flag, Okkervil River, and TV on the Radio wowed a packed house at the Mohawk. Wild Flag, which consists of Sleater Kinney and Helium remnants, was absolutely phenomenal. This all-female power group absolutely floored the crowed with their explosive and unhinged performance. Okkervil River played both new and classic material to the delight of their hometown crowd, while TV on the Radio brought the house down with an electrifying set which included a show-stopping “Wolf Like Me”. Although their new album is yet to be released, they debuted an array of fantastic material from their forthcoming record Nine Types of Light. Big Boi closed the showcase to a joyfully riotous crowd, inciting mass-sing alongs to Luscious Left Foot and OutKast material.

In the annexed room, my favorite discovery of this year’s SXSW Festival played their final set. I had the pleasure of catching the London-based Yuck twice at this year and am excited to see what this band will be doing in the years to come.

Caitlin Moe performs at Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin during SXSW 2011.

Liz Phair performs at Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin during SXSW 2011.

Perez Hilton speaks at Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin during SXSW 2011.

Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless performs at Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin during SXSW 2011.

James Blake performs at THE FADER FORT by FIAT during SXSW 2011.

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

Middle Class Rut perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

Black Veil Brides perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

I See Stars perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

Oceano perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

VersaEmerge perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.

Vampires Everywhere perform at Emo’s during the Alternative Press showcase featuring the AP Spring Tour line-up during SXSW 2011.