One of my all-time favorite parties returns to SXSW Music in 2012 – Fader Fort. This year the main sponsor is Converse, replaced by Levis who has been part of this gotta see scene for the past few years. Today they announced that you can now RSVP – so get on it!
This 4-day fest – March 14-17, 1pm – 8pm – not only touts many stellar bands, but also an outdoor lounge complete with an open bar, crash pad areas with comfy couches (great for resting those barkin’ dogs), and tubs of water to hydrate your body after the night before.
In the past they’ve incorporated art, not only in the design but also in the form of screenprinting. You can buy a blank shirt on-site or bring your own, either way you’ll walk away with a nice addition to your clean clothes inventory.
There’s also a bit of a mart, which I expect this year will be showcasing Converse kicks as opposed to jeans, which is not a band switch considering Chuck Taylors are the defacto standard part of most SXSW kits, girls or boys.
This year the artist line up includes Santigold, finally releasing her own solo work, Master Of My Make Believe, (due out May 1) after playing guest vocals for numerous acts (including on of my favorite Spank Rock tracks, “Car Song”). The single “Disparate Youth” (due out April 9) will most likely be in her set.
The lovely and evocative Zola Jesus will also be performing, dropping into SXSW during her current U.S. tour. More acts will be announced on Twitter.com/TheFader with the full lineup and schedule being posted Friday, March 9th on thefader.com/fort.
Fader Fort is located on the east side of I-35 – 1101 E. 5th Street – a few blocks of walking from the convention center. The past few years there’s also been a food truck area, which is not part of the Fader but is on the way, providing an opportunity for sustenance and more sitting.
This is a popular party, which mean yes, you’ll have to stand in line to get your wristband. Just know that and give yourself enough time. Don’t park in the “no parking” zones. You will be towed. I’ve seen it happen too many times.
And, if you still have the Fader Fort by Fiat iPhone app like me, it still works and shows the latest news (like today’s RSVP announcement), schedule, on-site info, photo gallery and fan wall, along with music from the performing artists.
See ya there!
