The motto “Keep Austin Weird” was an understatement last week.
Another installment of South by Southwest has come and gone, and with thousands of music-loving folks descending on the city that prides itself in the motto “Keep Austin Weird,” there was bound to be some jaw-dropping sights to behold. (It’s like a circus for music set in the middle of a city—how could something crazy not happen?) We spent the past week at the annual conference, and in addition to seeing some kick ass bands play kick ass music, here are the Top 8 craziest things we saw at SXSW.
Drake’s Impromptu OVO Showcase
The entry line to Fader Fort was longer than usual on Saturday as rumors began churning that Drake would be making a surprise appearance later that night. Following short sets from OVO acts Dvsn, Roy Woods, Majid Jordan and Partynextdoor, Drake took the stage to perform six songs, including “Know Yourself,” “Legend,” “Back To Back” and more. Aside from the impromptu set, the rapper teased the impending release of Views From the 6, “coming in how many weeks,” he said, and a likely tour announcement.
You requested it, so we rewind. pic.twitter.com/DhqBPNj6uF
— The FADER (@thefader) March 20, 2016
Drop that shit. pic.twitter.com/GMAcedPkIc
— The FADER (@thefader) March 20, 2016
Young Thug’s Funeral
If there’s one way to announce the release date of a new project, it’s to stage a funeral—complete with a casket and jazz band—right? Young Thug paraded a coffin, spray painted with “Slime Season 3” and its release date, March 25, down 6th Street on Friday night.
Soooo the awkward moment you see a casket in the middle of 6th street... #sxsw pic.twitter.com/Km6ZKGTveN
— Devi (@DeviBrown) March 19, 2016
Slime Season Three 3/25 @youngthug pic.twitter.com/NqAmoMuwri
— Noisey (@NoiseyMusic) March 19, 2016
DJ Khaled Storming Through an Urban Outfitters
Drake wasn’t the only one in Austin for a surprise. DJ Khaled stopped by Urban Outfitters’ Space 24 Twenty to build hype for a secret event thrown by the retailer and Calvin Klein. As he Snapchatted his way through the store, fans flocked to the producer and Snapchat personality, fervently trying to get some face time in his famous Snap story.
Whitney Kissing People
Two former members of Smith Westerns, Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek, are back at the music game again, creating warm and lush rock and roll as Whitney. They’re also unashamed at showing their affection. Ehrlich and Kakacek stole a smooch after their set at Urban Outfitters’ UO Live in Austin showcase and the next day Ehrlich was at it again, swapping spit with Twin Peaks’ Cadien Lake James at The Sidewinder. We’re into it.
Fun Modes of Transportation
When roads are closed to traffic, you have to get creative with how you get around. Many rolled down 6th Street on hoverboards, segways and even mini motorcycles.
Line for Silent Room
Speaking of lines, there were a lot of them. Art installation Silent Room, a shipping-container-sized black box situated at 5th and Trinity Streets, had crowds of folks looking for a respite from the sensory overload of SXSW with a noise-cancelling experience. Dutch artist Simon Heijdens created the work with the University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Acoustic Engineering and people were stoked on the premise, queuing up for a moment of peace.
A lot of interest for #Dutch artist Simon Heijdens' #silentroom2016, presented by #SXSW. Come join the experience. pic.twitter.com/y5S5FPFnW5
— Netherlands Embassy (@NLintheUSA) March 12, 2016
Pants-less Man Getting Arrested
With 24-hour service, Magnolia Café on South Congress is ideal for late night eats. It’s also a great spot to take off your pants, feel the breeze and get arrested as one young man did on Thursday night as a crowd of iPhone-wielding millennials stood nearby Snapping the whole thing. (We’d post a photo of this but thought we’d spare you.)
Gunshots on 6th Street
In the early hours of Sunday morning, shots were fired around 6th and Trinity Streets. According to Austin’s KXAN, police say they have one person in custody.
