April 2005

Just got back from Austin, TX, where Scott Mathews was on the producer’s panel at the South By Southwest Music Conference. While bands were playing all over the city trying to win over new fans and make an impression on the international music press, five of the industry’s top record producers were at the Austin Convention Center giving their views and insights into all kinds of subjects related to the world of production. Part discussion, part Q & A, those in attendance were treated to a wealth of information and insight from an experienced and highly successful panel of music veterans.  

Feedback to Scott Mathews from the presentation read like fan letters! A prominent artist manager wrote:

“And by the way, I communicated to SXSW and told them YOU should be hosting any session you were in. The most sensible & sympathetic and credible responses, and the audience response to you was the most positive of the other panelists. There is this genuine ground swell that the old guard is the trouble with the music industry (taking into account that there are always crabby outsiders). Most of the sessions reinforced this rumbling. You did NOT fit that profile with your presence. You were the glue that held that panel together. You saved it and made it worth while. I heard several people around me say so.”

Old guard or not, Scott Mathews certainly made an impression.  

Still reeling from the non-stop barrage of music and meetings, and preparing for a well-deserved vacation, Scott shared with me his impressions and short list of Best of SXSW 2005:  

Best New Old Artist: Robert Plant

I was floored by his keynote speech because of his lack of pretension, honest, 'it's all about the music' message. Here is a guy that won't take the 100 million dollar payday to reform the old band and sell nostalgia while looking like a very tall Poodle/Sharpei mix. Instead he wants to work small venues and in his words, 'follow the blue note.' He is a highly articulate cat and most inspiring to those of us that have found our muse and continue the journey, wherever it may lead. He sort of reminds me of one of my favorite architects, Frank Gehry, who says; "If you know where it's going, it's not worth doing."

I, like everyone else on the planet have known and dug Robert Plant's stuff since the 60's but he brought integrity to another level at SXSW. Plus, I cotton to any Moby Grape fan!

Best Quote: Brian Wilson

Van Dyke Parks was doing his very best to introduce a friend of his to Brian. As Van Dyke mentioned onstage with Brian; "My relationship with Brian Wilson is not and never has been one of a verbal nature." I loved that but the proof was in the pudding of this rather strange introduction;

VDP: "Brian, I'd like you to meet Harry Shearer. He's an actor...have you seen Spinal Tap?

No reply, Brian just stares...

VDP: "Well, how about, 'A Mighty Wind'?

Nothing.

VDP: "OK Brian I know you like TV, have you ever seen a show called The Simpsons?"

BW: "Oh yeah. We've seen it a couple of times - twice."

VDP: "Great, well please meet Harry, he does voices for The Simpsons."

BW: (totally straight-faced) "I already hear voices in my head." Priceless, classic Bri. In his constant commitment to deep comedy (that nobody ever gets), he came through. I got it! I practically had to change my pants!  

Best Show Moment: Elvis Costello with Blues Legends Hubert Sumlin and Pinetop Perkins doing the great Willie Dixon tune, 'Hidden Charms' - that was one for the books.  

Best New Artist (No Showcase): Georgia Mowers of Pushbox. Some people are stars even without performing. She won over the music industry one person at a time.   Best New Artist (With Showcase): Colin Gilmore of Lubbock, TX. Talk about the real deal...   Most Overrated: Sleep.  

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Elvis Costello must have been great at SXSW because Scott Mathews was spotted at his show at the Paramount Theater in Oakland two nights later . . . was that Sean Penn he was with? Scott won't say. And the group of guys staying on Scott’s boat sure looked a lot like Elvis’ band The Imposters...   

SCOTT WATCH! is solely written and posted by Eric Mendelsohn. For information on services available, please contact: esmendelsohn@hotmail.com