SXSW: The Lucky Chops
Have you ever felt inexplicably drawn to someone or something? Or maybe you've heard some breathtaking music that you just couldn't go another week without hearing?
Well, that is exactly what happened to me - not once, but three times while I was in Austin for SXSW.
This story, however, starts in New York back in November.
In and out of random clubs, stumbling into people's parties, bar to bar, I was on the hunt for more content for the first issue of After. One night I jumped on a train on the way to an event I was shooting, and that's when I heard the beautiful sound of brass. Being from Chicago I am no stranger to music being played on the platform, but this sound was INCREDIBLE. The sound captivated me, so much so that I missed my train and stopped and listened. 15 minutes later and with all the singles gone from my pocket, I was determined to find out who they were.
They called themselves The Lucky Chops, and honestly, they put on a better show on that cramped subway platform than shows I've paid big money for at sold out arenas. Bottom line - these guys slayed it. Each member had incredible dance moves, outstanding showmanship and you could just tell that they loved what they were doing. The love they had for their craft was mesmerizing.
They were dancing their asses off, engaging with the crowd, and two-stepping. YES, you read that right, they were two-stepping while playing their instruments on a subway platform. It was incredible.
So, fast forward 5 months to Austin in March.
I agreed to shoot a showcase at SXSW called The Yard. My point sent me all relevant details and a line up but me being me. I looked at her requirements for shooting, pay and my deadline. Never one looking at the lineup as it wasn't that important in my mind, I was there to work. I start getting my test shots in, walking around and talking to strangers when out of nowhere I hear a very familiar sound, I look up and there they are. The 6 piece band I had fallen in love with on a cold November night was here. Rocking this stage that I agreed to work for. As you could imagine I was ecstatic and without skipping a beat, they destroyed the stage. People who weren't paying attention got up in less than 5 mins and ran over to the stage. Dancing, jumping around and loving the new twist on classics songs they loved. I'm a sucker for a great live show and they didn't disappoint at all.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6EBHDzbw5MpBa3b2GASSjk
https://open.spotify.com/track/11k3hJzcnGCG9Zsco3YftT
https://open.spotify.com/track/51Ko7uOjiWkA2cZ9E4tt0S
