Last week dozens (hundreds?) of Berklee alumni, students, faculty, and staff traveled to Austin, TX to participate in the SXSW 2012 Music, Film, and Interactive Conferences. We played shows, threw parties, presented and attended panels, networked with fans and industry pros, and consumed massive amounts of barbeque. At the center of all this activity was our seventh annual Official Day Party at Friends bar on 6th Street.

The day was a huge success, featuring student and Heavy Rotation Records band Canary (above), as well as 7 different alumni acts from all around the country.


First up, Boston/NYC trio (and former HRR band) MRS DANVERS got the crowd going with their infectious energy and danceable  indie-rock tunes:

They were followed by Berkleemusic.com‘s Justin Klump, a talented singer-songwriter from Portland, OR:

Canary wowed the ever-growing crowd next with their energetic rock-and-blues set, and Boston’s The Grownup Noise showed off their killed songwriting and lush arrangements with 30 minutes of their Americana-infused indie-pop.

Next up, L.A.’s Queen Caveat turned the bar upside down with a high energy set and a killer frontwoman who spent equal amounts of time onstage, in the crowd, and dancing on the bar. Plus, that VOICE:

The lilting harmonies and infectious melodies of Lucius (Brooklyn, NYC) kept new and old fans alike dancing for the next half hour…

…and Austin-based Ume rocked it out with their blazing guitar lines, pop hooks, and noise-rock aesthetic:

The Shills from Boston closed out the show with a solid rock sound that left the crowd excited and craving more:

Overall, our high-energy and diverse showcase was a highlight of the week for Berklee – stay tuned here to read more about other alumni shows, keynote speeches, the conference itself, and more!

Latest posts by Magen (see all)