Off the beaten SXSW path
Back rubs and Bloody Marys: UTOPiA Sessions give bands a little SXSW reprieve
Off the beaten and crowded downtown paths of SXSW is a place where bands can go to relax, get a free message and drink a few Bloody Marys.
What is this heavenly place you ask? It's the home of the Wheeler Brothers, a local band playing host to several musicians in town for SXSW. Band manager Pat Cassidy along with Aaron Brown of UTOPiA Fest and Onion Creek Productions joined forces to create this space for the bands to hang out.
"It's just a place where bands can relax and chill and get away from the SXSW madness," Cassidy said.
Some of the bands taking advantage of the amenities at the Wheeler Brothers' 1927 Victorian home are Houndmouth, Caveman, Blitzen Trapper, Shiny Toy Guns and Conveyor.
Of course the bands have to do a little work to enjoy the perks. Each is playing a one-hour session that is being filmed and will soon be released on CultureMap.com and WeListenForYou.com.
"Our goal was to create a unique environment for bands to come perform and do sessions," Cassidy said. "Everyone has seen sessions before but no one ever sees them with massage therapists and hair stylists."
Knocking out a one-hour session is a small price to pay for a haircut, a massage and the ability to fire off a few rounds at the Wheeler Brothers' indoor gun range (with wax bullets, of course) located in the basement.
It's the perfect momentary escape from what is expected to be a wild few days for the bands.