SXSW MADNESS FEATURES CONCERT AND SHOPPING DUO

The IHeartComix+Jelly+Mad Decent Carniville partnered with the American Apparel Factory Flea Market tour for a one-of-a-kind event at the Mexican American Cultural Center held on March 18 -20th, the last 3 days of the SXSW week long music festival. It was a free event that only required an RSVP to garner you a spot in the action-packed event loaded with free goodies ranging from carnie food to rides. As an added bonus, they included complimentary beverages to encourage the flow of good vibes despite the chilly 40 degree weather. Tommy Rodgers, a freelance writer, considered it to be SXSW heaven. “There are very positive vibes going on, with lots of people expressing themselves. This is what concerts are all about anyway; what brings people out here. But this is better. This is more than a concert, and it’s all free!” said Rodgers. The line-up of artists that graced the stage didn’t hurt either. The big kid 'round the block was Major Lazer, who the LA Times says birthed the “bandanna jah, dancehall spaz” subgenre. Major Lazer is a British collaboration between DJs Diplo and Switch, both of whom are known to supply major artist, M.I.A. with spine-chilling beats. As big as the band was however, they weren’t able to damper the crowd’s enthusiasm for other bands who all share similar genres and sub-genres with Major Lazer.

A lively crowd and The Very Best

The Very Best who performed right after Major Lazer also has had past collaborations with M.I.A. and features strong African, and dancehall influences mixed with electronic beats. Their current most popular song, Warm Heart of Africa, features Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig who is known for his weird, ad-lib vocals, and popularity amongst the hipster crowd.

DJ Mo-laudi, a South African singer was on tour with the band.

"The Very Best’s heart is in Malawi. That’s where (main singer) Esau [Mwamwaya]’s from. But with Radioclit, now they’re afro punk.” says DJ Mo-laudi.

This type of music genre seems to coincide perfectly with another popular attraction that lured crowds to Carniville—The American Apparel Flea Market, a nation-wide tour bringing factory prices that, according to its facebook events profile, has inspired “more than 50,000 people” to a spending spree extravaganza.

American Apparel, deemed sweat-shop free, is the Mecca for US manufactured clothing explaining their usual sky rocket prices. The lure of discounted price tags brought determined shoppers like Law Woods, a Texas State student, to the aisles despite the freezing 40 degree weather.

“It’s hard not to pass up this opportunity. I’ll probably be spending close to $200, but it’s worth it cause they’re all 50-85% off!” says Woods.

ElJohn, a staff member turned bouncer for the event, described the frenzy and intensity inside the active tent, “I see all these people wearing these tags come in here, spend 3 hours going up and down the stalls, and come out with both hands full of clothes. “ says ElJohn. “Sometimes it gets so crazy there’s a line formed to get in, and it can get really muddy. We had to put all these cardboard flooring to protect everyone from slipping. Some people have also been drinking before they even came in here, so it can get pretty crazy.”

http://ragstoreverie.blogspot.com/2009/10/prepare-yourself-american-apparel-flea.html - A Blogger shares her American Apparel Flea Market tips. IHeartComix - Follow IHEARTCOMIX Records on twitter for future and current event info.

by Katria Pamatmat