3.13.03 - SXSW: Soul Mining With Daniel Lanois
by Jianda Johnson
Daniel Lanois, Keynote Speaker @ SXSW

When Keynote Speaker Daniel Lanois (www.daniellanois.com) hit the stage, all ears were on him. He wouldn't have it any other way. Folks did their best to steer him toward "music biz Q&A" cookie cutter answers, but this renowned producer/musician/songwriter, having collaborated with everyone from Aaron Neville to U2 to Brian Eno to Emmylou Harris, simply demanded that we do one thing: "just listen."

Eschewing questions, Lanois took it upon himself to create more questions
than answers, writing a poem rather than a keynote speech. Key ideas:

Of U2 and like-minded bands, early on, his poem intimated they had "belief that they can make a difference with caring." Of studio sessions: "Are we not here to have a common language? I don't want any hidden information in the studio. I don't want my steering wheel to be a brake pedal." And: We have synchronicity in our favor." On our lot in life as artists, as music lovers: "Passion before commerce." Of his signature steel guitar sound, Lanois
noted: "I play it every day as a way to stay connected with my early values."
Of finding your own voice as an artist or producer, Lanois mused: "Mimic,
copy, then run away from your heroes, and find your own voice eventually."

Of remaining passionate about music, especially in the music business, Lanois cooed, "Sonic experimentation is still my friend. We've reached a place where we have too much music. Silence is golden. Enjoy silence, or you might stop loving [music]." Aside from the quips and soft-spoken musings, Lanois was here to promote his latest release, "Shine," and to keep our sparks lit no matter what part of the music biz we were in.

"Rawk Show" curator Nathan James

The tradeshow convention, in full swing, boasted everyone from Time Out New York, to Elixir guitar strings. From ASCAP and BMI to Austin City Limits. There's even an SXSW music/art show here, as of tomorrow. We ran into its curator, Nathan James (http://www.tinderbox13.com). The Rawk Show's a visionary art music collaboration featuring painters from rock band members including MP3.com artist Phoebe Legere (http://mp3.com/phoebe), The Donnas (http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/477/the_donnas.html), Hole, and others. You might also want to check out SXSW's poster exhibit Flatstock (http://www.sxsw.com/music/flatstock2/), aside from the myriad of "rawk" showcases!

Truly, SXSW must be seen, heard and felt firsthand, but we're doin' our best.
Planning to exhibit or showcase our here next time around? Be a girl or boy scout about it, though, y'all: "be prepared." There's almost "too much" to do! Never a dull moment. Make a pilgrimmage out this way, you'll thank yourself for it.

Bookmark our SXSW Indie Odyssey page:
http://primo.mp3.com/gen/141/indiemusicodyssey

Soul Miners' Daughter,
Jianda
MP3.com SXSW Kid
mp3sxsw@mp3.com