Holy shit, South by Southwest (SXSW) kicks off this weekend. The annual week-long schmoozathon held in Austin, Texas, is where music, film and technology geeks gather to talk trends and party. With so many events and panel discussions on the schedule, the week can be overwhelming for attendees.
Knowing this we reached out to local DJ/producer Christian Barbuto (pictured below) for a rundown on what to do, see and eat while in Austin. Regular readers of Big Shot will remember that we last connected with the Australia-bred technocrat last year when he released his Vantablack EP, a dazzling three-track effort on Sian’s Octopus Recordings featuring a tasty re-rub by from Enrico Sangiuliano.
A resident DJ at Kingdom Nightclub, Barbuto has been DJing all over the Lone Star State and North America as of late. In fact, after SXSW he will drop his Phobiq EP with a stellar remix by Spektre. His sage advice about surviving SXSW? Well, you’ll have to read on to find out.
What are your SXSW plans?
Christian Barbuto: I am looking forward to DJing at several parties this year. I’m doing a mid-day and late-night set at Ethics as well as a couple of underground showcases at Vinyl and Lightfaktor. Aside from that the best part of SXSW — for me anyway — is simply walking around the city and breathing in the crazy energy. There is so much going on in every direction you turn it’s really exciting.
How many SXSWs have you been a part of?
This year will be my eighth consecutive and over 20 events.
Where’s the best place in town to go record shopping?
Waterloo Records is a hot spot — Austin was called Waterloo before it was Austin — with a great collection and they host bands all week.
Any local up-and-coming DJs and labels we should check out while in town?
Definitely stop by Plush and Ethics for a solid rotation of top local artists. Of course I’d personally love to meet anyone coming to the festival at the shows I’m playing alongside Austin’s best (so many) so follow my Facebook or Instagram pages and pm to find the cool local shows (the underground local shows are incredible but hard to find so be sure to hit me up).
Best dance club?
Kingdom for the big international shows like Sci+Tec, etc.
Where’s your go-to place to grab a late-night meal?
24 Diner and Magnolia (do it).
Favorite food truck?
Chi’lantro (for God’s sake go)
Where’s the best local place to get away from it all?
Go to Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
Anything to add?
Have fun, be safe and don’t blow it out in the first few days. I’m still struggling with this. And save some energy for the final couple of days!