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Flashback: 2014 SX Solution Showcase & Austin Goodness at La Barbecue recap, complete with video, pics & quotes from the featured artists!!!

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Time flies. Last year’s SX704 Solution Showcase at La Barbecue seems like just yesterday and that still seems awesomely surreal (from DJing for the Pharcyce to the crazy dope lineup to the unbelievably great food), so when the opportunity to throw a whole day’s worth of events came up this year, it was no-brainer. And so me and some friends (primarily France, DJ Trackstar & Dayta), set out to program twelve hours worth of Saturday fun at the biggest music festival in the country, bringing a mix of both Goodness & The Solution type flavor to the acclaimed BBQ spot. When everything was said and done on the morning of 3/15, the lineup was stacked with ridiculously talented MCs, DJs, singers and producers from all over the country and looked like this:

Extra stacked lineup, busiest day of SXSW and we were greeted by rain and fog on the morning of the event; not ideal at all. Regardless, we trudged through, set up tents over the turntables and stage and not too long after things got going, with the spot packing out quickly as Austin Goodness started with sounds from some of the best DJs in the country. From there, the weather cleared up, things somehow ran (mostly) according to schedule, despite a short break for a blown mixing board (which somehow got replaced in an under an hour, I credit good musical karma) and when the event wrapped up shortly after midnight, well over 30 top notch acts from NY to LA to Saint Louis to Denver and more had performed for hundreds of people.

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Choosey & Exile rocking at The 2014 SX Solution Showcase via NBC San Diego

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CRL CRRLL’s awesome recap of his SXSW & the party

Over the course of the day, I met a ton of ton of new people and the main thing they said was that the event had one of the purest, best vibes they saw all week and that the day carried on the classic SXSW tradition of independent artists and musical discovery (I was even put on to some new favorites at my own event…LOL). To me and everybody involved that’s what it’s all about and we couldn’t be happier with how things turned out, especially when the overwhelming sentiment of SXSW 2014 is that it’s become too commercialized for its own good. With that said, see what the artists involved had to say about the event and check out pics of the day below (as well as even more pics here):

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“The Austin Goodness party had the best vibes all week. Oh, and the best BBQ!” – DJ Sober (Dallas / Black Milk’s DJ)

“Epic…Inspiring…Great feeling to be around so many great DJs Goodness, grooving, and [I] loved the crowd’s reception of us” – DJ Dozen (Denver)

“Goodness, the best way I could spend digesting the best food in Austin.” DJ Expo (Los Angeles)

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“Amazing group of musicians playing records in the rain is the best way to start off SXSW at the Austin Goodness…Don’t forget the coleslaw!” – DJ Clockwork (Los Angeles / Mac Miller’s DJ)

“Good eats, good beats and vibes” – Dayta (Houston)

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Deejay Theory (San Francisco)

“It was really nice to walk up to a fully relaxed situation with all of the craziness I had been experiencing before that day at SXSW. Turning left instead of turning up is just what I needed after playing intense party set one after another. Vibe at The [Austin] Goodness was on point and very welcoming. 5 stars.” – DJ A-Minor (Charlotte, NC)

“The show was dope. Good food and good performances. I got to see folks I never heard of killing it.” – YC The Cynic (New York)

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“The SXSW Solution Showcase with DJ Low Key is good people, good music and good food = a great time” – Exile (Los Angeles)

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“I had a ball rocking at The SX Solution Showcase with my Dirty Science brethren. The food and the talent on the bill were top notch!! I’m already looking forward to next year’s bill! – Johaz of Dag Savage (Los Angeles)

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“Between Goodness & The SX Solution, there was only one place you needed to be on Saturday at SXSW, La Barbecue. Great vibes, fantastic music and amazing food.” – Donwill of Tanya Morgan (New York)

“Goodness & The SX Solution Showcase were like a marathon of hot shit. The original purpose of SXSW, at its best, in one location.” – Von Pea of Tanya Morgan (New York)

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“”SXSW is always dope cuz it’s like Mardi Gras in Austin a whole week. Mobbin’ all over the city running into other artists & fans from all over the country, rocking for new fans. The SX Solution Showcase was especially dope cuz everybody who performed not only killed it, but showed love to everybody else who rocked.” – Ness of Weekend Money (New York)

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“I was honored to be there. My city was turned. God Bless you [DJ Low Key] for giving me a shot!! We just wanted to show and prove.” – Tef Poe (St. Louis)

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“The event was the highlight of the week as far as shows are concerned, we had the opportunity to perform at four shows during SXSW and the La Barbecue show was the best one; most responsive crowd, best sound system, best food lol I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as well as all of the other acts I witnessed while I was out there. Also, much appreciation to DJ Low Key for showing STL love, it was great to see so many of my homies whom I feel are the best representatives of what dope music from STL sounds like, all on one bill, all down in SXSW, it was just a good feeling, and I appreciate that.” – Nick Menn (St. Louis)

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“The SXSW Solution Showcase was my most important experience this year. It was a grand opportunity to perform new music and connect with fans and friends alike. Thanks for having me Low Key.” – Theophilus Martins (Los Angeles)

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“Good music, good people, good food & beer. Felt like I was rocking in my family’s backyard” – Yonas Michael (Los Angeles)

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“The SX Solution Showcase was an unbelievable experience! The opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of new faces froma cross the U.S. for the time, in addition to Statik Selektah, Dee Woods (of Danity Kane fame) and Tanya Morgan was beyond awesome and very motivational.” – Slangston Hughes (New Orleans)

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“I got put on to a lot of acts I’d never heard of and a lot of people got put on to me. I heard a lot of people complaining about how SWSX is so corporate now, but the big, overhyped shows were easy to ignore. I spent most of my time at smaller showcases like The Solution jawn. The food at La Barbecue was so good I couldn’t eat any meat for a week after I left Austin and now almost a month later I’ve just begun eating beef again. I knew I wouldn’t find anything comparable in NY.” – Spec Boogie (New York)

CRL_CRRLL_at_The_2014_SX_Solution_Showcase

“Hyped up parties and sold out shows and The SX Solution Showcase was one of the biggest highlights of my SXSW. Not only was there good food at SX Solution Showcase, but it got so hype later that night the almost broke some tables. Low Key put on one of the most unique events I visited in Austin and I got to see some pretty amazing ish! Here’s to The SX Solution Showcase!” – CRL CRRLL (Denver)

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“The SX Solution Showcase was great opportunity for us to network, everybody was there!” – Travii of Bodega Brovas (Dallas)

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“One of my favorite memories from this year’s SXSW was rocking at The Solution Showcase at La Barbecue. Got to meet a lot of great people and the food was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. Huge shout out DJ Low Key for making it happen.” – Catch Lungs (Denver)

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“The [SX] Solution Showcase at La Barbecue was amazing. I had the opportunity to party with people that I’ve never met. I knew that they would dig me because they dig Low Key. The pulled pork sand which was off the chain too! ” – Turner Jackson (Denver)

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“Family Affair’s experience with DJ Low Key at SXSW was everything that you could imagine as a upcoming artist. We were treated with the utmost respect even when our personal DJ was under the weather for show time. DJ Low Key without any hesitation assisted F.A with our show. The beer was unlimited it seemed like and the food was phenomenal! What I noticed different is that after every performance there was somebody ready to give them a hot plate of bbq as they exited the stage. We had our crew with us and we enjoyed ourselves so much we just stayed at the event almost til closing. As a band member we always pride ourselves on how the venues cater to our product and I can say this was one of the most humbling events with so much talent on one roster. Family Affair is looking forward to next years event without a doubt.” – Repp of Family Affair (St. Louis)

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MC Tree (Chicago)

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Boonie Mayfield & Audiopium (Colorado)

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Ken Rebel (New York)

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Black Spade (St Louis)

Me, celebrating an unforgettable event with some magically delicious ribs the next day.

HUGE shouts to everyone who came out, all the artists involved, La Barbecue’s amazing staff, Chisum aka The Archduke of Austin, Eric “France” Maitrepierre, Dayta, DJ Trackstar, Potholes In My Blog, Upslope Brewing Company, Acrylick, Akomplice, Leann Mueller Photography, Lone Star Beer, & whoever else I’m sure I’m forgetting! See y’all at SXSW 2015!!!

Feedback on Blu & DJ Low Key – Soul Amazing Part Three from around the Internet…The Source says “Get hip now”…

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“Blu is one of the game’s best indie/underground spitters…His style is original and if you’re new to him, get hip now.” – The Source

“The man, the myth, the legend. Clap for him. Blu, Los Angeles hip-hop artist and underground superhero, has released the third installment of his soul amazing full-length series courtesy of DJ Low Key. DJ Low Key has compiled thirty-nine tracks of immaculate raps and soulful productions by Blu which make for a rather high-quality album – a notion simultaneously unsurprising (due to Blu’s stature) yet unexpected (who do you know dropping thirty-nine-track gems?).” – Potholes In My Blog

“These #soulamazing installments that @HerFavColor dropped really shows off how much work he’s put in over the years:” – Shake of 2 Dope Boyz

.:Stream & download Blu – Soul Amazing Part Three (mixed by DJ Low Key):.

Saturday, 3/15 from 4pm to midnight in Austin -> The SX Solution Showcase w/Exile, Dag Savage, Tanya Morgan, Tree, Tef Poe, Black Spade, YC The Cynic, Boonie Mayfield & lots more at La Barbecue!!!

SATURDAY, 3/15 from 4pm to midnight -> It’s that time of year again, things are warming up, it’s feeling like spring break and we’re beyond excited to announce this year’s SX Solution Showcase at La Barbecue (recently named the #13 new restaurant in the entire country by GQ Magazine, and it was pretty much the only one that wasn’t over the top fancy)!!! We’ve teamed up with one of our favorite music blogs/sites, Potholes In My Blog, our good friends at Akomplice Clothing and the one and only Leann Mueller Photography to build on last year’s unforgettable SX704 Solution Showcase and feature even more amazing talent from all over the country. And oh yeah, free beer all day with no cover, RSVPs or wristbands necessary to get in. So with no further delay, take a look at the ridiculous lineup for the party:

Exile + Dag Savage featuring Choosey (Dirty Science / Los Angeles)

Tanya Morgan (New York)

Tree (Chicago)

Tef Poe (St. Louis)

YC The Cynic (New York)

Boonie Mayfield & Audiopium (Colorado)

Yonas Michael (Los Angeles)

Black Spade (St Louis)

Weekend Money (New York)

Theophilus Martins (Los Angeles)

CRL CRRLL (Denver)

Spec Boogie (New York)

Family Affair (St. Louis)

Catch Lungs (Denver)

Nick Menn (St. Louis)

JUST ADDED:

Ken Rebel (New York)
Turner Jackson (Denver)
Slangston Hughes (New Orleans)
Bodega Brovaz (Dallas)

+ more TBA

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While Austin’s known for BBQ and there are many exceptional establishments in town, La Barbecue has a more renowned pedigree and pitboss than almost any spot in Texas (the yelp reviews explain things well here) and is generally considered to run neck and neck with Franklin’s (the one from the current Mastercard commercial with Chef Nobu) for the #1 spot in the Austin/regional BBQ hierarchy. Here’s a little more about La Barbecue:

“After one bite, I was convinced this is the best brisket in existence.” – AustinFoodstyle.com.

“His name may not (yet) carry the same level of recognition as Aaron Franklin or John Mueller, but make no mistake, John Lewis makes some of the best barbecue not just in Austin but in the state of Texas. From his massive handcrafted smoker on South First Street, Lewis produces tender, subtly smoky brisket with a bark that doesn’t get carried away with its bite. And his pulled pork has no peer in town.” – Austin360.com

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P.S. If you came out to last year’s event, please note that La Barbecue has moved locations & they’re now much more conveniently located on 1200 E 6th St, right around the corner from the Fader Fort.

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Saturday, 3/15 from noon to 4pm -> Austin Goodness w/DJ Low Key & friends from all over the country at La Barbecue, one of the country’s best BBQ spots!!!

SATURDAY, 3/15 from noon to 4pm -> We just sprang forward and Summer’s around the corner, what better way to get ready for it than a special edition Austin Goodness w/DJ Low Key & friends during SXSW. We’ll be teaming back up with world renowned BBQ spot, La Barbecue (recently named one of the country’s best new restaurants by GQ Magazine, and also the home of the 2014 SX Solution Showcase later in the day), one of our favorite music blogs/sites, Potholes In My Blog, the homies at Acrylick and nationally acclaimed Leann Mueller Photography company to build on last year’s unforgettable SX704 Solution Showcase and feature even more amazing talent from around the US. To sweeten the deal, we’ve also got free beer all day with no cover, RSVPs or wristbands required to join us. With that said, take a look at the awesome lineup super dope DJs joining me for the party:

DAYTA (HOUSTON)
DJ SOBER (DALLAS)
DJ CLOCKWORK (LOS ANGELES)
DEEJAY THEORY (SAN FRANCISCO)
DJ EXPO (LOS ANGELES)
DJ DOZEN (DENVER)
DJ A-MINOR (NC)

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While Austin’s known for BBQ and there are many exceptional establishments in town, La Barbecue has a more renowned pedigree and pitboss than almost any spot in Texas (the yelp reviews explain things well here) and is generally considered to run neck and neck with Franklin’s (the one from the current Mastercard commercial with Chef Nobu) for the #1 spot in the Austin/regional BBQ hierarchy. Here’s a little more about La Barbecue:

“After one bite, I was convinced this is the best brisket in existence.” – AustinFoodstyle.com.

“His name may not (yet) carry the same level of recognition as Aaron Franklin or John Mueller, but make no mistake, John Lewis makes some of the best barbecue not just in Austin but in the state of Texas. From his massive handcrafted smoker on South First Street, Lewis produces tender, subtly smoky brisket with a bark that doesn’t get carried away with its bite. And his pulled pork has no peer in town.” – Austin360.com

P.S. If you came out to last year’s SX704 Solution Showcase event or La Barbecue before, please note that they’ve recently moved locations & they’re now much more conveniently located on 1200 E 6th St, right around the corner from the Fader Fort.

Wednesday, 2/26 -> The 2014 Solution Beat Battle w/special guests Brandun Deshay (Chicago), Fast Forw4rd, DJ Spyda T.E.K., Big J. Beats, DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & more at Beauty Bar! Catch a dozen of Denver’s top producers battling for the title & prizes!!!

WEDNESDAY, 2/26 -> UPDATE: We just added renowned Chicago producer/DJ Maker (of Qwel & Maker fame) to the bill! Still only $10.

Ahhh, February. You noticed right, that is the sound of fresh, new battle-ready beats you’ve been hearing out of basements and studios around the city as producers, beatmakers and instrumentalists get ready for The 2014 Solution Beat Battle at Beauty Bar Denver (608 E. 13th St)!!! Last year’s battle was a blast, with DJ Spyda T.E.K. edging out Cliff Cage and ten other ridiculously talented producers (recap here via HipHopRollCall.com) to take the 2013 title. This year a dozen producers will be battling for the crown, plus a ridiculous prize package featuring:

-$250 in Akomplice gear

-A $100 Zengo gift card

-$100 in gear from Family Affair

-An interview with internationally acclaimed site, PotholesInMyBlog.com

-A photo shoot with official Solution photographer Knower Of The Ledge

-A paid guest feature at an upcoming Solution Showcase & more TBA

The competition is always thick and the camaraderie is always off the charts, so head down early and catch Denver beat-making community shining on one of our favorite nights of the year. The main focus is on Denver’s scene and the battle, but we’re also excited to welcome some other ridiculous talent down for the night.

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Chicago’s own Brandun Deshay, who’s produced songs for everyone from Danny Brown to Chance The Rapper to Casey Veggies, on top of ripping mics on his own, will be back in Denver after performing at The Solution Showcase last year to rave reviews. He’ll be joined by brilliant one man band and musical genius Fast Forw4rd, 2013 Beat Battle winner DJ Spyda T.E.K. & Denver mainstay Big J. Beats in showcasing music for the crowd, while Solution residents DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez hold down the turntables and hosting duties for the night.

$10 cover gets you into the battle & the afternoon’s Beat Workshop (details below). 21+ / More info on the battle & The Solution on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram.

The Solution Beat Workshop

Wednesday, 2/26 from 5-7pm -> We’re excited to holding our first Solution Beat Workshop, featuring Chicago producer/MC extraordinaire Brandun Deshay (production credits include Chance The Rapper, Danny Brown, Casey Veggies, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Tanya Morgan & lots more), Denver favorite Big J. Beats and 2013 Solution Beat Battle winner DJ Spyda T.E.K. talking production techniques, creative processes, equipment and software, the business side of beatmaking, answering questions from the crowd and more before the battle gets going.  The focus will be intermediate and advanced techniques, but all ability levels are welcome.  The workshop is free with a $10 ticket to The Solution Beat Battle.

Producers, beatmakers, musicians & such, if you’d like to enter The 2014 Solution Beat Battle, here’s what you need to do by midnight on Sunday, 2/23.  Please send either:

-A soundcloud link to 3+ of your beats
or
-An e-mail with 3 beats attached
or
-A streaming link to a project you produced

and

-a photo of yourself (to be posted when the competitors are announced)

and

-a short bio

to:

thesolutionbeatbattle <at> denversolution (dot) com

No application fee necessary.  Once again, the submission deadline is Sunday, 2/23 at midnight.  Participants will be announced on Monday, 2/24.

#TheSolution7