By Dave Houck

Driving towards Austin from Houston for the first time was a beautiful experience in itself; nothing else could have put me in the right mindset than to gaze out over the fields and Savannah-like terrain. With the sun pouring down upon us, and the cool, spring air rushing in the car, I found myself thinking that I was in South Africa, more than once. And almost found myself looking out the window, trying to spot an animal.

We arrived in Austin around 2-3 pm and the weather could not have been better. Driving towards our destination, which was the venue we were to play at later that evening, had an almost medicating touch to it. I came upon the realization that all of these tons and tons of people (including all the beautiful women) that we kept passing by, are here because of one thing, music! Now, I have raised my respect level for music itself. It is powerful!!! It’s art that brings thousands of people together, changes moods in an instant, and can make someone’s not-so-great SXSW into the best day or week of their life (so far).

I saw a few talented musicians, but there was one that I must say truly gave me an inspiration that was long needed. Ferrick called me at 2:30 and said that M.Ward was playing in an hour or so. So Abe and I rushed down to see if we could catch the show. We got there just in time, Matt walked out on stage and Abe said to me, “look, he’s not one of these kids.” He didn’t have to look like someone special. He came on stage, very casually, and played the best solo show I have seen, to this day.

Thank you to all the folks that came out to see our show, and to all who helped make this thing a success.