Yesterday I started off the festival at my home away from home, the Thrasher Magazine Death Match party at The Scoot Inn. Plant a Lone Star tall boy in my hand, place me next to a half-pipe and in front of a stage and watch me smile. I caught Cherry Glazer, a three-piece, female-fronted punk rock band from Los Angeles. A great way to start the day at noon sharp.

I managed to weasel my way in to the Fader Fort, and I'm still scratching my head at what I witnessed. A lot of SXSW is like a reverse They Live. People gladly groove on the Dell Sandwiches and Mazda Beer. Tweet to win a lifetime supply of Vitamin Water! Instagram for free Converse Kool-Aid! Samsung Illuminati presents Jay-Z and Kanye West! I was out of there in record time. Note: First time I've seen Google Glass and a 3-D printer in action. The future is here, and it's weird.

Caught Future Islands last night, and like their performance on Letterman last week, they delivered the goods. Lead singer Samuel T. Herring might look like a paunchy Terry Malloy, but his voice is pure blue-eyed soul, with death metal barks thrown in for good measure. A great band, and they may just save pop music this year.

Yes, I got the tattoo. Pictures to come later.

My condolences to the victims of last night's senseless tragedy. Drinking and driving don't fucking mix.

Over and out.