SXSW 2011: Odd Future makes a quick exit
Heading into South by Southwest, the buzz about Los Angeles hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All was already deafening. Before the five-day event in Austin, Texas, the act had scored a placement on late-night television and had graced the cover of Billboard magazine.
Odd Future had appeared at numerous parties and events through the week, many of them drawing rave reviews. Yet when it come time for Odd Future's official SXSW showcase, the act had two words for attendees, and one cannot be repeated here. All fine and dandy, except Odd Future's Saturday night midnight performance was filled with just as many fans as industry and media types, as the venue had sold admission to the public for $20.
Odd Future, however, made it through part of one song before berating the audience and mocking SXSW, noting that they had already made the Billboard cover and were above such a gathering. Events like the MTVu Woodie Awards and a late-night party thrown by Vice, among many other corporate-sponsored concerts, appeared to be more to the act's liking, as three songs in the act they threw down their microphones and paraded offstage.
Prior to the walk-off the crowd had cheered at every Odd Future putdown, enjoying the high-energy homespun beats and the offensive sense of humor. No doubt the act's appeal partly rests in its macabre lyrics and meltdown potential. Yet no one was laughing after Odd Future cut short its set; many fans had stood in line for hours to see the gig.
As for what makes Odd Future the darlings of the Los Angeles hip-hop community, it remained a mystery after the act's brief set Saturday night. Odd Future fans who weren't in Austin may applaud the act for telling off an industry conference and essentially refusing to perform, although hours later the group appeared at Vice's after-hours party, where it gave a full set. The latter event was littered with industry folk and VIPs, all of whom received better treatment than Odd Future's paying fans.
-- Todd Martens
Photo: Odd Future at SXSW. Credit: Joey Maloney / For the Times. See more 2011 SXSW photos.
I dig OFWGKTA on record, but they were really horrible at SXSW. I caught them at the Mess With Texas show and it was pure trash. It was basically a bunch of dudes yelling into their mics... typical for a hiphop show, unfortunately. No coherency in the slightest bit. REALLY BAD.
However... I can't wait to hear their new music. I really dig their music, videos and their general approach to marketing. I hope they get their live show together.
Posted by: heh | March 20, 2011 at 01:57 PM
Some artists just dont get it. In an age where they should be treating fans with respect, they shoot themselves in the foot. I don't care if youre a tough, bad hip hop band from the LA hood. You still show your fans respect, and courtesy. Without them, you are nothing...
Posted by: Jonesy | March 20, 2011 at 07:34 PM
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/touring/odd-future-cuts-set-short-at-billboard-sxsw-1005082832.story
The real story with the gaps that the author obviously left out.
Posted by: Mr. Harvey | March 20, 2011 at 11:47 PM
They got a writeup here, now didn't they? Nowdays that's infinitely more lucrative than selling a piece of plastic with music on it. Mad props to them for finding a way to rise above the din!
Posted by: bambam | March 21, 2011 at 02:16 AM
music writers not understanding sarcasm, imagine that
Posted by: Grow a sense of humor | March 21, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Well... they did just get themselves some publicity. I had never heard of them before. Now I'm curious and may listen to some of their songs.
Posted by: Marvin | March 21, 2011 at 10:05 AM
I am SO over hearing about this band.
I don't care how "unique" some middle-aged white guy with a lucrative writing job thinks they are -- no band that acts like such uncultured baffoons is worth my time. Maybe I'm a loser for thinking so, but I prefer to support and listen to bands who appreciate the dedication of the fans who buy their music and go to their shows.
Oh yeah, and I'm supposed to believe all the rape jokes and female put-downs are supposed to be "funny"? Yeah, rape is really funny, you guys! [sarcasm]
A bunch of annoying little twerps who think "shock value" = talent. Their 15 minutes will be up in 3...2...1...
Posted by: Bleh | March 21, 2011 at 03:44 PM
Bummer... Bad for those who paid!
Posted by: Rob J. | March 21, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Odd Future is not that dope. They are crass and rude and kids find that entertaining and funny, but if you listen to the music they are not very sophisicated and redundent. The visuals are cool, but try listen to the music and you will realize it burns fast. Whatever, once the shock value of entertainment is over, let's put it this way they are no Jackass there wont be OddFuture part three or four, they will be done.
Posted by: Mac Daddy | March 22, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Odd Future - vulgar and overrated kids. J*Davey - the real odd future of LA music.
Posted by: LA Homeboy | March 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Odd Future is lame, Dam Funk (from LA) DJed, sang and plucked the audience like a fat rubber band a few months back in Austin and the people loved it. That's how it's done.
Posted by: Nick | March 22, 2011 at 02:42 PM