Tag: South by Southwest

The 2020 presidential election will tell us much about the future political direction of Texas. The nation’s political future runs through our state and the other booming southwestern states that are changing just as speedily. Last month, President Donald Trump visited El Paso to build support for the proposed border wall in an effort to shore up his support among the more conservative voters of our state. Other 2020 presidential candidates such as U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Massachusetts Gov. These rapid changes also portend serious challenges that need to be met with consensus leadership. Millions of Texans are income insecure, without health care insurance, or denied access to quality medical care. A plurality of Texans embrace the state’s growing diversity with optimism, according to a recent poll by the University of Texas and Texas Tribune. Texans of both parties have come to expect economic progress as a significant feature of government, combined with responsible growth. Political fights about moderation inside our polarized parties sapped significant energy in the 2018 cycle. Candidates also need to balance what voters want with the needs of the state and nation.

Two South American countries have been in the news a lot lately. For musicians in both those countries, the news is affecting their work. Luna has been very outspoken in her music about the political unrest in her country. "I know that is not my afraid, it's they are afraid of me — of my power, of our power." As Contreras notes, Luna joins a long legacy of Brazilian musicians speaking truth to power. "During the military dictatorship there in the 1960s, there was an entire genre of music that developed around these musicians," Contreras says. Contreras describes Luna, like other artists in this lineage, having "almost a sacred responsibility" to speak up for her people who are subjected to racism, classicism and unfair treatment of any kind. While Venezuelan vocalist Lolita Del Sol made it to the festival this year, Contreras spoke with Alicia Zertuche, SXSW senior programmer and visa supervisor, who recalled a heartbreaking exchange with Venezuela's Desorden Público who couldn't make it this year. It's not because we can't leave the country, we are afraid to leave our families behind.'" Contreras says that whether they could make it to SXSW this year or not, the music of these acts will serve as a timestamp of the political climate and a symbol of perseverance.

CBS News Political Correspondent Ed O'Keefe says these events are opportunities for candidates and other political hopefuls. “If there’s anything a presidential candidate needs, it’s to get in front of a crowd, whether it’s an early primary state, or a potential swing state like Texas, so I think they see this as a real opportunity to come, road test some messages," O'Keefe said. Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez echoes this. He was among the figures at the DNC's fundraiser and meet-and-greet Friday evening. “It’s become an iconic national event, and I wanted to make sure people understood what we’re doing at the Democratic Party to win," Perez said. This weekend, 2020 presidential candidates Julian Castro, Elizabeth Warren, and Amy Klobuchar are just some politicians holding events. O'Keefe says these appearances can help with fundraising efforts. O'Keefe says this is the most prominent politics have been at SXSW, due in part to Democrats seeing Texas as a possible swing state in future elections. “Texas is very much in play for Democrats. For a list of political event, you can visit the SXSW website.

Sorry, you need Flash to play this. As the lead singer in a punk band, there's something a bit different about Joe Talbot. It's not the word "pops" tattooed on his neck (a tribute to his dad, who hates neck tattoos). The juxtaposition between Joe's work and his artistic life is one of the things explored in my new documentary, The Art of Now: Band Politics for BBC Radio 4. From spirituals and the blues through to Bob Dylan, Public Enemy and grime; music and political protest have always been inseparable - but I wanted to investigate what I consider to be one of the most exciting waves of political songwriting we've seen in years. To explore what was so distinctive about the artists I'm playing on BBC 6 Music, I spent time at gigs and rehearsals with Nadine Shah, Life and Cabbage, asking what motivated them - and trying to find out what made their political song writing so utterly contemporary. Sorry, you need Flash to play this. Warning: Third party content may contain adverts Report Back with Joe Talbot, the lead singer of Idles tells me that caring for his mother, who suffered a stroke when he was 16, didn't just set him on the course of a future job in care - it fuelled his songwriting. I'm not going to pretend that I'm OK with where the NHS is, or where the government is, so why lie? BBC Music homepage BBC Music News LIVE

What to watch: The festival starts in Austin today. Watch for panels on tech industry trends like cryptocurrencies and voice assistants, the growing presence of lawmakers, a particular interest in media, and especially Facebook’s growing influence. Oh yeah, and Ethan Hawke will be there. Trends: “Crypto": There’s a noticeable number of panels and events focused on everything from blockchain tech to digital tokens, which is not surprising given the past year’s boom. Artificial intelligence: As in past years, there are a lot of panels on what's next in AI — everything from how it could be used in operating rooms to how to "hack" the ugly problem of racial bias. Voice assistants: Continuing a trend from January’s CES trade show, companies like Amazon and Google will seek to showcase their voice assistants. You can watch Bernie Sanders talk to Jake Tapper, or listen to Sen. Mark Warner talk about "hacking our democracy," or hear Rep. Darrell Issa talk about patent trolls. Media: As usual, media outlets (including this one) are flocking to the festival, and companies like Apple and YouTube are sending their top execs. #MeToo: 2017 was a breakthrough year for addressing gender issues, so it's no surprise to see those conversations spill into this festival (which has had its own sexism controversies). Some events recommended by Axios editors: "Tech Under Trump: A 2017/2018 Scorecard," featuring Matt Lira of the White House Office of American Innovation and CareJourney's Aneesh Chopra Catch Axios at these events: