I haven't made up my mind on the whole My Space phenomenon - but I've got to admit, its pretty damn handy to hear of a new band, be able to drop it in after "myspace.com/" and 9 times out of 10 get to listen to a few tunes.

Such was the case with Magnet. I'm not sure where I first heard of Even Johansen (aka Magnet) - I think maybe he was linked as a "friend" under some artist I was checking out. Either which way, when I first heard his songs on My Space I knew I was going to be hooked.

As I usually do - I immediately checked out tour dates and was pleased to find out he was playing (a lot of) shows at SXSW. In fact, Magnet was the very first show I saw on arrival in Austin. It went like this.

Drive into Austin ->
Check Into Hotel ->
Drop off bags and leave immediately ->
Review day-show schedule trying to find some happy medium with the friend ->
Friend notices show at Urban Outfitters ->
I watch show, while Friend shops ->
Everyones a WINNER!

With that said, both my friend and I loved the show. Magnet played solo - with a (modified?) steel lap guitar. I think. He used it in conjunction with looping delay pedals - playing a part, looping it, then playing other parts on top of it. Beautiful. I sat near the board to get the audio, and my friend ran the video.

Magnet was actually working in conjunction with a fellow who was standing at the soundboard. The man in the yellow t-shirt listened via headphones and actually fiddled with various buttons and delay knobs, leaving Magnet with the freedom to focus on the songs.


As you'll notice, the show was really two long songs - I took some liberties with the splits as it was pretty difficult to pinpoint where one song ended and the next began.

Enjoy!

MP3s:
Intro
Where Happiness Lives
On Your Side
Ill Come Along
My Darling Curse
White Cliffs of Dover

Labels: austin, concerts, indie, live mp3s, soundboard mp3s, urban outfitters