SXSW: Rich Aucoin push, push, pushes on

Posted by Mark Teo in Festivals

The opener of the Public Publication, "Brian Wilson is A.L.I.V.E.," tells you all you need to know about Rich Aucoin's music: It's a collision of complex, layered pop with ever-shifting, arms-up, all-in electro. But, as attendees of Edmonton's Gobble Fest or his Republik date last fall might know, Aucoin's act goes far beyond music.

Syncing his performance with sometimes-3D movie projections — The Grinch is a perennial crowd-pleaser — the Halifax fun-bringer careens from keyboards to the heart of the crowd, often bringing a grade-school style, giant neon parachute with him. And it's a technique that works: As was the case at last year's NXNE, Aucoin has a Allah-given ability to make strangers want to dance. Hug. Hold hands. And perhaps cuddle up to something fuzzy. Plus, there's no two-day long hangover.

In the past, Aucoin's told me that he was afraid that his, ahem, gimmick might overshadow his music. (Public Publication, for its part, gathered over 100 musicians from across the nation.) We'll let you make up your own mind. Below, Aucoin's parachute party:

And here, the party spills out onto the street:

Aspiring artists take note: Here's Aucoin explaining how he can get placid, fest-worn crowds to dance:

And a cover of Daft Punk's "Human After All."


more in Music Features     |     posted Mar 18th, 2011 at 4:58pm     


All Content Copyright © Fast Forward Weekly 1995-2012

About Us Contact Us Careers Privacy Policy Terms of Use