by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

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The latest episode of the Lazy-i podcast is online right here at thereader.com. The installment includes a scintillating interview with Sarah, Nik and Derek of Icky Blossoms. The band talks about next week’s South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, where they’ll be performing. I asked what they like and don’t like about SXSW, and why the festival is still important to a band that’s already signed to a record label. The discussion is unbridled!

By the way, Icky Blossoms is playing a send-off show Friday night at Slowdown Jr. and the band says it’ll be performing at least five songs from their upcoming Saddle Creek Records release, Mask. Why are they playing in Slowdown’s small room instead of the big room (like they did when they played their last SXSW send-off show)? Because they want a packed house, which no doubt they’ll get — though their show will be competing head-to-head against White Mystery/Digital Leather at Reverb Friday night.

Other stuff in this week’s podcast includes leaks from Big Harp and Hop Along, Saddle Creek reissue news, a look (or listen) back at The Carsinogents, a live review (and soundbite) from last weekend’s Boodcow/Universe Contest show at Reverb, and a rundown of what’s happening this weekend indie-musicwise. The whole thing runs just under 20 minutes…

The plan for next week’s South By Southwest coverage is podcasts — with plenty of soundbites and interviews — though I’ll post photos (here at Lazy-i) and daily summaries (over at thereader.com).

Once we get past next week I’ll probably retool these podcasts, perhaps make them shorter. Fifteen to 20 minutes per podcast feels a bit excessive. So I’ll take another look at the format and see what adjustments need to be made. Big thanks to everyone who has provided feedback. I’ll figure it out…

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Tonight at Reverb it’s self-described emo/indie band Dowsing from Chicago, Illinois. Based on the track below, the description is apt — pure ’90s sound reminiscent of Sorry About Dresden. They list among their influences “feelings” — does it get anymore emo than that? Opening is Free Throw and Super Ghost. $8, 9 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2015 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.