Who: Lorraine Ali
Why She’s Important: Lorraine Ali covers music as an editor at Newsweek. She previously contributed to Rolling Stone and GQ, while also serving as a Los Angeles Times columnist. This is her seventh SXSW. “When I started coming here, I stayed on friends’ floors and couches,” recalls Ali. “I eventually graduated to the Super 8. Now, I feel like I’ve made it staying at the Driskill. That’s the Newsweek difference.”
Her SXSW Approach: “It’s good to come and talk to a lot of local bands or see people that aren’t necessarily as high-profile as you’d think Newsweek would cover. Last year, I came here and heard about Southpark Mexican and all the different Texas Latino rappers. From that, I came back later and did a full story on it. Five years ago, I saw Flaco Jimenez. I’m a huge accordion fan and had listened to some of his stuff, but seeing him live was a whole different thing. After that, I did several Flaco stories. I don’t necessarily do a SXSW roundup, but I definitely find ideas here.”
Parties: “It’s not as much about the parties as it is any place with good barbecue. Call me a cliché, but in New York you don’t have good barbecue or Mexican. I’m from L.A. — I have Mexican food withdrawal. The bands are good and the parties are fun, but show me the Mexican food and I’m happy.”
SXSW 2002: “The big exciting thing was going to be Don Walser, but unfortunately he’s still in the hospital. They’re going to still do a Friday night thing for him, and I’ll go and show my support. I just did a piece on him in Newsweek. He’s so Texas, so the whole thing would have fit together nicely. It’s still a big high point for me to go to the Broken Spoke [and see other country acts]. I could go see a lot of rock & roll bands at Emo’s, but I’m not going to find any place like the Broken Spoke in Los Angeles or New York.”
Most Memorable SXSW Experience: “Two years ago, I went to see the Bad Livers at the Continental Club. It was a pain-in-the-ass long line and once I got in I was scrunching and sliding between all these beer bellies to get to the bar. I got to the bar and could hardly see, so I said, ‘I’m just gonna get drunk and have fun.’ I looked in my wallet and had no money. Then I look at the floor and there’s a $100 bill. I got drunk and got all my friends drunk. And the show? Let’s just say it was the best I’ve ever seen.”
This article appears in March 15 • 2002.