By Steven Zavala
Contributing Reporter
“Let’s keep this about the music and turn the tide for our music community in San Antonio,” Castorena said.
Castorena is the publisher and editor of “Backbeat Magazine,”a publication dedicated to San Antonio’s undergound music and local artists.
In Backbeat’s September issue Castorena wrote in an editor’s letter: “This isn’t about ourselves, our music and our own selfish reasons, but it’s about elevating our music community and demanding respect from not only our neighbours but from the music executives who have overlooked us for decades.”
Castorena is considered by many to be a live music veteran, an expert in band lifestyles, and a familiar face in San Antonio’s downtown food and beverage industry.
He said he had an awakening — like a Jerry Maguire moment — that peaked his passion for live music. That awakening, he said, transformed into an idea: The Big Spill.
In the letter he continued, “All these communities operate within one grand musical landscape and now we have gotten together to make a stand for our future.”
The Big Spill is a collaboration with multiple media outlets, including showcase bands like Motion City Soundtrack, T-Bird & The Breaks, Wussy and local bands Disco Wasteland and DJ Jester. A number of other Indie rock, alternative, electronic, hip-hop and heavy metal acts are scheduled to perform.
“It’s our time to rise up toward the limelight, center-stage. Calling out all music enthusiasts to join in the festivities downtown at The Korova,” said Korova sound technician Erin Ortega.
Each day, 15 to 35 local, national and international bands will perform until 2 a.m; start times depend on the day of the festival, beginning at 3 p.m.weekends and at 5 p.m. weekdays.
The Korova will have three stages inside, outside and in the basement, for an all-ages rocker crowd slated for 1,000 devotees. Food and drinks will be sold throughout the festival.
Pre-sale, single-day passes range from $8-15 depending on artists performing that day. Day-of prices range between $10-20 and full festival passes begin at $99. Tickets can be purchased at jivetickets.com.
Bands from Japan, London, Tokyo, Mexico City and Ireland will be on the stage at The Big Spill. Eighty percent of these bands are new to the Alamo City, Castorena said.
As The Big Spill gets ready to go on stage, it competes with Austin’s South by Southwest festival and its big financial sponsors, including Miller, Pepsi and Chevrolet.
“We must learn to crawl before we collectively walk as a joint community,” Ortega said.
Castorena says the time is now, to prove to music executives, “infamous guys in suits, residing in their glass towers,” to finally recognize San Antonio as a national contender for live music festivals.
For more information, visit thebigspill2012.com for detailed calendar information.
