Sean Nelson

All known laws of taste dictate that you're not supposed to want to win an award. That it isn't the point. That it's a distraction. Which of course it is. It's also a good way to get your film noticed, which is exactly what everyone at the festival was trying to do... No one comes to SXSW to score a million-dollar deal (though no one would turn one down) or even a special jury award. They go to see films, see people seeing their films, meet filmmakers, make plans, and drink beer. I met some excellent people and saw some excellent movies (Baghead, Nights and Weekends, Full Battle Rattle, New Orleans Mon Amour, plus Jeffrey Tambor's massively illuminating acting workshop with Greta Gerwig and Kent Osborne). I had the thrill of just being included, with the added frisson of knowing that people were noticing our movie because it was in competition, and because of Lynn's pedigree... The camaraderie is pure pleasure. But it doesn't answer the burning question: Is anyone outside a film festival, even a cool one like SXSW, going to see this fucker? -From an article in The Stranger about My Effortless Brilliance at SXSW Show less «

"I hate when rock bands talk about doing it for the fans. Because they don't. Rock bands do it for themselves. Duh. Still, when people take time out of their lives to tell you they appreciate what you have done, that it has affected their lives in ways both ordinary and profound, when they in fact drive three hours from Maine to stand in line to tell you that, it's a powerful feeling. The obvious ego gratification is met by a strong sense of interconnectedness with strangers that demands humility. And gratitude." -Tour diary (Entertainment Weekly) Show less «

...my life in the wake of my brief [musical] success is built of such events, some sublime and some truly ridiculous. Sometimes I play on a cruise ship... Sometimes I play the little room at Largo, my favorite club in America. Sometimes I get to sing with R.E.M. in front of 10,000 Dutch people. -LA Times interview Show less «