SXSW 2017 COVERAGE: AVETT BROTHERS and Documentary MAY IT LAST

SXSW saw a lot of opportunities for new films and documentaries to be premiered. One in particular was a documentary called MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS that explored the Avett Brothers' journey into making their latest album that was recently released called "True Sadness." In creating this documentary, directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio wanted to share all aspects of the lives' of the Avett Brothers and their band. MAY IT LAST is an Apatow Production (HBO's "Crashing" and "Girls") in association with RadicalMedia ("Hamilton's America," "What Happened, Miss Simone?").

All access was granted as the audience was treated to a glimpse into the lives of this tight-knit family. Seth and Scott Avett grew up with their sister and parents in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. With a close-knit family, Seth and Scott were able to explore many aspects of music and try many different styles until they settled on the kind of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass, Rock style that makes their sound unique. As the documentary delved into a more personal side of this family, you learned quickly that Seth and Scott have not let fame go to their heads. They live in modest homes close to their parents and the home they grew up in. Apatow and Bonfiglio shared their simple lifestyles as they directed MAY IT LAST. With all the ups and downs of being musicians, it seemed like an important part of Seth and Scott's lives to return to their roots and regroup with their growing families.

Avett Brothers bandmates Bob Crawford, who plays the upright bass, violin and shares vocals and Joe Kwon, playing the cello and also sharing vocals, round out the front men for the band. Personal stories of their lives were included in the documentary that helped the audience to realize how fragile life can be and how important it is to always be surrounded by family and friends.

After the showing of the documentary, audience members were able to ask questions of the Avett Brothers as well as directors Apatow and Bonfiglio. They were also treated to some acoustic music by the band.

MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS won the 24 BEATS PER SECOND Audience Award at this year's SXSW and proved to be a real audience favorite.

And it truly is a favorite. The raw portrayal of the real lives of the Avett Brothers was very well orchestrated and carried out with great detail. It shows the lives of this famous band in all of their vulnerable moments and celebrates success and joys as well as sharing heartbreak and failure. It's worth watching. Don't miss if you get the chance.

Later that evening, the Avett Brothers were part of a special SXSW concert performed at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. Their show included Seth and Scott as well as Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon. Also included in the current band are members Mike Marsh (drums), Tania Elizabeth (violin) and Paul Defiglia (keyboard, organ). They shared many fan favorites and ignited the audience with their enthusiasm and energy.

Check out the Avett Brothers documentary when it comes to HBO later this year and meanwhile, to keep up with their tour schedule and to find out more about their music, check out Avettbrothers.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kathy Strain