In March 2011, Bright Eyes was riding a creative wave with the release of their album *The People's Key*, which had come out just a few weeks prior on February 15, 2011. This marked a significant moment in their evolution, as it was their first studio album since 2007’s *Cassadaga*. The live recording of "The Calendar Hung Itself" at SXSW showcases not only the raw energy of their performance but also the excitement surrounding the new material. What’s really intriguing here is how Conor Oberst, the driving force behind Bright Eyes, blends introspective lyrics with energetic stage presence. Songs from *The People's Key* reflect their maturing sound, moving toward more experimental and electronic elements. As they performed at such a significant festival, it was clear that Bright Eyes was not just revisiting the past but embracing a promising new chapter while captivating their audience's hearts with their signature emotional depth.