Wow! That’s my reaction after meeting Malukah for the first time here in Austin for SXSW! Just how epic was it? What did she sing? What was on the menu? Join us after the break for all the juicy details!
As many of you know, Elder Scrolls Online announced a food truck tour with many locations. First stop: Austin for our annual SXSW festival. What’s even better? Malukah would be joining them in Austin! So, with my buddy in tow and iPhone in hand, I drove downtown to see the epicness unfold.
Upon arriving, I saw Malukah standing next to the stage. Like a pre-teen girl, I called out to her and introduced myself as Shank from ESOTR. Immediately, Malukah brought me in for a warm embrace akin to that of old friends. Still very giddy, I told her that we are all huge fans of her and how happy I was to finally meet her.
They don’t call me a Hobbit for nothing
She spoke of warm-heartedly of how much she liked our show, and how happy she was for ZOS to invite her along for the Austin leg. We spoke excitedly about ESO and how we both couldn’t wait to get our hands on it. I asked her when she was on stage next and she’d said she’d be singing her set at 2pm. Awesome, perfect time for to have a look around and grab some food. Before that, however, I ran into Jo Burba, Director of Social Media and Community at ZOS.
He told me about the food truck tour and how they wanted to put together an event to “foster the community of Elder Scrolls, and to reach out directly to the fans”. I asked him about inviting Malukah for the Austin leg, and he said that when they were putting together this tour, it was a no-brainer to invite her. He described how she’s such an integral part of the Elder Scrolls community now, that giving fans a chance to see her live would be so engaging. He pointed out the food truck and handed me a menu with today’s food. I must admit, it’s very exciting to see a Director of SoMe and Community so at ease with fans – especially since this author was chomping at the bit for information. Alas, I could only get so much out of him, given how close the cards are being held to the chest at this stage of the game’s development. He did tell me, however, that they have “big things planned for PAX East and E3″. Get excited!
He invited me to check out the food truck and grab myself some food. That couldn’t have come at a better time because I hadn’t eaten yet. Happily, I pulled out my menu and took a look.
Sweet, so I’m going to order the Pressed Eidarmelt with Emperor’s Garden sauce and grab some Alocasia Fruit Juice on the way. After placing my order, I took a look around. The stage was set, waiting to be graced by the Bard of Skyrim in mere minutes’ time. My name was called out signifying my order was ready. Awesome, ok let’s eat! Oh but wait, what’s this? I get this awesome cup too?!
Phillip G’s Homie
At this point, I had downed my Eidarmelt and, like everyone else, was patiently awaiting Malukah to take the stage. Finally, the Bard of Skyrim stepped up and began caressing our ears with sumptuous tunes. Alas, if only I captured over 15 minutes of it on video…
I’m not going to lie, seeing Malukah live like that was just awe-inspiring. She sounded absolutely magnificent, despite the crazy wind throwing everything around. Best of all, she debuted a brand new song titled Beauty of Dawn, inspired by Elder Scrolls Online. Wow, it was absolutely fantastic! Hearing her live was just about one of the greatest musical experiences I’ve had in a long time.
After her set, I met up with her again to congratulate her on her amazing performance. Ever graceful, she thanked me and went off to grab some (long overdue) food. While she was eating, I went around behind the food truck and found a green screen with a camera set up. Upon asking one of the people working the booth, I was informed that you could stand in front of the green screen and take a picture of you in front of a battle scene from ESO. And so, I heroically stepped forward and captured this mighty likeness.
Shank the Tank – Savior of the Aldmeri Dominion. Husband to Queen Ayrenn
This gave me an idea. I went to the stage area and found Malukah surrounded by eager fans, all wanting to take a picture. I (not so) patiently waited my turn and asked her if she would take a picture with me at the green screen booth. Smiling, she agreed. And so, she grabbed her guitar as we wound our way to the booth to take this epic pose.
We did it you guys. We’re totally heroes.
I thanked her, gave her a final hug and wished her the best for the future. She smiled and said was glad to finally meet me, a thought which I quickly reciprocated. It was at this point where she had to go prepare for the rest of the day at SXSW and so we said our final goodbyes and parted ways.
I can’t even begin to describe just how amazing it was to finally meet Malukah, the Bard of Skyrim. Seeing her sing live was something I won’t soon forget. At the end of the day, I ended up with some sweet mementos and an iPhone with only 500 mb of free space left. It was just so incredible seeing the community all together for this one awesome, glorious event.
Oh but it doesn’t end here! Remember, if you couldn’t make it to Austin, don’t worry! As Jo Burba reminded me, PAX East is just around the corner so you can bet to see more great stuff from ESO! As always, keep it locked right here to Elder Scrolls Off The Record – where Tamriel lives.
Shadow hide you
Amazing! I am very jealous but really glad you got that video and did this article. She sounds amazing!
Great stuff dude, what an awesome time!
You sir, are a lucky lucky man!
Amazing Judith….congratulations!!!!
I wish so hard i was there. Was kinda of impossible to be there =/
Shank looks like hes been working out damn.
Like always awesome ,great voice some people are good but you’re great one of the best I have ever heard .I wish you the very best may God bless
I love he rmusic i just wish she would come to spokane washington
I LOVE YOU JUDITH!you are my inspiring,now i write a Dragonborn comes for cats
I love her music!
Well done Shank!
Looks like a fantastic day!
Epic!!!! She needs a Music vidoe or she needs to be part of the game!!!
Awesome Shank! Great article and thanks for recording Malukah’s performance. I was surprised to see how well she composed herself when the ambulance went by while she was singing Dragon Born Comes. She is wonderful.