South By Southwest (SXSW), or “South By” to many, is a 2 week-long festival encompassing technology, film and music that takes place in Austin, TX. It began in 1987, with a mere 700 registrants. This year, estimates are that 25,000 registered for the conference, but thousands extras showed up to take in the festival’s many charms.
Around 2,000 bands descend upon Austin and spread out to play in just about any space that can be considered suitable for a music venue: bars, garages, gas stations, hotel lobbies, pop-up tents, open fields, parking decks– even churches. It’s mayhem for about a week, and depending on the weather it can be a hot and humid affair. Thankfully, many showcases offer free drinks to those who attend, so depending on your preferences, it can also be a fairly inebriated week. And you have to be careful, because just like the old adage about alcohol making everything seem sexier, it often obscures the downsides of many bands– a sort of beer-driven rose-colored glasses. But, that’s again the charm of the festival– it’s about enjoying mingling with music fans and industry folks alike and taking in some of the greatest new sounds coming from up-and-coming bands in America.
Many lament the recent explosion in size, though, and the fact that many huge name acts, like Eminem, Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z, are now playing shows that draw insane crowds in an attempt to regain that youthful trendiness that maybe they’ve partially lost in their lengthy careers. So, Jay-Z playing a show at the Moody Theatre/ACL Taping spot brings enormous audiences who then miss the point of seeing a band like Youth Lagoon, who are incredibly talented in their own right and deserve plenty of new eyes and ears. And for music industry professionals, it can be a bit of a headache dealing with the crowds, which then make it tough to check out a lot of new acts. But, it appears that this trend is not going to change anytime soon, and that audiences will only continue to grow. There have even been rumors that SXSW is going to potentially spread to San Antonio, TX as well.
But still, it’s an amazing week of music and mingling, and Austin is an excellent backdrop for just about any type of conviviality. If Bonnaroo, Coachella or Sasquatch isn’t your sort of thing, SXSW is definitely worth checking out.
This year, we sent Associate Editor Peter Zimmerman (@peterzimmerman) and Staff Photographer Joan Bowlen (@JoniBow) to cover the festival for Glide Magazine. Here are some of their highlights and memories from the week. And if you missed any of our photo galleries chronicling the festival, check them out here: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
1) HAVE A MULTI-FACETED CONTINGENCY PLAN
With the recent surge of new registrants and crowds that descend on Austin for SXSW’s Music week, it’s essential that you have a daily plan that includes at least three different options for each hour. So, if you really want to see Delta Spirit, but by doing so you may miss the chance to see The Roots, know when/where Delta Spirit is playing through the week, and also another contingency option if the line for both bands is simply too long to bear. SXSW is all about flexibility.
2) DON’T BE AFRAID TO HAVE HOLES IN YOUR SCHEDULE
Some of the best shows you may see during the festival will be ones you never planned for or expected, and they may even take place in the gas station you’re passing through to get back to Stubb’s. Don’t be afraid to stop and take in a band’s set if it sounds good and you’re digging the vibe. Also, take a risk and wander around a little each day, exploring new parts of the city. Some of your best discoveries will come from these moments of wanderlust.
3) BRING YOUR PHONE CHARGER EVERYWHERE
Around 6PM, you’ll realize you’re at 13% battery, and you still have to get through until 2 AM. Make sure you have your charger so you can plug in wherever you can find an outlet: the Hilton lobby, the Whole Foods recharge station, bathrooms or even from the sound booth at shows.
4) CAPITALIZE ON THE FREE FOOD/DRINKS
One of the ways venues and sponsors try and lure big crowds to their showcases is through free drinks/food, and it’s definitely worth checking out. You may have to drink Lone Star instead of Stella Artois, and be fine with tacos and BBQ instead of a full meal, but SXSW is all about creativity and sustaining your body to keep on moving. Make sure to take advantage of these buffets.
5) CROSS THE RIVER
Many people who come to Austin for the first time look at the Lady Bird Lake, which divides the city, as a barrier not worth crossing. Instead, they stay around 6th and Red River streets, not venturing much beyond there. It’s a shame, because there’s tons of great stuff happening in the Southern section of the city, and some of the best venues are there too, like Threadgill’s, Home Slice and Guero’s Taco Stand.
1) CONSIDER BUYING A BADGE
Lines were insanely long for many showcases that have traditionally in the past had fairly reasonable waits. Many who were hoping to see Jack White, Fiona Apple or Bruce Springsteen were sorely disappointed when they found out a wristband carries little weight these days at SXSW. If you’re really looking to see everything, consider splurging and buying a badge for next year’s festival.
2) BOOK YOUR HOTEL YESTERDAY
Many places have stated that they’re already sold out for SXSW 2013, so if you’re hoping to stay somewhere other than your distant relative’s floor or backyard, it’s worth looking into accommodations now.
3) LEARN THE AUSTIN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
While taking a pedicab around the city can be fun and luxurious, it usually comes at a steep cost, and Austin only employs 800 cabs for its entire city. It’s worth learning the bus routes to help get around town, like the 7, 1L and 10 buses, and the essential 100 Airport Flyer.
4) BREAK IN YOUR SANDALS EARLY
There’s nothing worse than getting blisters on your feet halfway through the first day. Get a pair of sandals or shoes you plan on wearing all festival long (remember, it can get really hot in March, so prepare for sweating) and break them in early to avoid any foot pain.
5) START HYDRATING
This may sound extreme, but it’s definitely necessary. Dehydration from dancing, not drinking enough water, drinking too much beer and walking around all day is a serious problem at SXSW… counter this by starting to drink water now to prepare. You’ll thank yourself at the end of the festival when you’re ready to do it all over again.
All Photos Credited To Joan Bowlen
