If Glastonbury is the king of music festivals then South By South West is the messiah of music conferences.
Think you know who the next big act could be? Have your finger on the pulse of the current issues facing the music industry? SXSW is every dedicated music fan’s heaven.
Held in March since 1987, in the live music capital of the world in Austin, this event has become an enviable launching pad for artists to leap from. The word ‘buzz’ has an omnipresence throughout the ten-day event, as the Texan city becomes the epicentre of the music world.
While the early years of SXSW only saw around 700 acts, it has steadily grown and now attracts closer to 2,200 registrants each March.
The premise of the conference is to help unearth emerging talent and allow for important discussions to take place, but as the popularity of SXSW has grown the original intentions of the event have ballooned into something else entirely.
Now established acts have begun to cash in on the hype emanating from the area with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Vampire Weekend playing shows in 2013.
While several next big things are still likely to be raised on pedestals the music aspect of SXSW has become one for all with Austin being the greatest springboard for new releases on the entire planet during this time.
The first names for the 2015 event have already been announced with a slew of Australians like Angus & Julia Stone, The Church, Courtney Barnett and Ball Park Music amongst others on the lineup. You can expect many many more names to follow in the coming weeks.
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But there’s more to SXSW then just lining up for hours to get into highly anticipated shows or catching bands on sidewalks and in car parks.
There is also the Film component, which focuses on new directing talent and an Interactive festival, which highlights emerging technologies.
Although it’s hard not to be distracted by the music with past keynote speakers such as Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl offering up a multitude of wisdom you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
SXSW is an integral part of what makes Austin the live music capital of the world, along with the city’s other highly prized music festivals such as Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. With the music conference lasting five of the full ten days there is no better place to see the music world at its bustling drum pumping best.
After watching the video below read on to discover our five handy steps to getting to and reaping as much as you can from SXSW in 2015.
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
There are several options for punters wishing to buy badges to the event. The following prices are all in US dollars. As the event draws closer the prices listed below will increase. The ones that we have listed are valid until the 21st of November so get in quick to save some cash!
Platinum: As the name suggests you get access to all aspects of SXSW and a host of other goodies such as ‘Big Bags’ and all official parties at the price of $1495.
Gold: This badge allows you access into 9 days worth of film screenings and premieres, the Film and Interactive conferences and the Gaming expo for $1225
Music: Six nights of music, five days of music panels, access to the Trade Show and Radio and International Stage Showcases amongst other features is valued at $725.
Film: This badge will get you into all Film aspects of the conference for $575.
Interactive: This badge will get you into all Interactive aspects of the conference for $1025.
For more details on badges follow this link.
2. All The Accommodation Information You Need To Know
Depending on how early you book you may not have a lot of choice. Although SXSW does provide a handy page for accommodation availabilities, which you can check out here.
However hotel wise we recommend The Driskell, Hilton Austin and Residence Inn Austin Downtown, while two of Austin’s best hostels include Firehouse Hostel and International Hostelling Austin.
3. What’s The Deal With Those Free Events?
As this Guardian article details it’s quite easy to enjoy SXSW without breaking the bank and while you may we don’t necessarily condone not buying a badge these events can be just as enjoyable and even essential as the official ones. During the daytime hours these gigs sponsored by big name corporates like Spotify and Converse allow you to see the bands you might miss at night. The free drinks and food certainly sweetens the deal so just keep your eyes and ears open while you’re at the event to see what’s happening.
4. Film? Interactive? How To Navigate The Rest Of SXSW
Undeniably SXSW is a daunting prospect. There are people and events everywhere. While music is at the core of this event both the film and interactive conferences can at times be looked over by the masses searching for “the next big thing”. Expect an eclectic selection of innovative films with DIY makers on board for panel discussions too. Check out the 2014 film lineup here for proof. Interactive wise it’s all about the future of technology in terms with new websites, video games and start ups showcased through panels and workshops.
5. From Your Phone’s Battery Life To The Official App: Here’s The Extra Tips To Make You Week At SXSW
You might find the official SXSW GO app useful to plan your schedule and navigate certain events and conferences. The app is likely to be available closer to March.
While there are several parties held on each night, punters are required to RSVP in order to get in. This makes it difficult for those who change their mind or hear updates on the street, which is why we suggest you RSVP to as many as you can. That way you can chop and change your mind on which party you want to attend without missing out.
Don’t be a stranger. The best bits of SXSW are usually discovered via word of mouth. The more people you meet the more likely you’re to hear about a secret or unofficial showcase that could tickle your fancy.
If you intend on experiencing as much of the event as you can we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and conserve your phone battery as much as you can. These small things might just be the difference between an incredible experience and an average one.
Last yet most importantly don’t spend your time in Austin hunting for celebrities and lining up for hours to see band’s you’ve either already seen or could have seen in the past. Spend your time doing what SXSW was intended for networking and discovering your new favourite act.
Need more information? Head to the official SXSW Website for the answers to all your questions.
