this will be my first year attending, and I'm really looking forward to it. anyone else going to be there? what are some things to make sure to do, and be sure to avoid?
Would love to go, if nothing else, to meet the legendary basso! alas, can't make it. Enjoy yourself. From my days going as a KTRU dj, get the full pass and try to see as much as you can.
Buying a wristband is a complete waste of time and money. They're expensive, and even if you have one you won't be able to get into many shows - the SXSW organizers always let "press" in first. Instead, use this website, find shows you want to see, and then go around on your own. I've seen some of my favorite bands in backyards, bands that I really enjoyed just at random places, and have had the best time at all the "unofficial" gigs. I've gone 4 years in a row now, and I've never bought a wristband. My friends bought wristbands the first year, couldn't get into ANY of the shows that they really wanted to see, and haven't bought them since. I don't know about the other stuff, but I've always had a great time just walking around, drinking beer (a lot of shows have free beer), going to restaurants, and seeing great bands - some that I intentionally sought out, many that I caught just because I happened to be nearby.
This will be my 6th year going out of the past 7. It's a wonderful event. The highlight of my year usually. Make sure to bring a bike to get from venue to venue. Walking a mile or two from venue to venue isn't time efficient and you will miss out on a lot of shows. I've got a wristband every year I've gone and I think it's worth it. Granted like thadeus said it might be a waste if you are only trying to see big name acts like Bruce Springsteen or REM, but for most smaller shows like The Antlers or Surfer Blood a wristband will make the difference in whether you get into a show or not. Also the best days to go are Tuesday-Friday afternoon. It is almost now a waste to show up on Friday evening and all of Saturday due to the non music crowd that shows up and just hangs out in the area. It turns into a zoo on that final weekend. Are you going for the interactive, film or music portion of the festival?
This. The you'll see just as much, if not more, during the daytime at free showcases all over downtown. I usually go down around noon and get out around 5...unless there's something at Auditorium Shores worth seeing. Last year, saw Gary Clark, Jr. and The Cult for free in a parking lot. Not going to make it his year, though. We decided to go camping for aping break instead.
My band's official showcase is at 11 pm at Rebels Honkey Tonk on the 14th, but my PR guy promised to keep us busy during the day. We should be playing in (one of the) Brooklyn Vegan parties and a lot of NY-centric events since that's where our PR guy is from. As soon as I have new dates I'll publish them on the band's website but as it is, I have plenty scheduled before and after SXSW in other parts of Texas (Houston, Corpus, San Antonio, etc). It would be nice to meet anyone from Clutchfans, if they are inclined!
Was waiting for this thread. This year looks kind of weak. Unless the Sound City Players do a free show. Still looking forward to getting drunk and listening to music though.
basso, don't ever underestimate a post by RocketsPimp. He always delivers sound advice, or he doesn't post. hmmm....maybe that's why I got in as a KTRU dj. not sure. but it made the weekend hassle free to get the wristband for many years for me.
right now i get in on the 12th, and leave friday the 15th. we're hosting a party, so it's mostly work. if i can get a room, may get in on the 11th, and have some additional time to hang/explore.
This. The afternoon weekday shows (often free) are definitely the highlight of SXSW. Wristbands are worthless for big name bands.
I'm hoping to catch a few shows, but won't be easy with a pregnant wife at home. Would be cool if we could organize a meetup for lunch or something one day for the unofficial Clutchfans SXSW showcase.
If you don't already have a room, good luck finding one. Maybe you can stay at DD's. If anything gets planned for a meet the 12th or before, I'd be interested.
