South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin, Texas

[Lord Camomile]

Can someone explain this music/film/'interactive' festival/conference/thing to me please, it seems... expansive

 

[rutabowa]

i've never been, i heard there are some good unofficial shows, many many bands in town doing stuff. i guess it would be fun but it looks a bit big to go and randomly discover stuff, think you would need a plan.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Yeah, I found out about it through listening to the presenters of All Songs Considered doing a nightly report from there, and it sounds absolutely barmy mental. They were all talking about "oh, I caught 20 mins of this set, then I ran over here and caught a couple of songs by these guys...".

Does the whole of Austin get taken over?! It seems like some sort of massive Camden Crawl. Wristbands start at $395 all the way up to $1295!

 

[Gerry1time]

It's also not just about music. Various people I know in the 'Digital Media' sector go regularly. Apparently there are some pretty cool talks about all things Internet, but I've never fancied it that much.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Yeah, discovered that when I checked out their site. Does look pretty interesting, but pretty immense and not sure I'd cope. Leaving aside the cost of getting there and getting in, of course...

Will have to have a better look round their site, but doesn't seem to be much in the way of an easily accessible "here's what this is all about, this is how you join in" page.

 

[rutabowa]

i think having a wristband is probably great for industry type people... if i wanted to just go and have a good time i wouldn't bother and just go to all the unofficial stuff. (i say that having never been of course). it does sound like all over the city gets involved in one way or another.
i think Twisted am of these boards probably knows a lot more about it i think he has been a few times...

 

[paolo]

No proper knowledge but would love to go. A unique event in having a music-geek mix.

 

[FridgeMagnet]

It's also not just about music. Various people I know in the 'Digital Media' sector go regularly. Apparently there are some pretty cool talks about all things Internet, but I've never fancied it that much.

Unfortunately, the digital media part means it's become really full of industry wonks and hopefuls in the last year or two, from all I've heard (and I know a bunch of people in music and digital arts and both who've been going for years now). Networking and elevator pitches and all that bollocks, like a tech conference. There were many complaints last year.

I'd still love to go mind you, it's not dead yet.

 

[Lord Camomile]

Registration just opened

2013 Registration Rates & Deadlines
thru Sep 21 thru Nov 9 thru Jan 11 thru Feb 8 Walkup Rate

Platinum Badge
$1150
$1250
$1350
$1450
$1595

Gold Badge
$895
$995
$1095
$1195
$1350

Music Badge

$625
$675
$695
$750
$795

Film Badge
$450
$495
$550
$595
$650

Interactive Badge
$695
$795
$895
$995
$1150



Alternatively, film submission deadline is Thursday, 15th Nov, 2012...

I've never made a film before, but could pull a short together in 3 months, right?

 

[vogonity]

Bump to say that I'll be attending in 2014! Very excited about this: I imagine that I'll try and see everything and be exhausted about three days in... No idea what to expect, but it should be great fun.

 

[sim667]

I've seen a lot about it online and it looks very cool

Death grips at SXSW anyone?

 

[jodal]

I'll probably go this year but don't think I'll be investing in a wristband. Just too expensive for our little budget USA road trip.

 

[editor]

Cancelled this year. That's going to break some band's hearts, but more than 50,000 people had signed a petition seeking to get the festival cancelled.

SXSW festival cancelled over coronavirus fears

City calls off tech and music conference, which typically draws 400,000, over concerns from public health officials

www.theguardian.com

 

[editor]

Big up the acts cancelling their appearance at SXSW festival because of the US Army's support for Israel. Over 60 UK acts have quit along with all Irish acts.

Belfast band Kneecap have pulled out of South by Southwest (SXSW) in Texas over the arts festival's sponsorship with the US Army.
The group is the latest to cancel their sets at the event in protest against the military's support for Israel in the war in Gaza.
Other artists who've announced they won't be performing include Lambrini Girls, Scowl and Sprints.

SXSW: Bands pull out of festival over Israel-Gaza conflict

The Texas festival lists the US Army as one of its sponsors, which some artists have objected to.

www.bbc.co.uk

SXSW: Artists' boycott 'could be detrimental' to musicians

Kneecap, Enola Gay and numerous other Irish acts are boycotting SXSW due to its ties to the US military.

www.bbc.co.uk