South By Southwest 2009 has come and gone in a frenzy, and has predictably left many Austin residents with a sort of post-partum malaise. That and an Advil-resistant hangover. But one question arises in the Lone Star soaked afterglow of SXSW: do we Austinites love it or hate it?
For four full days in the middle of March, droves of celebrities, struggling bands and industry types descend on Austin for the music portion of SXSW and transform it into a hive of buzz-worthy activity. The scene is one of endless, free sponsored parties; music, extraordinary and unbearable, blaring from every street corner; and crowds for everything from your favorite BBQ joint to your highway exit and local bar. As a New York City native, I am accustomed to crowding, but as an Austin resident of three years, I am on the fence about whether I want those kind of sardine can conditions in my new home base. All that said, the festival lends itself to nonstop day- and nightlife, unique opportunities, and more free tacos than you can shake a stick at.
If you're trying to decide whether to join in the mayhem in 2010, here are my highlights from this year. (The downside includes a high dose of industry attitude and the standard shitshow that ensues whenever a small city is overcrowded, so let's focus on the positive):
For the past two years during SXSW, the Felice Brothers band has come to crash at my apartment. The string of events that led them to my couches in particular is supremely random and surprisingly innocent, but I always look forward to hosting them. While here, they play various showcases, mill about Austin, catch up on laundry, hear some music and, inevitably, talk about how all good artists are dead. But I prefer my Felices alive; if you have ever seen them perform live, chances are you too are an evangelist. The point is, whether you want to catch a rare performance or meet a band you love, it's completely possible at SXSW.
In addition to the Penny Lane angle, this year a good friend of mine who works at SPIN was in town, giving me access to some uber hip events and the feeling that if I couldn't do everything, at least I would do a few things top-notch. Ironically, some of the most enjoyable hours of the festival were spent with said friend, slurping margaritas at out-of-dodge restaurants rather than at fabulous magazine parties. But I firmly believe that when your gut says "I will freak out if I have to stand in another crowd right now", it's important to listen.
I did, however, make it to the SPIN party on Friday afternoon, and it was well worth the hype. Among several bands and DJs, I saw the Black Lips, an act known for their high voltage performances and spouting thick gobs of saliva into the air. Rock and roll? Yes. Disgusting? Absolutely. Four skinny white boys, one in a pilgrim hat and poncho and another with a full mouth golden grill. The spectacle, brain rattling volume and vibrating energy of the show are still with me.
One phenomenal Felice Brothers' show, two Emergen-C's, three free cocktails and one taco later, I headed to a pizza parlor in North Austin to see the New York indie folk-rock band Motel Motel. It's great fun to see group in the zygote stage of their musical career giving it all they got. Motel Motel was starry eyed and exhausted from their whirlwind week and definitely worth the trek. I enjoyed the show so much I bought a CD, a simple pleasure as it's an awesome souvenir and infinitely more gratifying to sponsor the beer in the band's hand than to pad record label pockets.
Next stop was through Perez Hilton's "One Night in Austin" party, and a bit to my chagrin, I had a great time. I find Perez to be a somewhat odious character, but if throwing a soirée catering to all pop loving chicks and gay men in Austin is the mission, he nailed it. Plus, the drinks were free.
I arrived home at 3am Sunday morning and uneasiness of the end began to set in.
That morning at brunch with two girlfriends, we reminisced on the blur that was weekend and how to deal with our mild to mid level cases of the coulda-woulda-shouldas. We concluded there are millions of ways to do the festival, but my advice for SXSW survival is this: you can't do everything. Pick your battles and be proactive about your industry connections for access to the best music. Err on the side of day parties over night, as they are usually less of a cluster. Take a break when you need one. Capitalize on the opportunities that can only be had in these few days. If you hang in there, the hassle of the crowd and lines for the bathrooms will surely lead to at least few legendary moments.
As an Austin resident of 10 years, I don't mind at all the week of SXSW. I live really close to the "soco" area and yeah, driving around in those parts is a pain for a few days, but that's about it. Actually, the nice thing is that one can walk or bike everywhere.
I expected a bit more from this article. not impressed, quite frankly.
For those who like something smaller, more underground...something will come along to fill that niche.
These days, living in Seattle, I can't even get to all the shows by bands I like on an average week...things like Bumbershoot here, or SXSW just make me notice all the stuff I couldn't get to.
I was perfectly willing to read what you have to say about SXSW until I hit this sentence.
You chose Austin. Austin is wierd. Austin has changed a lot over the years. Folks fall in love with it, move here to be near the best things available and then beef about it. I say keep Austin Wierd, we love it just the way it is .................
SXSW and all the rest - party on! Play or not, it's my backyard and I love it.
The non-official-SXSW-stuff-that-goes-on-in-Austin-during-SXSW-week, however, is awesome and completely worth taking a week off work to take in as much free beer, food, and live music as one can.
"so by so what"
it's a corporate marketing festival
It's just the beginning of Austin in the spring. Best place to be. HANDS DOWN!!!
Fugghedaboudit. As a native New Yorker, I have to laugh at the conceit of Austinites who believe the hype about their town being the "live music capital of the world." Anyone who has even been to New York and New Orleans to listen to good music knows better.
I didn't realize Jarrell had a booming music & arts scene.
I am sure there is someone at UT-Austin who is perfectly capable of doing your job, and hopefully, considers this a great place to live. Personally, I understand you completely. The closest I have ever been to NYC is a stop-over at the airport on my way to Ireland. It was as close as I would ever want to get. Please go home; all of us will be happier.
Oh you mean is it worth actually GOING to a bunch of fugazi shoegazing overrated indie popcorn and bubblegum and watch the out-of-towner twitterheads wander around on 6th street fondling their cellphones?
You say you live here?
You can do that any day of the week, any day of the year.
If you're looking for something a little more raucous than a listening room but still distinctively Austin, I don't think you can go wrong with the Continental Club or Saxon Pub.
Probably the hottest area in Austin right now is the Red River area: Emos, Beerland, Mohawk, there's some other clubs down that area. Sixth Street still has some good live music venues, but its not like it used to be. Flamingo Cantina is good for Reggae.
But for my money the clubs outside of the so called "Entertainment District" are the best. They are easier to access for one. I guess I'm getting old, but parking downtown has become too hard unless your willing to pay $10 to park.
Out of the downtown area some good places are: Saxon Pub, Continental, and Ruta Maya. Momos is on West 6th street, close to downtown. They usually have decent bands.
It all depends on what you want to hear.