Anybody ever go to South By Southwest? SXSW

[ROCSteady]

Looking to go to Austin in a couple weeks for the festival. Never been.


Any tips on securing good tickets/passes/badges whatever for a good cost would be appreciated. Also any other pertinent or useful information.

I look to make this somewhat of a journalism experience, bringing Nikons and GoPros and whatnot and looking to do a little interactive shit for my website.

Will rep. Help me out Texans/ music lovers.

http://www.leeabbamonte.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SXSW.jpg

[rezznor]

I usually go every year. If you haven't already made arrangements, it's pretty late to get wristbands to most of the best events, unless you know someone. Also, most hotels near downtown are going to be sold out already,give air bnb a shot. There will still be things to do though. There should be plenty of smaller performances that you can get into and you are bound to stumble across some pretty good up and coming acts. To be honest, I just meet up with friends who are in the music scene there and just go with the flow since they have already made arrangements. Once in awhile you will get lucky and will happen to be at a venue where a big artist drops by and has an impromptu performance. Word will spread pretty quickly though, and unless you are already inside it will be pretty hard to get in.

I've never been to the technology and movie portion of sxsw so can't comment on that. Also, go to dirty 6th Street for the college scene at night or west 5th for the nicer clubs and bars. Kung fu and concrete Cowboy are always good. Hope that helps and have fun!


P. S. Expect alot of traffic.

[SCREWstonRockets]

I would go but I think you need to have a Austin zipcode to get tickets at retail price. And I don't feel like paying resell prices. Im ok with the Summer Fest in Houston and Buku Fest in New Orleans

[DeuceWallaces]

It's way too late for anything remotely close to the experience you're looking for. Even given time I don't believe you have enough mojo with your site to get the press credentials. You would still have fun at some mid-level events, but it would be more of a personal thing.

My best friend works for AMI and gets full press for all events plus 1-2 extra bands and a nice suite each year for the past 7-8 years. Pretty killer experience.

[Hot Shot Rox]

I live in Austin. Last year was the first time I actually checked it out. Got to see Jay-Z and Kanye for free one day and Nas the next day. I didn't plan anything ahead of time. A lot of the shows are organized by sponsors and you just have to look out out for them on twitter. Didn't pay a dime and it was amazing experience.

[ROCSteady]

Thanks for the advice and info fellas.

MY cousins still know Austin heads so I'll just see if we can use someone else's address or something.

I'm determined to cover this, even the lower quality and smaller artists as a journalistic endeavor