SXSW wrap-up

Once upon a time, I'm sure the words "spring break" actually meant taking it easy, relaxing during a well-deserved break with nary a care in the world. I'm pretty sure its safe to say those days are long gone.

I've got a lot of good stories to post in the near future, assuming I can find the time to actually sit down and write about them. I met a lot of cool people, a few fantastic musicians, got to hear some great bands, and got to enjoy the company of some friends without feeling like I had to squeeze everyone into a weekend. All of which isn't to say that relaxing isn't work! My feet have never been so beat up as they were last week--pounding the pavement trying to get into one show after another really takes it out of you. Especially when I go against everything my personality tells me and decide to wear shoes that look cool and are about as suited for walking as a podiatric Iron Maiden.

Lesson 1 for next year: pick ONE SHOW you want to see in a four hour block, get there when the first band goes on, and enjoy hearing some new music along with your favorite band. Forget about trying to use SXSW as some kind of interactive jukebox where you can see ALL of your favorite bands, even those from long ago and far away. My first couple of days I went that route, planning on catching a different band every hour at a different bar. Not only were my feet killing me, the closest I got to viewing a show was leaning over a fence at Red Eyed Fly to peer at She Wants Revenge playing in the ampitheater. Hardly what I'd call a five-star experience (although I did meet a few other cool people with the same idea!)

Lesson 2: You can get into the official shows (the ones that require a wristband and/or badge) if you follow Rule #1. The day shows however, which were the saving grace of SXSW up until this year, largely the product of underground organization and rebellion against the corporatization of SXSW, have been taken over by the corporate whores. Not all of them--there are still plenty of shows from the true Austin scene to be found, free of charge with great local and regional music. There's a few crappy ones thrown together at the last minute by bands that seem like they formed for the sole purpose of playing that show. But a lot of the great ones--those that have the headliners from the official shows that you thought you'd catch in a more intimate setting--have been taken over, turned into invite-only affairs you pretty much have to be a reporter or industry-type to get into.

I've got plenty more Rules To Live By, rants, and stories to tell later...