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March 15, 2006
SXSW: The storm, she has landed
Walking 6th Street last night, you got a sense that the bands playing were the types that were catching the pre-ethers of the all-out explosion that is the SXSW music festival, which officially begins today. But now that the badge pickup lines have swelled and talk turns to the Beastie Boys appearance, there shall be no complaining about bad music.
There's one minor skirmish, that seems to play out on a larger scale each year. Unaffiliated, corporate- and (and, in the case of Stereogum) blog-sponsored day events vie for attendees' attention against the SXSW-endorsed panels. In theory, music fans that are crashing Austin for the free shows would be unlikely to buy badges to attend the conferences, but it causes some enmity inside the Austin Convention Center. I’m not in the business of advocating sides; I just report.
One staffer derisively referred to “those parties.”
One attendee said he planned to do both (unregistered parties and panel events).
One party sponsor said “no one buys badges anymore.”
So: everything is gray.
One thing that I am very excited for is the Canadian Consulate party (SXSW-endorsed) at 3 pm. Free Canadian food and frosty beverages? Uh, okay. But the opportunity to talk to the people behind it (for my real job) and the potential of seeing the next great Canadian hype (or the Guinness-record holding Arts & Crafts' artists’ 713th confluence band of BSS, Stars, and Wolf Parade members)? Priceless.
Other stops on the tour: Fader party, Team Clermont Party, and, perhaps, a 5:00 showing of Danielson: a Family Movie. Onwards and upwards.
Tags: SXSW, The Fader, Canadians
Posted by Keith O'Brien at March 15, 2006 01:19 PM
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