And so that's south by for another year so here are the top things I learnt in Texas...
1: Take Chances
You find some amazing random things at South By! Everybody is so friendly you can just chat to anyone you meet. You go to gigs of bands you've never heard of and sometimes you find an absolute treasure. Sometimes you end up in a roller rink and sometimes you end up eating death metal pizza! You just gotta go with it.
2: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
The shows are all free in with your badge (granted you spent a fortune on it so free maybe isn't the best word!). This means EVERYBODY wants in to the bigger shows and you can expect to wait and if you really want to get into a big show, expect to lose half a day in line.
4: Try Something New
Bigger acts are always a draw but many acts who were once small and are now huge got a kick start at South By (ever heard of the Strokes?!). SXSW is a chance to see lesser known acts from all over the planet. They've all been selected through a rigorous process so you can expect a detail level of quality throughout. Take the opportunity to check out new bands.
3: Make the Most of Freebies
Registering for parties often means free grub, free drinks and a chance to save a few bob as SXSW is far from cheap. ‘Drive a Chevy’ offer free travel if you're willing to put up with a little sales patter, the convention centre offers free wifi, websites like southbyfreenoms.com help ya hunt down free treats - there are a bounty of freebies if you hunt them out!
It's not possible! Even rough plans fall victim to the mayhem so just go with the flow and pace yourself, it's a long, sleep deprived week!
