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I really wish I had info to give. I don't.With Langerados move to Miami and Phish selling out this is looking more and more like the year I am going to SXSW. The problem is I know nothing about it. The badges, how it works if I just wanna go to single shows,where to stay... Anything really. So I am turning to you to see if you have any suggestions or advice. Thanks in advance.
Oh yeah ... The dates are March 18th - 22nd
Last Edit: Oct 22, 2008 16:56:41 GMT -5 by porvida - Back to Top
You are definitely able to go to single shows, but a lot of times it depends on what show. If it's a bigger band, I wouldn't count on getting in without a badge or a wristband. Wristbands are much cheaper than badges. The order of getting in is badges first, then wristbands, then general public. I believe last year the wristbands were around $130, but I think they may only sell them in Austin. Not 100% sure on that though. A couple years ago I was able to get into Ghostland Observatory without a wristband or a badge but I almost didn't get in. I don't know, it's usually just kind of a toss up whether you're going to get in or not. Show up early to the shows you really want to go to!! Hope this somewhat helps...
Post by rideincircles on Oct 25, 2008 19:33:53 GMT -5
I went for a Saturday this year and saw a bunch of bands for free. There are shows everywhere all the time, and numerous free shows sponsored by companies. We were walking by Stubb's and I heard Digitalism and found out they were putting on a free show at that moment and Chromeo played afterwards. It rocked. Then at waterloo park they had the mess with texas 2 festival and NOFX THe Breeders Simian Mobile Disco and a bunch of other bands played for free. Me and my friends snuck backstage and watched NOFX onstage, which was on of my favorite shows ever. Then afterwards we went back to Stubb's and saw Wale N.A.S.A. and GZA for ten bucks. Next year I am going for a few days. You will see tons of music if you want to.
I had a wristband this year and, for me, it was worth it for the piece of mind since it was my first SXSW. That said, there are plenty of free shows all week long...and I know a lot of people who went without a wristband or a badge who saw as many if not more shows than I did. A wristband does not guarantee entry...it just depends on venue capacity, the popularity of the artist and how many badge holders show up. Some shows also sell tickets to the general public, but you have to be there early.
Here's the trick. Dont buy a wristband. The week leading up to the festival check online (austin360.com) for free shows. Last year I saw 12 different artists for free. The only show I pais for was the Body of War show.
^^that's easy for a local to say, but most of us can't bank an expensive, long-distance trip on the hopes that the free shows announced a week in advance will appeal to us.
I really would like to go to this, but I am not sure about the logistics of it all. It's twice as far as Roo and I'd need to book a hotel. At Roo, it's only a 5-10 minute walk from one performance area to the next, but for all I know it might be a much longer distance between clubs in Austin. However, for now I'll just assume that most shows take place on or around 6th Street.
I also don't like the idea of getting shut out of a show that I really want to see just because the club is full. Yes, I know, show up early and blah blah blah - but sometimes stuff happens and you just can't help it. At least at Bonnaroo and most other festies, if a certain tent is packed you can just chill on the grass outside or try to politely squeeze your way in once the crowd peters out a tad, but I'm sure all the clubs in Austin have strict fire codes that prevent more than a certain number of people from being inside at any given time.
So, in a nutshell: I would love to go to one of the most prominent music festivals in what is arguably the live music capital of the country, but I think for now I'll stick with a traditional camping fest that's a bit closer to home.
Last Edit: Oct 27, 2008 21:01:22 GMT -5 by porvida - Back to Top
Post by mattrockstonic on Nov 26, 2008 2:18:45 GMT -5
I shared the experience with post"rideincircles" comment considering i was one of the "friends" involved and i do agree with his last statement. I have been to three different years of SXSW and in each case involved have come out with a great experience. In fact Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Talib,Chromeo,and MSTRKRFT all played this year and the later two were free. All three played Roo last year. Wristbands are essentially for instant access to club and afterparty related events. All other attendees really are just at the whims of which venue and act they would like to see. This fest really is just a industry grab bag of bands trying to get signed so artists are pulling huge showcases to sign or expose their artists. This is great because the band only wants exposure so mostly you get free shows. Everything for the most part is centered around two streets. 6th and Red River. Easy Access. Sooo many free shows this year i could have seen. Saw Digitialism @ SXSW and they really should be in consideration to play Roo this year. Great time will definitely go back for the fourth time in '09. Oh, yeah wristbands run high. U pick them up kinda like credentials @ the civic center. Kinda cool.
I am most likely there. Depending upon who gets confirmed in the coming weeks, I may get a wristband again.
Garageland, I know it seems awfully confusing, so shoot me a PM if you have specific questions.
Last year's wristband got me in to MMJ at Austin Music Hall (although some tickets were sold to people who showed up early enough). Because I was willing to line up early enough, it also got me in to the Jim James solo set at St. David's Church and REM/Dead Confederate. However, it is possible to overload on shows without having a wristband...just be prepared for the possibility of not getting in to an uber-popular show if it's held in a venue that is not selling tickets (eg. REM/Dead Confederate last year).
Post by KathrynMary on Jan 14, 2009 22:59:07 GMT -5
I work for my school's radio station and I just handed in a paper to the Dean asking for the money for two of us to go down. I want to be there desperatly...regardless if he gives us the money or not I still think two of us are going down...plus it helps that I have friends in bands that are playing seperate showcases so hopefully SXSW allows bands to have guest lists! Haha
If the bands take the wristbands-in-lieu-of-payment option, you can probably score one that way. Otherwise, they're about $135 (that was 2008 pricing).
Post by avocadolady on Jan 15, 2009 17:19:56 GMT -5
I guess the badge would be useful if you were actually going to attend the seminars and things. There's really no other reason you'd need one otherwise.
Post by bluntobject on Jan 22, 2009 16:14:45 GMT -5
I and two of my friends are planning on joining a 4th who lives in Austin to check SXSW out, but I'm concerned with the wrist band thing. I would like to have some kind of promise that I'll be able to see things before I get down there, but apparently 1) You can only buy a wrist band ahead of time if you live in Austin 2)You can't have someone buy one for you because you need to present a gov't photo ID at the time of pick-up, and they attach it to your wrist the moment you pick it up. Anyone have any experience/tip in this area?
Post by rideincircles on Feb 23, 2009 2:06:11 GMT -5
Has anyone started putting together a schedule? i know there are tons more shows that will happen not posted on the sxsw website. Who all is going and when? I plan on arriving sometime Thursday 19th I think and staying until Sunday. i won free tickets Sunday night to Andrew Bird in Dallas, but I might give them away to stay Sunday. As of right now, i am not planning on buying the wristband, but its not a bad idea. I will be in Austin for sure that weekend.
"Furr" by Blitzen Trapper from Furr "Knotty Pine" by David Byrne & The Dirty Projectors from Dark Was the Night "Lakeside" by BLK JKS from Mystery EP "Go On, Say It" by Blind Pilot from 3 Rounds and a Sound "Bag of Hammers" by Thao Nguyen from We Brave Bee Stings and All "The Rake's Song" by The Decemberists from The Hazards of Love "St. Joseph's" by The Avett Brothers from The Second Gleam "The Mountain" by The Heartless Bastards from The Mountain "Dreamer" by K'Naan from Troubadour "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" by Mayer Hawthorne from Just Ain't Gonna Work Out
2/5- Papadosio 3/3- MUSE 3/12- John Mayer 3/19- The Werks 3/31- Passion Pit 4/18- Ben Folds 4/20- Against Me! 6/10- Bonnaroo 6/30- Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey
The million dollar question! Me and everyone I know has been putting off working on our schedules...it's too overwhelming, and I remember feeling this same panic last year. It got so bad that I actually CLEANED OUT MY SPICE CABINET rather than sit down at tackle the schedule.
That said, I'm eagerly anticipating touching down in Austin next Wednesday morning!
The million dollar question! Me and everyone I know has been putting off working on our schedules...it's too overwhelming, and I remember feeling this same panic last year. It got so bad that I actually CLEANED OUT MY SPICE CABINET rather than sit down at tackle the schedule.
That said, I'm eagerly anticipating touching down in Austin next Wednesday morning!
Post by rideincircles on Mar 14, 2009 12:58:25 GMT -5
Just a few more days... I asked my friend on facebook if he can put me on the guestlist for the ben harper show, hes the drummer for the relentless 7, crossing my fingers. its been a while since i last saw him. I wonder if that metallica rumor is correct
Metallica is not a rumor...their appearance has been confirmed. Bluntobject, you can still buy a wristband when you get in to town. I don't remember where, but I recall seeing that they will be on sale at specific venues.
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