Perceptions of SXSW
In retrospect, I have gotten so much out of my trip to South By Southwest back in March. It created a spark of energy within my mind to pursue the crazy music business into the foreseeable future. Just seeing the environment of Austin during that week–music lovers galore, industry moguls knit together with fans in a packed venue for a few drinks at a late night show. Everything about it was magical. There is something for everyone to see, enjoy, and experience.
It’s Your SXSW.
It seemed like a great opportunity from the beginning. Tons of bands I’d never heard of before, cutting edge panels concerning, artists/labels/technology, and an amazing group of people going. How could it be bad? And it turned out exactly like that, only more crazy, sleep deprived, and unreal.
Obviously, I learned a colossal amount of valuable information, from people in the business that I admire and wanted to meet even before the trip. Networking was an amazing opportunity, as was finding out about new music, and yourself.
The rest of my time at IPR (just graduated two days ago woohoo!) was spent getting my hands dirty in as many activities, social events, and projects as possible, trying to really get a feel for what was out there and what my skills were. I’ve realized through all of these exploits that I fit into a wide spectrum of areas and have a ton of diverse interests–this I’ve discovered is why the music business is the one for me. SXSW helped me realize this. Now is my time to hit the streets and live my idea of the music business–may it carry me to whatever mysterious ends it might have in store.
Since, the trip I have planned on returning the beautiful city of Austin next March to do all over again, only better. The first journey to SXSW is a wild experience, but after demystifying the inter workings of such an intense situation changes and “I’m going to do this [differently] next year” ideas come to mind. Organization, research, and networking targets are some of the more global updates that I (and many others) have communicated. Getting a hotel in down town Austin in another change that I want to attempt to make. While it’s more expensive, you don’t have to contend with the transport services, can have a place to chill out, and even catch a few more zzz’s in the A.M. Regardless, there are always changes in what you would like to see/do and how to go about doing that, but there is only a set amount of time and practically unlimited things to do. I think being organized and digging around online before jumping in is essential for a productive time at SXSW.
I loved it. I’m going back. Thanks to all who made my time there unforgettable.
