Wait, Did We Just See Soundgarden?

                                       SXSW Day 3: Thursday, March 14, 2014:
                                         Wait, did we just see Soundgarden?

    Like going into Barton Springs, I like to ease into my music for the day.  A normal morning setlist might include BeachHouse, Air, Small Black…something along those lines.  I guess Spin Magazine doesn't follow my same mindset.  Being the enabler that SXSW is, my first beer came compliments of the Spin party at Stubb's BBQ as did my first ear bleed. I only exaggerate slightly, but the day did start with raucous sets from both Radkey and The Orwells.  I just was NOT prepared for such energy yet, nor was the crowd that was more intent on lining up for food than they were for paying attention to the bands screaming their hearts out on stage.  The Orwells put absolutely every ounce of energy they had into their set, but only  somewhat got the audience's attention even when they ripped into "Other Voices." Put punk, indie and garage rock into a blender and that is what this extremely young band comes out sounding like. As they age they will have to refine their sound because there is a fine line between maturity and obscurity.  Realizing that the beer in my stomach was quite lonely, we moved on in search of food that wouldn't take 40 minutes of waiting in line to get. I should have remembered that I was at SXSW and not Cedar Park.  There will be lines.

    The line at the Spotify House on E. 6th was hours long. That's right, I am now measuring distance by time.  I'm serious though.  I'm still not quite sure how we cut the line, but I can assure you that it had nothing to do with my good looks. We had just missed Austin phenom, Shakey Graves, but little did we know what we were in store for.  I'm not quite sure what the line was waiting for because, once inside, you realize that the venue is tiny and is almost exclusive in nature.  In other words, they'd never get in because no one was leaving. The Peached Tortilla, one of our original food trucks, did not disappoint with their free Brisket Tacos and Bahn Mi Tacos. They may have disappointed some once they started charging for food, but hey…we shouldn't have had food of that quality for free in the first place. We had just enough time to get through that line before Streets Of Laredo took the stage and they set the tone: today, but not tonight was going to be chill.  After their short set, playing from last September's "God Love You When You're Dancing" EP, the Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy won over the house with songs the likes of which I haven't heard in a  very long time.  He only has one EP to his name, yet Atlantic just signed him to a 5 record deal. He's going to be kind of a big deal. The lineup seemed, and was, pretty much Americana, singer-songwriter up until St. Paul and the Broken Bones. I have NO idea why they are still playing venues of this size. I mean, how many dues does one band have to pay? They were the standout act and one that deserves to be acknowledged.  Just plain soulful. Our legs would only allow for one more band so we closed out our day at the Spotify House watching The Districts before heading to Manuel's.  

Vance Joy

                On the way I was accosted by an officer friend of mine who grabbed me and asked to see some identification.  Since I also was greeted at the door of the Kettle One party last Friday night by another officer friend of mine, this is the second officer friend of mine that I ran into at SXSW.  I hardly saw any officers this week, yet I knew two of them.  Oh well, keeps me out of trouble...sorta.  Rest was just what the doctor ordered. Well, that, and copious amounts of queso and sangrias. We were ready.  Finally on our way to see a band that is older than I am. 

                We were first treated to The Wild Feathers when we got  to the Guitar Center Sessions.   Well, actually we were treated to an overzealous officer  and this one was not my friend.  As he yelled at me for being in the wrong line: "NO, NO, NO SIR."  I yelled back: "YES,YES, YES SIR."  i really need to watch myself.  Anyway, The Wild Feathers were yet another band that I was unfamiliar with and am now in love with.  Southern Rock with catchy hooks and perfect melodies.  I had never seen Soundgarden live before.  I had seen Chris Cornell several times, however, so I knew I was in for something special.  I mean, Soundgarden.  In front of only 1,000 people.  For me, this was as special as when I saw Metallica at Stubb's.  Here we were, on top of the 503 Colorado Building , beautiful weather, watching one of  the biggest names in 90's music.  It's hard to believe that this was their first time at SXSW and that is was in support of the 20th anniversary/re-issue of their multi platinum "Superunknown" album. Just hearing "The Day I Tried To Live," "My Wave" and 'Spoonman" would have been enough, but it was when Chris Cornell's voice rang through the night sky on "Black Hole Sun" was when I truly realized the magnitude  of who we were watching. it's like when I heard Paul McCartney sing "Yesterday" at the Alamodome in 1993.  You'll never forget moments like these.  Unless of course, you get Alzheimer's which, by the way, we have GOT  to find a cure for.  I mean, to have these experiences only to have those memories stripped from you later? Sorry, I am easily sidetracked.  This was an evening for the ages and the aged. 

The Wild Feathers

Soundgarden

 

Soundgarden

That's What I Like About These SXSW Bands…I Get Older and They Stay the Same Age.

SXSW Day 2, March 13, 2014:
That's what I like about these SXSW bands…I get older and they stay the same age.


    They say that waking up is hard to do. Wait, that's breaking up. Either way, both are hard.  Yes, I'm getting older, but I used to be able to do this.  You would think that it's like riding a bike and your body would fall right back into it. I mean, I even trained for this:  For weeks now I have eaten all of my meals standing up, listened to all of my music through earplugs, put salt on everything I eat (including fruit), have had beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I forgot about one thing…the sun.  It was back and more beautiful than ever.  My head looks like a cherry tomato, but what a day for music.  Although the weather was perfect, it felt quite solemn as we drove down to SXSW for our second day of music after the tragedy of the night before.  I was wondering what the vibe would be throughout downtown.  How would the crowds conduct themselves? Would there be more of a police presence? It was strange having those thoughts as opposed to thoughts about the music. 

Knowing we would go for hours without food, we first decide to go to Searsucker for a quick lunch.  Note to self: Searsucker's green salad and calamari is a delicious, light combination, but it'd still be impossible to keep down if we had, in fact, watched Lady GaGa get thrown up on last night. I'm not quite sure what's wrong with her, but I hope she's using the money people actually give her towards therapy.  Anyway, Filter's Showdown at Cedar Street has always been an extremely difficult show to get into, but we thought we'd give it a try and I'm glad that we did because there was no line this year.  Skaters, a stand out, young, rock group out of New York, played with such ferocity that you'd have thought there was more than 200 people there. When they played their undeniably catchy,  "Miss Teen Massachusetts," there were two extremely energetic, drunk, rotund guys in the front row singing along to every word.  I know that makes a band happy to see, but I'm sure that the next time they come through Austin they'd like to see see a few girls singing along as well.  Speaking of girls singing…Nina Nesbitt was the next artist to take the stage.  This would not be easy for the talented 19 year old singer-songwriter out of Scotland.  Armed only with an acoustic guitar, piano and gorgeous voice, she'd have to win over a crowd that had just been turned up to 11. In all fairness to her, she was not initially supposed to follow Skaters, but the schedule was shuffled around.  We stood next to her upstairs while Skaters played and since I knew how stripped down her set would be, I wondered what was going through her head: " I have to follow THEM?" She shouldn't have worried about a thing, however, because her set was strong and I know for a fact that she made a few new fans.  Skaters made a few new fans as well…even if the bass player did hit Lauren in the lip with his water bottle as she walked by. Anyway, since London Grammar had moved their set from Cedar Street to the MTv Woodies event, we moved along with them. 

Skaters

Nina Nesbitt

  Last time we went to the Woodies was 2 years ago and we literally walked right in as Fun. was playing.  No lines, no fuss. Fast forward to yesterday.  Imagine the longest line that you can possibly think of at Disney World. Then double that. Then double that and have no roller coaster waiting for you at the end of it.  The lines could not have been more insane. It was the place to be. And, with my brother-in-law's connections, we were there. YOU can watch it on MTV this Sunday, March 16, but again, WE were there. The afternoon kicked off with Wild Cub playing a perfect set. If this isn't a buzz band then I don't know who is. We had seen them last Friday at a Kettle One party and they were still going strong almost a week later.  They run a tight ship once inside the Woodies and there is hardly any gap between artists as they bounce back and forth between two stages. Vic Mensa took the stage next.  I'm not sure what he was yelling about, but I didn't care for it.  Echosmith came out in full force. They are a band comprised of the Sierota siblings: lead singer, Sydney, and her 3 brothers, Noah, Graham and Sydney.  So, no matter how special you think your family is, all of Mr. and Mrs. Sierota's children play instruments and get along with each other just well enough to form a band and play music that 14 year old's would love. Bleachers followed them and were an absolute blast to watch! London Grammar was one of only two of our must see acts this SXSW and they were amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing them when they come back through a play a smaller venue more conducive to their haunting melodies because they were a little too quiet for this crowd.  That was the game plan though as their set was a perfect lead in for Sam Smith.  Phantogram apparently doesn't sleep because I'm pretty sure this was their 219th show at this year's SXSW. They have been everywhere promoting their new CD, Voices, and will be back at Stubb's in April to perform.  Our legs had turned to jello so we moved over to Rachel Ray's Feedback house to sit for a bit before calling it an evening.  

Wild Cub

Echosmith

London Grammar

Phantogram

In The Valley Below was performing to the crowd of just a few hundred people, but their presence felt like they were playing a music festival. Rachel Ray always has about to break bands at her Feedback House and this is one to watch. 

In The Valley Below

    Final observation. I'm not quite sure when Austin turned into New Orleans, but Dirty 6th has gotten way out of control and there is not enough police to monitor the madness.  We walked up 6th Street to get to our car and, for the first time, I felt unsafe in the city I've lived in since 1980.  We were only on 6th Street for a few blocks to get to our car and were treated to a fight that people just stood and watched. So, that was pretty neat. A beautiful day of weather and music tainted, albeit only slightly, by an unnecessary act of violence.   
    

SXSW

SXSW DAY 1:
EVERYTHING COSTS $20


    In the beginning was the music, and the music was with SXSW, and the music was SXSW. It was with SXSW in the beginning. Thanks be to Austin. 
It's easy to forget that at one point in time SXSW was not about schwag, Grumpy Cat or Doritos.  You look around and all you hear about is what artist is rumored to pop up where so it was nice to see last night be all about the music. 

    I started the evening as early as possible by heading down to meet my wife at her office where I was greeted by a parking attendant asking for $20 to park where I normally park for free. It turns out that this is not an uncommon denomination during SXSW.  Park? $20.  Pedicab? $20.  Lone Star Beer? $20.  Ok, maybe a Lone Star isn't $20, but for the $8 they charge you during SXSW it might as well be.  Lauren and I were soon fighting the crowds over to the NPR Showcase at Stubb's.  This was a lineup fit for a Skinny Jean King: Eagulls, Kelis, St. Vincent and Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz fame).  Stubb's has always been one of my favorite places to attend shows because they just have their stuff together and the pulled pork sandwich doesn't hurt either.  Temperatures started dropping very quickly so we decided to take shelter amongst the masses at the Clive Bar on Rainey Street for the Haggar Clothing/Filter on Rainey showcase. 

    If you're not familiar with Emily King, you need to be.  She was nominated for a Grammy (Best Contemporary R&B Album) in 2007, however I just now discovered her.  Her silky, smooth voice soared beautifully through the night air.  At least, I think it did. It was hard to hear with all of the yelling going on next door from the newly opened Container Bar.  I'm being facetious.  I was able to hear her and she put on just an incredible set.  In fact, someone needs to get her an ACL Live taping set up stat.  Since Aloe Blacc was playing there at midnight, the crowds started pouring in so we decided to head across the street to Bangers for the Dickies showcase. 

Emily King

    Now, normally I would never set foot in a place that had just recently been defiled by the presence of Justin Bieber, but Polica was playing and I wanted to see if lead singer, Channey Leaneagh, had refined her stage presence since the last time I saw her two years ago at The Parish.  Oh, and for the record, my computer has now been defiled by the Biebs…I mistakingly spelled his name "Beiber" and it corrected it to "Bieber." Now I know why he had to announce to the crowd at Bangers that "I go by the name of Justin Bieber."  Ok, back on track. Polica put on an amazing show and Channey, has in fact, found her groove.  Polica and Channey are just getting better with time and I am excited to see what they keep coming up with. 

Channey Leaneagh of Polica

    I never dreamed that I'd actually catch a pedicab, but when you have to hoof it back to Stubb's from Rainey Street you find yourself doing many inexplicable things.  We arrived back in time to catch St. Vincent (AKA Annie Clark) and she put on an energetic, guitar infused spectacle of a show.  I had seen her years ago at The Mohawk and, much like Channey Leaneagh, she has perfected her stage presence and I will most definitely be picking up her new self-titled album. 

    As you can tell by the Stubb's and Mohawk references, I have to mention the terrible tragedy that occurred last night. A little after 1:30am my wife received a text from her friend who is in from out of town and was at Cheer Up Charlie's for a showcase.  Her text read "Big accident outside Cheer Up Charlie's."  We had left Stubb's after St. Vincent so we were unaware of just how big and tragic this accident was.  Turns out so was her friend.  Earlier in the evening while waiting in line for the NPR showcase, I looked around, took notice of the crowds, the lack of police and I told Lauren that something bad was going to happen at SXSW sometime soon.  Little did I know that it would be just hours later that SXSW 2014 would be forever remembered for this tragedy instead of the music.  I commend the APD, the establishments affected by this accident and those that were there helping others. Please pray for the families, their loved ones and the lives that are now forever changed. As I woke up this morning my phone had many texts and missed calls asking if I were ok and it's nice to know how loved I am.  I never plan on taking that for granted. 

#SXSW
#NPRShowcase
#SlacksAreBack
#Dickies

SXSW 2012 March 15 Day Parties

I am not quite sure when this happened, but somewhere along the line SXSW became known for free day parties. This makes recovery from the night before a difficult

thing to accomplish. Coffee, coconut water and vodka quickly become the breakfast of champions (go away Wheaties...you would not be helpful at this juncture). Doors open early, the weather is nice, everyone smells the same, music is far too loud, everyone looks as if they have just escaped from "The Walking Dead" make-up trailer and most of your day is free. I actually prefer day parties. Being in advertising, I am not quite sure what the premise is behind giving people a lot of free booze and food, but now I remember how much I like Taco Bell Burritos. Wait, now I get it.

We started our day at The Parish where NPR was throwing a party. "Ain't no party like an

NPR party..." Sorry. Anyway, it wasn't as bad as it sounds on paper. In fact, we w

ere able to see Polica, who Time Magazine named one of the top five bands to see at SXSW. And it there's one thing Time Magazine knows it’s their, uh, music? We first had to sit through La Vida Boheme, who had thrown paint all over themselves for some inexplicable reason and the rapper Sugar Tongue Slim. He got me thinking: "How good is your street cred as a rapper if you're playing the NPR party?" He did sample Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" so

his street cred in the East Village might actually be pretty good.

Polica actually lived up to the hype. The Parish, which is the absolute best live music venue in Austin, was the perfect setting for them. This will be the last time you'll be able to see Polica in a venue of this size. I imagine that they'll be at La Zona Rosa on their next go round. Led by Channy Moon Casselle, who is definitely not comfortable in her own skin on stage yet, Polica is one to watch.

For some reason we moved on to the Hype Hotel (could it be the call of the

Bean Burrito?) where we were greeted with free drinks and food. We came for Youth Lagoon, but stayed for Alabama Shakes. Their album is expected to drop (drop...I'm so cool) on April 3 and it sounded as if it is going to end up in my

year end top 10 for 2012. Many vodkas later we decided that it was time to cross under I-35 to go pick up our Rachael Ray passes *(Note to Rachael: You are one of only two people that I would cross I-35 for). Before we made it there we heard what sounded like Fun. (the band, not actual fun). It was Fun. They were playing the Woody Awards stage. My inner

12 year old self wants to make a joke right now, but I will restrain him. We had to stay and listen to them so we get our 4 free drink tickets and headed in. Unfortunately the only thing that they were serving was sake. Now don't get me wrong, I love sake. It's how I get all of my grains, but it just wasn't cold enough to drink under the hot Austin sun. And seriously....sake? Really? We couldn't even pay for a real drink. Speaking of

free and drinks, I imagine that with all of the free food and booze dished out over the course of SXSW leads to an influx of homeless. *It's like Hanukkah for Homeless. I'd be here. Anyway, we continue on our trek and once we get to the Rachael Ray pickup my current girlfriend and see

My Ex-Friend (not a band). We exchange awkwardness and move on to Lustre Pearl for the Dickie's Party. Every year this event gets bigger and better. It is almost known for booking artists that will soon blow up. The daytime lineup is as strong as the nighttime lineup and it's all free. Get there early enough and you'll see

better acts than we had 2 ACL's ago. We went for

Miike Snow, but it was Yacht that takes the award for best show I saw at SXSW 2012. The energy that this band has is infectiously electric. See them by any means necessary. That sounded like an order, but it was more of a suggestion.

So to sum up:

Day parties= FREE

Day parties= LONG DAYS

We saw:

La Vida Boheme

Sugar Tongue Slim

Polica

Youth lagoon

Alabama Shakes

Fun.

Ex-Girlfriend (not a band)

Miike Snow

Yacht

All in all, not a bad day. Just two more to go.

*Yes Lauren, the other one is you.

*I can say these things because I can.

SXSW 2012 March 14 Size Does Matter

It was only Day 2 of music, but tempers seemed to be a little high. I'm not talking traffic type tempers. It was more like Dirty Sixth type tempers where fights break out over a Jello shot. For those of you who aren't familiar with Dirty Sixth, it's the area of Sixth Street from IH-35 to Congress. If you can't walk two feet without hearing “No Cover! Ladies Drink Free!" then you know you're there. The reason for this sentiment, and temper flare-ups, has to be because of the size that SXSW has grown to.

The most frequently overheard comment at SXSW this year had to be "this just seems to get bigger every year." I pondered that thought (which really isn't saying much since I also ponder how anyone can watch "The Big Bang Theory"), and I really had no answer. That is, until I saw all of the make shift stages that had been erected all over downtown. From rooftops to parking lots, stages were everywhere. Sure, these stages allowed people to watch free music, but they also substantially cut the parking down as well as increased the number of attendees. More music equals more people and since there weren't any hotels built in 2011 these people were locals. So, a quick recap: more people, yet the same amount of officers on the Austin Police Department. I was never very good at math, but this equation seems wrong to me. We were at Fiona Apple when someone exclaimed “There’s a brawl outside of the Hype Hotel!” Yes, he was reading that on Twitter. How can the APD possibly be expected to handle crowds of this size? It’s like “The Birds...” there are just too many attendees per officer. On Monday night there was an incident at The Parish where 4,000 people had RSVP’d to a party that would only accommodate 300-400 people so, again, APD had to step in. One of these years at SXSW we will see an incident like we did years ago here in Austin when Mardi Gras got out of control. Trust me, I go every year to SXSW and it is building.

Anyway, I don’t want to focus on something that I can’t control. I’d much rather discuss what I can control and that is my SXSW schedule. We started our day watching Fun. play an acoustic set in the Waterloo Records parking lot. Unreal. To see the band that has the #1 song on Billboard’s Hot 100 with "We Are Young" at the best record store in the world (sorry Amoeba) was pretty special. They are in elite company since they are the first rock band to top that chart since Coldplay in 2008. Before that it was Nickelback in 2001. Ok, so maybe it’s not so elite. We were on a mission to see Fiona Apple and, since we only had wristbands, we needed to move quickly so that we could stand in line at Stubb’s. We finally made it inside just as she was taking the stage. At least, I think it was her… we were very far back. She delivered a knock out performance. Her set list blended perfectly (with the exception of the acquired taste of “Extraordinary Machine”) and it’s nice to have her back. I hope she stays. Not here in Austin though. The APD can’t handle it.

SXSW 2012 March 13 Day 5: Lines

Author's note: It is Wednesday afternoon and I am recapping my Tuesday experience. If this entry seems a little off it's because I am standing in the Waterloo Records parking lot writing this on my iPhone while listening to the worst metal band ever. At least Fun. is up next.

I don't understand lines. I mean, I understand line dancing, but not lines like I saw yesterday. Ok, in the spirit of full disclosure I really don't understand line dancing. I was just trying to be cool. At any rate, apparently this year is all about standing in lines: wristband lines, free party lines, bar lines...

My girlfriend and I thought it would be a good idea to get a jump on things and pick up our music wristbands early this year. We get downtown around 11:30am and to no surprise, if you read yesterday's entry, couldn't find parking. Brilliant idea: valet at Moonshine for $10. Don't judge me just yet Judgey McJudgerson, we did end up eating at Moonshine so we didn't just use it for it's valet services. Anyway, we arrived at the Austin Convention Center and were pleasantly greeted by a short line. Five minutes in line tops. Since the Convention Center is only slightly smaller than the Death Star it took 15 minutes to walk through the convention center, but it was worth it. By far the best SXSW wristband line I have ever waited in. I didn't have time to complain or anything. They really had their stuff together so I have to commend them on that. I don't commend often so, uh, you're welcome Convention Center. I only wish that you had been in charge of the line at the Hype Hotel presented by Taco Bell.

The Hype Hotel line was a different story all together. You would think that after 100+ days of 100 degree weather last year that my armpits and back would be acclimated to heat. Not the case. Wearing work clothes while waiting an hour and a half in balmy, humid 80 degree weather? I felt like a swamp thing of some kind. I did notice one thing while looking at the line. There is a major difference between a long "badge" line and a long "free party" line. The people, the attitude...everything is just a little different. and by a little, I mean a lot. People who RSVP for free shows feel entitled. Like the Wayne Wright commercials, "they deserve respect and justice so they demand it." At least that's their mentality. And rightfully so. I mean, they ARE getting in for free. Anyway, slowly the line moved and we received our wristband and "hotel" key. Would it be worth it? Would Oberhofer, Miniature Tigers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Delta Spirit deliver? Would it live up to the "Hype?" I wouldn't find out until later.

Fast forward to later. We arrive at the Hype Hotel at 6:40pm and (spoiler alert) wait in line. We wait for an hour and a half. So for those of you keeping score at home, that is 3 hours and 5 minutes (can't forget the music wristband line) of waiting in line. I'm sure those of you at home find this line waiting silly and I couldn't agree more. There has to be a more productive use of our time. And they say humans are evolved. Once inside the Hype Hotel (which is the converted Coppertank) we are handed drink tickets. Note to self: if someone hands you drink tickets when you walk into a venue they are doing so as an apology for making you wait. Remember, nothing is free. Just saying. The bar lines move quickly since the options (vodka and beer) were pretty much limited.

Me: "I'll have a Forty Creek and Coke."

Bartender: "Yeah, we don't have that."

Me: "Ok, I'll have a Crown and Coke."

Bartender: "Me too! but, we don't have that."

Me: "Well, what do you have?"

Bartender (handing me a vodka): "This."

No options=fast lines. If only more places had limited options this world would be a much faster place. Overall the evening was perfect. Great music, "free" drinks, and Dorito tacos presented by Taco Bell. Ok, the night was almost perfect...

SXSW 2012: Day 3 "Differences"

The hipsters are out, there's no where to park and I have two cases of Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager at home...yes, SXSW 2012 is in full swing. Yes, I did just name drop a seasonal beer and, yes, that is something a hipster would do. Anyway, I refer to it as "SXSW 2012" because each year there are differences in the conference. Some are big, some are impossible to spot with the untrained eye, but they're there. Parking (the lack thereof), Hipsters (their attire) and the commercialization (from a local stand point) changes each year. I am a devoted music fan through and through and SXSW is my Mecca. Not that I'd bow to it or anything. In fact, if you do see me doubled over at any point during SXSW, please....call for help.

Speaking of calling, if the afternoon parking on a Sunday afternoon is ANY indication as to what this upcoming week will be like I would highly suggest calling a cab. However, cabs take hours to arrive and if you use your phone the battery will die and you will spend your afternoon at a recharging station. No, you have to pay to park. All garages take cash, most take cards and some are even now taking first borns. $20 to park? I expect that from Chicago, but this is Austin and $20 can get you pretty far. The parking lots and garages are only able to charge these asinine amounts because of the lack of street parking. The "Valet Parking Only from 3pm-Forever" signs have been replaced with "Special Event Parking-Permit Required" signs. There is very little street parking, but don't worry, if there is a spot available there will be some nice transient that will point out the spot to you and expect you to give them money for their highly evolved pointing skills. And what happens if you don't tip them? Well that I do not know because I wouldn't dream of not tipping and leaving my car for them to "watch over." So, expect to pay a lot more for your parking spot than you did last month. Honestly, I don’t know how hipsters can afford it.

I attend the Music conference of SXSW every year, but it has been some time since I've attended the Interactive conference. I'm here to tell you, there is a great difference between Music Hipsters and Interactive Hipsters. For one, Interactive Hipsters have more Apps than Tats. This causes them to have their noses buried in their iPhones and iPads instead of a Chronicle. The clothing is a little different as well. There are more button downs at the Interactive conference than there are at the Music conference, and none of those buttons are pearl snaps. There is also a difference in Interactive vs. Music facial hair. There is much more product in a Music mustache than in an Interactive mustache. The Interactive parties are a little different as well. For example, when entering the Conduit party I was greeted by a HUGE statue of an Oreo cookie in celebration of its 100 year Anniversary. Yes, Oreos and beer…that’s Interactive.

If Oreo has somehow made their way into SXSW then you know that the competition to have your product and/or service in front of the masses has become fierce. Every year local businesses are confronted with how they are going to market their themselves to those who will never be repeat customers. I understand maximizing profits while there is a storm of out-of-towners, but it seems as if these businesses advertise/market more during SXSW than they do throughout the ret of the year. I take it personally that they only want my money for 1 week out of the year. Talk to me year-round and I may be more willing to patron your establishment.

That is enough observation for one day. Now, how do I sneak into the Jay-Z show....