SXSW VIA SYN
Dear SX (South By), Let me start this off with my reality; I DID NOT WANT TO GO TO SXSW. Yes, you read that right. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t see the point when you’re not a performer and at that point not “real Press.” This soon-to-be expensive excursion seemed to be pointless but after saving some dollars and realizing “Why the hell not?” I jumped on the plane with Mahdi and Lexi to see what SXSW was really about. Like most new experiences you want to compare it to the things you’ve known. However, South By was different than most festivals I’ve been to. It was a true mixture of conference meets festival with the day being filled with conference goers/ art enthusiasts and the night being filled with party goers. The commonality with the days we went: MUSIC (of course). Music was the thing that brought most of the attendees during our time in Austin. It was intertwined in all aspects of the day/night because at any point, there was a rapper/singer/performer/iPhone/homeless man/YOU NAME IT, trying to get someone to listen to what they had to say. See someone fashionable? They probably have a song for you. See a man with eight girls in matching t-shirts? They probably have a mixtape for you but really… THEY ALL HAD MIXTAPES FOR YOU. LBVS. (Ask Dirty.) CW did our best to “KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD, MAN!” but Austin was a hub of dope sh**. From natural hair love all over the place, to exhibits, to live music anywhere and everywhere; we saw it all. We interviewed a group of female boss ladies (interview on pg. 13), got really amazing food, peeped some celebrities, went to see a Milwaukee-based documentary, saw AMAZING performers and witnessed a bunch of (what we call) FUGAZI, both good and bad. Then, (since we’re creatives), we had to do a photoshoot transforming our Austin hotel to a Miami cabana (at least for a couple of hours). This continually intertwined with music, more music, and then more fugazi. J Rena (from Atlanta) was dope. OSHUN and the Live Life Loud Band was amazing. AJ Tracey (from London) was smooth. Kodie Shane was fiya. Saba killed it and we’re basically friends now. And then this man; Jazz Cartier....dope beats, decent bars but for his performance.... Well I can say you will probably never see Jazz perform at another official SXSW showcase again. **PRO-TIP... Stay on the stage and the ground and don’t kick the staff and don’t beat up security and well you get the point.**
All in all, SXSW without a badge was still as fun and entertaining as any festival would be. You will pay some money for shows ($5-$20 depending the size of the show) if they’re not free with an RSVP. You will meet some dope people that genuinely want to connect (even if some are fake). You’ll see/meet some celebrities, if that’s your thing. And you’ll burn off all the calories! My tips for newcomers next year: • Get a sponsor if you can lol • RSVP RSVP RSVP • Download the SXSW Go App • Bring SQUAD • Wear comfy shoes • Spend the extra money for the hotel Downtown (It’s worth it.) • If you don’t have a badge and really want to see a certain artist, go REALLY early to wait in line • Bring a portable phone charger • Get kimchi fries from Chi’lantro (the food truck) You’re welcome. See you next year SX. You won me over. /Carsyn aka Syn