SXSW Survival Guide

How Does SXSW Work?

SXSW is an overwhelming bombardment of music, parties, showcases, food, dancing, lines, people, drinking and all kinds of amazing adventure. It is a week of events that get many locals grumbling and hipsters rolling their eyes (while secretly checking their Twitter for the Fader RSVP to go live), but for me, SXSW is the greatest week of the year! It can best be broken down to day events and night and from there, official and unofficial events. Official means that SXSW has sanctioned the event. Unofficial means that SXSW officials are shaking angry fists at them and shouting in evil villain voices, "We'll get you next year!" I don't care either way. I'm just looking for great music and as much free booze as possible!

There are 3 ways to get into most events. Badges get first priority, wristbands second, and everyone else third. Many parties don't care what you have as long as you're on the RSVP. They will usually say that on their poster.

The days of SXSW are for parties because who doesn't love a week of day drinking under the Texas sun with a kick ass soundtrack? Most of these events need an RSVP (resources below) and then a willingness to show up early enough to guarantee your entry. With everything at SX, if you know where you want to go, just be prepared to get there early. If you're ambivalent, RSVP to as much as possible to give yourself plenty of options and then see where the spirit takes you. I have discovered so many great bands this way. Many of the parties will have free food and/or booze. It's amazing. Showcases do not and it's always startling after a day of free drinking when a bartender asks for money in exchange for your Lonestar.

Parties run day and night, but in the evening the official SX showcases also begin. These do not require an RSVP. If you do not have a badge or wristband, you can still get into showcases. All you have to do is make sure you're there super early, pay the cover at the door and you're in. The covers are pretty cheap and will get you a lineup of anywhere between 4-6 shows. Just make sure you plan ahead. I usually make a list of the main things I'd like to catch each day with back ups in case those don't work out.

SXSW is all about having a plan, especially if you're like me and in it to see as many great bands as possible. These tweeters will tell you everything you need to know about parties, both official and unofficial. Follow them because they are amazing. There is also a great spreadsheet that was published of many (but certainly not all) parties. I created a folder in my e-mail where I could send all of my RSVP's so they don't clog up my inbox.

@SXSWpartylist     @do512     @sxswfreedrinks     @Southbyfreenoms
@unofficialsxsw     @SXShhh     @sxswparty

*Most of these awesome resources also have facebook pages and/or websites. Check them out.

This just takes care of the parties, but there are also the showcases and the plethora of bands that you don't even know that you are going to fall madly in love with! So how do you know where to go?

Austin Bloggy Limits, Austin Town Hall, Ultra 8201, and ATX Sounds are some of my favorite local blogs and sites that have been doing a great job of previewing bands. I have also posted previews as well as some SXSW playlists of artists I think are worth checking out. 1st edition, 2nd edition, 3rd edition. Also use The Chronicle when it comes out this week and it's special SXSW edition and take note of the official booklet that lists all of the showcases.

Twitter can be your best friend during the week. Check it to find out what bands people are buzzing about, what lines are not worth waiting in, what parties are worth hustling to, where free food is, etc. The above mentioned tweeters will tell you everything you need to know and I will be excessively tweeting, especially while waiting in lots of lines.

Wear lots of sunblock, make lots of friends, take any excuse to dance in the streets, fall in love with new bands, drink free booze (because it just tastes better when it's free!) and have the time of your life. Find me during the fest and I'll interview you for my What Do You Love About Music Project, give you a sticker or just break out into song and dance with you because it's SX and why the hell not.

If you have more SXSW questions, leave them in the comment section, send me an e-mail or tweet me @accmusicblog

Happy SXSW!!

UPDATE: This is an amazing, if entirely overwhelming schedule