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South By Southwest?

I am thinking of going to the festival in 2016, as part of a road trip from the UK. I have looked at the website and find it pretty confusing. Is it an event for civilians or for the industry? The site talks about buying expensive tickets to attend conferences, marketing lectures etc. I presume I wouldn't need that just to turn up and look for small venues, bars etc, to listen to some music and have a few beers, which is all I want. Do you pay to go to the small venues or do the artists manage on tips and CD sales? I presume there would be a number of acts each evening at the same site, I would be very happy to pay for that.

Sorry if this is all really basic stuff, but I am confused. Would you guys who have attended, recommend a trip? It sounds a lot of fun and a good way to look for new artists.
Thanks David
david12
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
I have been to SXSW several times, but it was in the first few years of the concept.

It was a magical and wonderful adventure each time. With that being said, you couldn't pay me to go now.

SXSW has become a major commercialized zoo. I agree with Whart. It probably depends on your age and anxiety level.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
A "badge" gets you into seminars and such and probably some shows which wristbands won't necessarily get you into. I enjoyed the seminars during my "badge" year, but that's me and it was about 25 years ago, somewhat different back then as has been previously noted.
A badge won't get you in to everything--I can't imagine what it took to see Prince at La Zona Rosa a few years back for instance. And then some things are accessible without even a wristband. I'm betting you could have an outstanding time with just the wristband. Any way you slice it there will be some regrets because of inability to get in or to be in two places at once.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
Thanks guys, it sounds like it has become to big and commercial. That seems true of many succssful projects. I will rethink my plans
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