South-by-southwest is synonymous with new music and awesome bands. If you’re in a band trying to grow your fan base and start your career, this is the music festival you want to play. We put together the top 6 reasons you should play SXSW, and advice on how to make the most of your time there. So, why should you play?
1. Generate New Fans – The number one reason why you should hop in your van, and drive down to Austin for this year’s South By is not for the free stuff and late night parties. It is for the potential fans waiting to hear your music. With over 40,000 people attending last year’s event, SXSW can be an amazing opportunity to get your music in front of a large audience over the course of a few days. So, when you decide to go, go prepared and go hard. Play as many gigs as you can, print CDs, make cassettes, do everything you can to get your music out there! See if other bands in your area are heading down, and plan out a joint trip. SXSW is not cheap, but it can be done. Just make sure that your number one priority for SXSW is the music and the fans. The fun will follow.
2. Get Noticed – This should go hand-in-hand with generating new fans, but this is for those fans that write for music blogs, and run labels. SXSW is a great place to turn heads, and get some stellar write-ups. The more shows you play; the more chances you have to get a spot on a “top ten list”, or a handshake with a label. Boston’s Viva Viva were luckily enough to be awarded with Converse’s Golden Record a few years back, and like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this golden ticket got them into the Converse studio where they recorded an EP. This all came from a gig they rocked at SXSW. Last month, we chose Viva Viva as our Sonicbid’s sponsored artists at Boston Calling, a hometown event that brought in more than 20,000 attendees. They are a great example of a band that takes advantage of all opportunities placed in front of them (and make incredible music along the way). SXSW is a place where opportunities can happen.
3. Network with Other Bands- Thousands of musicians make the pilgrimage to Austin each March. Get to know them! When you’re not playing shows, go check out other bands and talk to them. SXSW is a great place to meet artists, and get a feel for what scenes are like in different cities around the country. Find bands that you like and trade your music for theirs. If nothing, else it will pay off when on your next tour and you need a floor to crash on.
4. Get a Feel for the Industry- Outside of bands; SXSW showcases a large talent of the music industry. Labels executives, critics, brands, writers, filmmakers, essentially anyone who works with or around music, will be there. Listen to what these people have to say. Attend panels, go to meet-and-greets, get drinks, do everything you can to go back home with more information on the industry then you left with. If you ever want to make the jump from the basement scene to a label, this is an important step in that direction. Find out what you love about the music industry, and what you hate about it.
5. Go Viral- Sometimes is only takes one video to kick-start your career. With hundreds of shows going on daily at SXSW, everyone is looking for that one performance that was so incredible it has to be seen by the world. A prime example of this is Charles Bradley. The Screaming Eagle of Soul was 63 when he debut his first album in 2011. Two months later he was at SXSW. He played a show for KEXP in a small bike shop, and the rest is history. His rendition of “Why is it so Hard” blew up. Everyone I knew was sharing that video. Soon Charles Bradley was a leading name in the neo-soul movement, and a critically recognized artist. Two years later, I will still remember that video as the first time I heard Charles Bradley. This is possible for any band with the talent, and determination to do well and make it in America.
6. Have Fun- SXSW may seem like a lot of work, but if you can make it, it is worth it. If you are going to head to Austin this March, make sure to have fun and don’t get stressed out along the way. Remember why you are there: to play music for people who want to listen and have a good time. Some of the biggest names in music show up in Austin to throw down. Go and check them out. Get inspired! Your first SXSW should be an incredible experience; don’t let it be a bad one. Go prepared, and read over our tips on how to play SXSW. Take every opportunity you can, and run with it. Play ten shows in two days, get drinks with all 40,000 attendees, and see every show you can! So, get your EPK together, start practicing, and apply to apply to SXSW. Good luck, and have a blast!
