I know that this is a bit late since SXSW has already come and gone, but I really was amazed at what I experienced this year. I am not one that will buy a SXSW music wristband. I have never been that person. I will, however, jump on any bandwagon of free shows that the craziness brings to town. This year was better than ever for a poor person without that VIP pass.
I started reading blog updates and following different Twitter feeds in January. The goal was to see who was coming to town and when I might be able to catch some free shows. One of my friends had even started her own blog for all of the free SXSW parties with food, free booze and some kick-butt music. By February, I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of “underground” conversations and insight I was finding on the internet.
Basically, with a little bit of blog research, following Twitter feeds and signing up to receive sponsor updates, I was able to be “in the thick of it” this year. I ended up taking Friday off to enjoy the day parties and follow my mobile updates for more schwag and food. Friday night was reserved for the newly famous Fader Fort party. There was big news that Kanye West was going to be hitting that venue, but nobody knew what day. By keeping up with all of the Twitter feeds and blog posts, when the news broke, I was going to know!
Friday came and went. Still no Kanye. That was okay by me since there was still one more night at Fader. There were a few more hyped parties that I wanted to hit, but unfortunately, the stars weren’t aligning. During the day on Saturday we hit the Do 512 party, The Big One 2009. All I had to do was RSVP on the website and I got free Sweet Leaf Tea, LoneStar Beer and good music..seriously, who can ask for more than that?
Knowing that the rumors were flying about Kanye’s appearance, we knew we had to hit the Fader Fort party pretty early to make sure that we got it. After only half an hour in line, we made it and all of the rumors were true! Not only Kanye West, but Common, Erykah Badu, Kid Cudi and MORE! I had such a blast and am doing it again next year.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen with all of the wristband buyers because it seems to me that you don’t have to pay VIP prices to have an all access pass. You just need to find those that have gone viral! Next year I’m starting earlier so that perhaps I can make it into those coveted parties that I didn’t make this year…and I tried, believe me, I tried!