Milwaukee Rock Music Examiner guest writer and
ALL~MOST FAMOUS VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE correspondent
SXSW is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Sure there's the parties and the booze, but more than this, is the overwhelming sense of unity, celebration , encaptured in the abundance of creativity. Everywhere you go is music, music, and more music. Austin has done well to minimize the impact of corporate corruption. A term I've coined; Corpurruption. Austin is an island, a guardian, a protector, a haven. Here, there is no separation between musician and fan. The streets are filled with those that paved the pilgrimage, to discover and enjoy what we love most, music, and particularly, live music.
Most shows I've been to outside of Austin, there is a strict separation, a barrier, between audience and performer. Here at SXSW, the audience is integrated and embraced, as part of the performance. Crowds surge and sway; clapping and shouting, accompany the bands and artists, amplifying the energy and experience of the crowd and musicians alike. It's tactile and real, dancing and joviality are spontaneous and plentiful. The streets and clubs swell with absolutely smitten personalities, most having the time of their lives.
Planning here is probably foolish. Why target a specific artist at a specific time? Already I'm struggling to identify a half-dozen artists that blew my mind. I saw the sets for only half an hour, and in passing, and I still feel the impact of the last, as I run across another show.
That's the point, and the takeaway. The camaraderie, and bringing the largest slice of SXSW and the spirit of Austin, Texas back home. This is exactly what I plan to do. Bring home the stories, the immense music information, and the enlightenment of South by Southwest to all who ask me, how was @SXSW?
Editor-Kellie Levans
Writer-Chris (Chrud) KazMoron
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