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SXSW: Too many townies?
Hmmm. Just got off the phone with someone who reinforced what I’d been thinking. At times downtown during SXSW it seemed that the number of uncredentialed civilians to badgies and wristies was about 47- 1. The Levi’s/ Fader Fort gave out 17,000 wristbands and on the occasions I looked at the lines that stretched down E. Fifth St., not even bothering to get out of the car, there were many more folks without badges than with.
Sorry, Austin. Love ya, but the bands aren’t flying it at their own expense from all over the world to play for a room full of tattooed daycare workers and hip spring breakers who knew enough to rsvp online and overstate their music biz affiliations. (“I’m in band offspring management.”)
Can’t blame anybody for wanting to get as much out of SXSW as they can. More power. But if the overseas bands aren’t getting career results for playing private parties because all the booking agents, record reps, critics and DJs they invited are outside waiting, they’re gonna stop playing parties. But, then, maybe since they’ve come all this way, they might as well play.
Here’s what happening as far as I can tell. Party celebs like Rachael Ray and Perez Hilton and their sponsors want to come off as inclusive, plus they love the energy that freeloading townies bring to an event, so they make sure the public gets a crack at these “private” invites. The line outside Maggie Mae’s Saturday afternoon for Ray’s party featuring the New York Dolls and Hold Steady, was about three blocks long. Even approved media had to wait 45 minutes to an hour to get in, as the place quickly filled up with kids whose shift at Thundercloud didn’t start until 6 p.m. Having given up after about 15 minutes in the heat, I still have never seen the Hold Steady, who are touted as a great live band, but I’ve seen pictures and I don’t think that’s possible.
It could be, ironically enough, that the proliferation of day parties are actually helping the official SXSW showcases. SXSW organizers have long viewed these unsanctioned fringe-dwellers, which numbered more than 200 venues this year, as barnacles on the bow of their vessel. But since the hometown hellions learned to crash those parties- there’s nothing like getting totally wasted and then fed for free- it’s opened up space at the official showcases. Half of Austin is passed out by 9 p.m. (and ready to party again at 2.)
Meanwhile, the long lines to get into parties send many in the industry back to the Convention Center for the panels, trade show, TV tapings and the like that have long been a somewhat ignored part of SXSW.
Maybe this is the way it was meant to be. Amazing how there seemed to be no friction between SXSW and the “piggybaggers” this year.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment Categories: SXSW 2009
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By Bob
March 23, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
Michael,
It seemed this year had many more people down in the entertainment districts hanging out just for the spectacle and not interested in attending the official showcases.
As far as you missing the Hold Steady though, why didn’t you attend their headlining show at the Parish last summer? That show didn’t sell out until the day of the show.
By Jeff
March 23, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
I think the day party scene is the perfect “townie” compliment to the official festival. It allows the locals to enjoy and support the festival, and then the “black wardrobe” brigade can attend the official showcases.
By Will
March 23, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
…or the two other day shows the Hold Steady played, or their showcase at the Mohawk, or their gig early last year at Emos.
Seriously, we’re reviewing bands based on pictures of them now? Yeesh. At least take 30 seconds to check out a youtube video or something, good lord.
So you’re arguing there should more execs at the day parties? Yeah, hopefully those up and comers the NY Dolls and The Hold Steady can get that sweet record deal they’ve been waiting for. I’m sure they’d much rather play to disinterested badge holders tweeting on their blackberries than people jumping up and down and singing along to every song.
Seriously though, check out the Hold Steady. They’re amazing.
By CH
March 23, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Your entire argument here makes absolutely no sense.
Do the bands fly into austin to play for tattooed daycare workers and high school kids?? umm..YES. if they’re signed up to play an unofficial party. they know exactly what they’re getting into.
SXSW has enough official parties for you and all your fancy prestigious badge holders.
the FREE day parties are FREE PARTIES. for people. not just people in the biz. just because there were a couple parties that for once you weren’t able to get into.
get over it.
find something else to complain about, and enjoy the billion shows that you are able to get into with your FREE press pass.
By Steve
March 23, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Michael, I really appreciate all the news tips and opinions you post on 360. Your work is very much appreciated. However I cannot help but think you’re whining a bit here and need an entitlement check. You’ve had myriad opportunities to see The Hold Steady play at Emo’s over the years and they played at least three times during SXSW. They are a great live band and yes they have a significant frat boy/meat-head element in their fan base which makes me wince. Just like many great hardcore bands, at no fault of their own, have total sociopaths and homophobes come to their shows. But I don’t understand what you mean when you say you’re judging them based on pictures? Their CD’s sure, but by photos? WTF? And as a wristband townie who’s attended many many SXSW’s, lamenting that you tried waiting for 15 whole minutes is a bit Princess and the Pea, brother. It’s a jump to argue about poor career results by citing a well-established success like The Hold Steady who were not here to officially showcase. Most townies have waited for hours to see favorites while watching the monied non-industry badgies walk right in. Levi’s/Fader was about selling pants and getting their brands out there, not being a benevolent unsigned band charity just the way TV is about selling you and me to advertisers. The programming is incidental, but they can’t get folks to just watch commercials so networks have to bother to create content. You’re a great writer Mike and a real asset to Austin but man critics really don’t move units as much as they some times think. Who cares about Fader? You put Kayne on a bill and what do you expect? Cheers.
By Kidding ME
March 23, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? What a spolied brat you are.
By Phil
March 23, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Of course, a lot of the townies in Austin will blog, talk about the bands they saw, and help with the overall hype that bands coming to SXSW in the first place. I’d even guess that fans at a day show would be more genuinely enthusiastic than, say, weathered rock critics sounding a little weary of their umpteenth SXSW experiences.
By Laurie Lyons
March 23, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
This made me want to vomit. I had media credentials. I had a front place in line. I would never begrudge my fellow Austinites to take advantage of the megafest that takes over and disrupts their town for two weeks. Get down off your high horse and remember what it was like before you got up there.
By modlang
March 23, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
Gentle readers, lighten up. Corcoran is messing with you.
The line “…the Hold Steady, who are touted as a great live band, but I’ve seen pictures and I don’t think that’s possible” was obviously a sarcastic joke.
The best polemicists - like Corcoran - get people talking by saying/writing things that press people’s buttons and start conversations.
Looks like he’s pulled it off again. Cheers, Michael.
By Will
March 23, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
“Polemcists” eh? On the internet, they’re called by a much less pretentious name. Trolls.
By Tim Thompson
March 23, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
First, as someone stated above, you’re complaining about unofficial parties. These parties help to draw people away from the official showcases that are meant for industry people and the press. I have to say as a local wristband wearing patron, it was a lot easier than last year for me to get into showcases. I had no trouble jumping around from club to club and walking in, while huge lines of “townies” waiting in the ticket line had to stand outside. Then, when I walked into the clubs, they were only half-full. Heck, I had no trouble getting into the huge-a** Fader Fort at any time this year. Even for the Saturday Kanye show, I heard that there wasn’t even a line at 4pm.
Of course, parties like the Rachael Ray and Paris Hilton shows are going to be hard to get into. These people are celebrities, and they’re promoting their shows through their media networks. And let’s face it, both shows were a little underwhelming in the fresh talent department (the Thermals had already played 10+ shows, Bob Schneider played a free show at Auditorium Shores, and the SemiPrecious band was all hype and no talent from what I read).
My theory is that it wasn’t even the “townies” you’re talking about who invaded the unofficial parties. Non-industry college students, 20- and 30-somethings found out about it through the Interwebs, and flew in on their spring breaks instead of heading to the beach spots they usually frequent.
What’s funny is that seeing photos of the music panels, I noticed that the people were talking to half-empty rooms. If there’s something driving more people to the SXSW Music day activities, shouldn’t the organizers be happy about it? Interactive is full for both the day and the night components.
By andy
March 23, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
the more success the more hate. lol love it. or hate it. you’re choice also. lol.
By ATX
March 23, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
What a waste of words.
By Actual Music Lover Who likes Thundercloud employees and tats
March 23, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
Let’s see…
Two years ago Louis Black and his cronies tried to shut down 50 or so unofficial parties by tattling like schoolgirls to the fire marshals the day of the unofficial parties.
This year you are trying to make unofficial parties not open to the public.
What gives?? Why does it threaten you that actual music lovers get to get out and support bands for free? This town has always housed more music lovers than about anywhere, and many of us cant afford the SXSW badges, and have always been overrun by the crowds in March.
Well now there is something for us to do too.
You and your elitists stick to your official, actual SXSW shows. I genuinely don’t mind if I don’t see a review from you of an unofficial show.
As a final thought, I saw a band that I really liked at a free party on thursday. Friday, I saw them at a show just listening to the music. I told them that their set on Thursday was one of my highlights so far, as I’d listened to them for years and never gotten to see them. She said that me saying that made their trip (which she said put them in the hole $2000) all worth it, and invited me to their official showcase later in the week.
I’m pretty sure the bands are ok with playing free shows for their fans…
By Michelle King
March 23, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
I think you need a SERIOUS attitude adjustment if you think that the people of Austin are going to conform and everyone will pay and everyone will go get a badge next year. The whole scene of any festival is made by the town it is in from within. Personally I’m offended by the term as you choose to call it ” townies” I am an Austinite, and I refuse to be called by any other name. You should be proud of Austin. Never should a writer put down the people that FEED HIM!
By thad
March 23, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Corky, if your rant is supposed to be satire it comes across more Taylor Swift than Jonathan Swift.
But on the off chance you’re serious…just remember…rock n roll ain’t for the suits….it’s for the great unwashed.
By rich townie
March 23, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
Badges are too expensive to justify, wristbands are ineffective for entry to any good show.
I have a much better time at the day shows anyway. Thank you Yard Dog, Home Slice, Continental Club and the rest of my enablers!
By Simplygreg
March 23, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
This is flame bait, right? Please tell me this isn’t a true opinion so I can continue to carry a little respect for you.
By Brian
March 23, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this
By Mr. Jones
March 24, 2009 6:42 AM | Link to this
You pretentious clown. Sorry this journalism gig isn’t working out the way you expected.
By Lily
March 24, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
While I agree that SXSW is a tool for many artists to network and get introduced to record deals and industry people, it is also definitely a way for them to get exposure by attracting new fans that will support them in the long run so that they can be successful. Without us “little people”, they would not have the opportunity to even play at SXSW and the festival would not be as successful as it has become.
By adam brewer
March 24, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t stand in line like a herd of sheep, come check out the Texas Rockfest next time. It was far better than any of those club shows!
By CF
March 24, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
On the surface this post appears to be just an elitist rant by somebody who is upset that they could not get into a party. But, if you read between the lines there may be another message. The author seems to be pondering a bleak future for SXSW in which the bands stop coming after wiseing-up to the ‘truth’ that they are just playing for a bunch of ‘townies’ who didn’t even buy wristbands and not the important people who can actually help them. (i.e himself) Judging from what I saw SXSW seems pretty healthy and I don’t think this theory holds water. Or maybe this is an indictment on free parties in general? Whatever the point was it got lost when he tried to blame it on the locals, who are probably the only ones reading this stuff.
By Gil
March 24, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
If a band plays at a non SXSW show and on their own website advertises “NO BADGES or WRISTBANDS REQUIRED” That just what they mean. Most bands at are tired of “the industry” telling them if they are worthy enough for a deal. The would rather play for crowds that took off work and stood in line hours just to see them. Bands want fans not elitist jerks that are just there to be seen.
By Out of townie
March 25, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
The only thing
By RayRay
March 26, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this
Are you serious?
I’m taking this is a joke
By amy
March 26, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
Why you are doing all this *****, let me guess something? The statesman paid for your badge, right? or it was comped because of your “biz affiliations”?
By Porter
March 26, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
The funny thing about the badge holders who whine about not getting into shows is the fact that the shows they are trying to get into isn’t something that 99% of the “townies” (are we in Bahston here?) have any interest in. Most of the bands at those “hip” parties we can easily see later at another venue…and we don’t care one iota for the “stars” there. I had no problem walking straight in to see the Hold Steady at the free show the next day at Club DeVille (thanks to blogger coalition Hot Freaks and Insound for hosting.) But honestly for the bulk of the press and badge people, it’s not really about seeing the bands, it’s about saying you saw that band at the Rachel Ray party or hanging with Kanye at Fader. Or whomever that other dude you were talking about is. Big whoop.
And honestly the bands despise the zoo-like atmosphere of SXSW because of what the press puts them through. They actually like playing for the fans who are there for the music and simply enjoy the show. So just live with the fact that we, the fans, are a necessary evil that you have to live with…we do the same with you.
By Cheif
March 26, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
“but the bands aren’t flying it at their own expense from all over the world to play for a room full of tattooed daycare workers and hip spring breakers” Well then, who are they playing for? Pretentious press snobs, perhaps?