For those of you who have gone to SXSW -- is it worth it to buy a music badge ($375) or should I take a different route? It breaks down to $75/day for as many shows as I can possibly see. Any pointers? I'm debating about going.

Aural, Just for possibilty's sake, I'd begin now to foster some relations with the Austin Chronicle music staff, they might be able to wrangle if you're in tight by next year...just a thought. (I worked there during the 93-94 shows. Many in the office as a practice had badges/comps...then that was ten years ago, and [understatement]its bigger now[/understatement] daddy used to say, "Work the angles, son!"

I have intial plans to head down this year as well...

Although NAMM is in Austin too in July, but im sure SXSW will be tons more fun.

I did not have a badge for the first night in 2004. I payed $30 to get into a show at Stubb's (let's not even take a guess at how much I spent on beers) and it was fine, except I felt obliged to stay there all night.

Then, my buddy got me a discounted pass. It was tight, cos you could show hop, and you feel a bit more like part of the crowd with your wristband

That said, show hopping is kinda hard. I had to sit through Blanche and The Thrills (love the first album, will brain that dude if I see him again) to see The Walkmen, and if I had gotten in to see Franz accross teh street, I'd've never made it IN to The Walkmen.

The last night there was only one show I wanted to see (Yoakam/Truckers) so that was an easy choice.

I would get one, just to have it, if I went again.

Guys, here's a well known secret.

At SXSW, just buy a Wristband...they are 1/4th the cost of a badge and it gets you into all the shows and parties...just not the lame ass panels that no one goes to anyways because they are all at the shows and parties.

they do not advertise this, you pick them up in Austin...I did it one year and had a much better time.

You didn't like Blanche? I love the record.. Would be very up for seeing em live. or were you just so anxious to see the Walkmen, that any openers would have sucked?

Unless you have the energy to attend the film festival, conferences and all the music to cure what ails ya, I wouldn't even bother with that $375 Gold Premium Badge nonsense. Get the $115-30 wristband that gives you access to any & all shows - arrive early to the choicest acts to assure a spot in the crowd. Save your money for booze & accomodation - you can eat once you get back to La-La.

I've done the above on three separate occasions and my bracelet has yet to fail. Hopefully, I'll see you there.

They were pretty good, that chick is HoTT, the dude, an S-grade Lyle Lovett wannabe, and the songs were OK, but I just really wanted to see The Walkmen, and they did NOT dissapoint.

And as for my above statements yeah, I meant I got DAT Wristband.

If you record some music and send it in, and they pick you, you get in to shows for free.

Thanks, everyone (especially Dave), for all the helpful info! Now, I need to make myself an Austin pal so that he/she can buy my wristband in advance. Not to mention, start making hotel reservations, etc.

tania- let's do it! i'm set on going next year, since i wasn't able to go this year. plus, a few friends from ny always go to sxsw so i want to party with them there.

keep me informed. i hear sxsw is good times.

I'll definitely keep you in the loop! Yay! More people to party in Tejas!

yeah i'm trying to convince someone from la to go. granted some other kids from all over will be there that i will meet up with, but it would be better to have someone from la go- naw mean?

i'm set on going.

sxsw in march.
mutek in june.

fuck yeah.

im 75% in.

I thought loogar HATED the Walkmen for some reason.

what would be better, ACL or SXSW?

Now you're talkin'!!!

No, I just like Bows and Arrows better than Everybody Who Pretended to Like Me.

I do not know the answer to you question, but would like some input from those who in the know. Stu? Moxie?

i might be able to help you get a wristband if you still need someone. dunno much about it though

That would be very nice of you!

I would love to go to this thing but the flight cost keeps me from pulling the trigger.

Why is it so damn expensive to fly to Austin?

If I booked a flight right now it'd be around $400.

I checked flights to LA and it's cheaper to get a flight from Atl to LA than it is to fly into Austin.

????

Small airport and limited number of carriers, I think.

You and the rest of the ATL posse just fly into Dallas, and I'll chauffeur you boys to Austin in the family truckster. You can watch The Last Waltz and other openly qual music DVDs en route from Big D to A-TX.

Problem solved...

do you think it's better to get a wristband in advance or will they sell out?

i'm thinking about going to this.

I really wish they would do a NxNE. Or a NxNW.

No, wait, that one's been done.