Get the 411 on SXSW Before Everyone Else Does

We just got back from Waterloo Records where we purchased two wristbands for SXSW Music. How on earth did we get them ahead of time? Our charming smile? Our heady blogger street-cred? Sleeping with Mr./Mrs. SX?

The answer is D) None of the Above.

The real reason we got the early jump is because we signed up for SXSW's SMS Service, which sends you text message updates with the latest buzz around the festival, including late schedule changes, surprise shows, special events and breaking news. (And the texts are even specifically targeted for whichever badge/wristband you have.) Take tonight, for example: We were sitting at home minding our own damn business around 7pm when we got a text saying that 600 advanced wristbands were on sale at Waterloo...right now (right then). Two per person until they sold out. We got there in a matter of minutes and got our two. As we left there was a line of about 200 people waiting for theirs. Sure enough, 40 minutes later we got a text saying they were sold out. That's technology at work, folks.

So, why are we telling you all this? Just to brag? No, no. To tell you to sign up, damn it. Who knows, maybe you'll get a text telling you where Snoop Dogg's Prizivate After Pizarty Izzle. (But probably not.)