Extra Extra: Your Vote Matters

I have only been to free shows for SXSW and they have always been packed way over capacity. What I don't understand about the Hitler Youth is that they seem so short-sighted. Guess what, dumbass? If SXSW fails (which I think is HIGHLY unlikely) then none of the day parties are going to happen because there will be no music fest to draw those corporations to Austin. They want to cut off their nose to spite their face.

mda-

grape is accurate that a change definitely started occurring about 3 years ago. that was also about the same time as wristbands and badges began having RF tags and the SXSW volunteers at the doors were armed with scanners. maybe the anti-counterfeiting RF tags also helped them count people on the way in, who knows?

part of that is because until the final band goes on at 1am, the clubs are trying to keep some buffer for badges to get in at the last minute. so there's almost no way that a club is at capacity between 9p and midnight.

anyway, my experiences over the past few years has definitely been that the venues are not quite as packed as you'd expect during a normal sold out show.

and, last year the cops/fire marshal was at both Emo's, Emo's Lounge, Emo's tent across the street, and the Mohawk every single time I went into those places at night. they were patrolling checking for handstamps to make sure drinkers were of age as well as making sure exits were not blocked, etc. sxsw definitely wasn't getting preferential treatment in that regard.

I don't think we're saying all clubs do it right, because there are irresponsible club owners who are more about cashing in than safety, but around 3 years ago I started noticing more room at shows in venues that traditionally had been packed in tight.

People will always hate SXSW, just like there are people who hate the idea of condos or commercial chains, but I've seen and heard the people I talked about every year and its always the same thing; bitching about not being able to see someone play because the price of wristbands is so high, but then talk about the $30 show they're going to see in two weeks. I just find it funny people can justify a single show for that much money, but can't see spending $150 to 100 bands.

I've been a wristbandee at enough SXSWs (although not for many years) to know that the clubs often are quite crowded; possibly on the edge of over. That's despite good entry control because sometimes it's a zoo; there's no way they had an accurate count in some of the shows I was in.

Once again, the argument against SXSW for shutting down parties and such is brought up and yet again, people still fail to understand that the shows that were shut down were in violation of the law and if a SXSW venue was in violation, they would be shut down as well. And as mentioned, SXSW venues are usually less crowded than a regular night due to the tight enforcement by the AFD and APD and TABC that constantly are in and out of the official venues during the festival.

Before complaining about big bad SXSW, remember that its an industry event for profit, not an event for the HDB population of Austin to see all of their lame bands in a friends store that is serving alcohol to minors and encouraging a long line to the bathroom for well....lines.

If you don't like SXSW, go out of town that week, but the fact of the matter is, all of you that are complaining love it and you just want to bitch about it because of some insane jealousy of those who pay for badges and wristbands and have an awesome week.

You'll be there, just like every year, drinking free beer and eating free food during the day shows (that are only there becasue of SXSW) and you'll bitch how the band you are watching for free that day can't play your friends party later because their management company signed a contract with big bad SXSW and how those people with badges are such losers and then you'll complain afterwards how you didn't get to see REM or the Beastie Boys like they did because you weren't going to pay $150 for a wristband. And while you're bithcing, you'll be standing and watching a show of 2 bands at Stubb's for $30 and not mentioning a word that you just paid that much to see only two bands.

mda-

you can call in, but i bet 99% of the official venues aren't over capacity during sxsw. when they stop letting people into emo's during sxsw because its "at capacity", it is waaaaaaay less crowded than it is during a normal sold out show or Free Week.

say what you will about sxsw, they keep the clubs (for the most part) at a reasonable level so if you do get in, you probably can see the band and won't get trampled in the event of an emergency. probably, as the Swenson interview alludes to, so their name doesn't show up as a headline saying "13 people trampled to death at SXSW fire".

in general, i would agree that it sucks that prices are so high and that sxsw appears to be going after non-festival events. but swensons comments this time around seem to emphasize that if you throw a party/show and don't advertise it as a sxsw related event, you're probably ok. especially if you follow the rules of being safe and on the up-and-up.

is it unreasonable for sxsw to want to keep their logo/name/brand associated with events they sanction? no.

and i don't think -- from this interview -- sxsw has any intention of shutting down day parties that are free that everyone here and on the 360 blog are so in love with. and they aren't shutting down those rebel night time parties featuring the best grindcore-crust you'll ever hear. what they want to shut down is the huge party who gets Led Zep to reunite specifically for the party and NOT sxsw.

finally, considering that one of the parties that sparked all this bruhaha last year by getting shut down ALSO caused a goddamned wall/balcony to collapse at the Elks Lodge because so many people were there, is this idea of safety, permitting, and keeping sxsw's name unaffiliated with these events completely absurd?

if you don't like swenson or sxsw, no one forces you to buy a wristband (or badge) and you can probably see some good bands for free. if you really want to see dolly parton and REM in tiny (comparatively speaking) venues, then its probably worth the $200-$500 for a wristband/badge and you're going to enjoy it. but it seems like people want to fight for the sake of fighting. why aren't people this upset about shit that really matters in life?

The 360 blog people scare me. They're like the Hitler Youth.

As for the permitting issue, the people commenting at the 360 blog have precisely the right idea: call in and make sure the fire guys know how crowded the real SXSW venues are, early and often.

O.K.

I take back part of what I said. There are a lot of great Austin bands on the list this year. Like a lot.

I still think that guy is a douche.

We does what we wants.

That guy is a douche.

Last year when the price of a wristband went through the roof again he basically came out and said "This is not for spectators, it's for industry people"

Now all of the sudden he wants everyone back.

The thing to keep in mind this year is that having your 200+ wristband doesn't guarantee you shit. You need a badge to make sure you get in.

SxSW used to be an affordable and awesome thing.

Now the festival stomps into town, admits less than 10 acts from the live music capitol and home of the festival and then tells Austinites, "there will be no fun unless you pay us"

Personally, I haven't bought a wristband in years. I go out and get boozed up for free ans see a million cool unsanctioned day shows. At night I use what little bit of pull I have to weasel my way into some nighttime stuff as well. There is no way you are suckering me into paying hundreds of dollars to wait in a line I can't get into because some limp dick record exec from L.A. has a 500 dollar badge.

If you aren't going to include the residents that host this circus in anything, then don't expect them to lay quietly down while you try and take away what makes this city what it is.

SxSW used to be a platform for unsigned bands and a great opportunity to see live music we usually miss out on. I'm not a leech. I don't mind supporting art with my money. I do have a problem with that asshole parading around like some he's created some masterful industry building show that is being threatened by the the three local bands deserving of spotlight that you passed over throwing a party at a gallery with their own money. Who are you to stop that? (run-ons be damned)

It's all about the money. It's been that way for years. The wristband used to be 20 bucks.....

To rat out private parties......

You think these people are out to ruin your festival? What is the entrance fee to their show? Nothing..... They are just providing a healthy alternative to the hundreds of live music fanatics that live here that spend 4 nights a week in these "venues" you've claimed for the week seeing great music from around the world. Why can't they do that this week?

Because they didn't pay you for a 500 badge...That's why....Douchebag.

You have made no effort to include the people that live here at all. Even if we all dropped 200+ bucks on your bullshit wristband that would mean there was less of a chance of being included in the big nighttime showcases.

You're a guest here motherfucker. We've been doing the shows and beer thing long before your money hungry ass waddled into town.

I'm playing three separate "non SxSW" shows this year. I'm willing to bet most of them will be posted on this site in one way or another. I hope you all show up. Enjoy the free independence beer and some great music.

You don't even have to be an industry fuck to get it.

I hope to see you all there...

Parasites........

That guy can fuck himself.

They're being pretty hard on co-founder Roland Swenson's stated case, over on the linked Blog post, at Austin360.com's Music Source

As logical as it is, for a business or organization, to plan an event that coincides with the (Spring Break) timing and influx of fairly sharp people into town, during the week of the annual SxSW festival, I feel it is obligatory to be professional, responsible, and fully prepared.

The Code is a good thing, and the people who regulate and enforce Austin's Code are very supportive, and helpful, in planning a temporary event, if dealt with professionally.

That Code, and those people, are often, and unfairly maligned, but are essential to the safety and health of everyone and every business involved in event and venue planning, all year round, in Austin, Texas.

Get it Permitted, for every element of your party, event, or venue. The City of Austin has created a P.A.C.E. web page, and several supporting documents, that can help in determining your event's Permit requirements.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/pace/

Check it out. Get it permitted.

im down for a parasite themed unsanctioned sxsw party.