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Published in The National Post on March 15, 2006
Homework's done, time for the exam: Texas music festival promises sensory overload
I've rarely been one for doing my homework on time. But when it comes to my first South by Southwest festival, I haven't had much choice.
Even looking at the schedule for the music industry's annual Austin gathering - which mostly runs today through Saturday - is enough to induce vertigo. With somewhere in excess of 1,300 acts playing, it's only possible to get to a fraction of what you want to see - especially considering the infamous lineups that grow every year. Throw in the Texas heat, the spring-break atmosphere and the endless supply of barbeque, we're headed for serious sensory overload.
So like thousands of others heading down to the Lone Star state, I've spent the past couple of weeks diligently examining itineraries, downloading mp3s, studying maps and frantically RSVPing to "private" parties. Oh, and I also bought some sunglasses, in hope of actually seeing whatever's on stage during all those day parties.
Truth be told, I seriously doubt much of this will be put to use once I arrive in Austin this afternoon (the sunglasses excepted). With my navigational skills, merely finding what I'm looking for is improbable - and besides, the pull of the latest buzz bands will probably have me standing in line like everyone else instead of checking out the obscure acts I'd like to dazzle everyone with my knowledge of.
Still, if there's one thing I can safely expect, it's a few recurring themes. Homework completed, my next assignment will be to find answers to a few questions:
How big is too big? Long before the first trendseeker arrived in Austin, locals and assorted other purists were already complaining there would be too many of them. Now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, SXSW has graduated from an intimate little shindig to a spring ritual in which 10,000 out-of-town scenesters migrate southwest. Organizers capped badges and wristbands this year in hopes of keeping crowds somewhat under control. But considering all the griping about line ups last year, tempers could be flaring before the first night is done.
How long until the first "sell-out" complaint? For the record, I'm guessing I won't make it out of the airport -- where SXSW gear is reportedly being hawked -- before hearing it. Once predominantly a showcase for unsigned bands, it's become a massive industry blow out, complete with high-profile acts, corporate sponsors and an endless array of must-attend parties. Seeing as how I'm making my first visit, I'm ill-suited to complaining it's not what it once was. But others will.
Who gets the hype? Wait, pretty much everyone is getting hype. Who gets the most hype, then? Last year it was Bloc Party, with fellow Britons The Go! Team and a slew of others emerging as dark horse faves. This year, it's another U.K. act - Arctic Monkeys - that's leading the buzz brigade. For those who prefer Pitchfork to NME, Tapes 'n Tapes will be all the rage, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah should still have some cache. Most deserving might be Austin's own Okkervil River, although all of these bands might be yesterday's news by tomorrow morning.
How often will Team Canada score? It seems a bit beside the point to travel across the continent to watch homegrown acts that come through town every second night. But seeing as how every Canadian secretly dreams of making it big south of the border, it's worth checking out if any of them do. Between indie mainstays like the New Pornographers, bona fide (domestic) stars like k-os and relative newcomers like Magneta Lane, there should be a few chances for patriotic pride. I have a sneaking suspicion American audiences aren't going to get Sam Roberts, though.
Which surprises are in store? Last year, it was an unannounced set by Queens of the Stone Age; this year, there are rumours about Jane's Addiction. The real surprise will be if there aren't more big-name acts that decide to see and be seen.
How many pounds will I gain? As someone who's driven hours to get to a barbeque festival, the prospect of endless quantities of the stuff is a little daunting. I'm confident I can ration the free beer, but holding back on the ribs will take some serious restraint.
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