SXSW used to be a venue where new unsigned bands would go to get noticed by labels. Now it seems to be labels showcasing all of there "on the verge of making it" bands. An unsigned band is lucky to even get a chance to play at the festival. Hell the year I played there Iggy Pop and The Stooges were one of the bands. I think the event has lost its way. The one good thing it showcases is the new tech available to bands to get there music heard.
Originally posted by StTitoThat's what i've read about it too. As usual, corporations get in there, spread some cash around and what once was about new music, turns into maximizing profits and shareholder value.
SXSW used to be a venue where new unsigned bands would go to get noticed by labels. Now it seems to be labels showcasing all of there "on the verge of making it" bands.
Another music festival that no doubt will go the way of lollapolooza or the Virgin thing.
3 edits
Originally posted by uzlessI think it will remain pretty true to clubs and bars around the Austin area and not turn into one of those big open field festivals. They have the Pitchfork Festival, ATP and Coachella for that. I agree with you and Tito about the corporate infusion though. It is an industry event after all, not unlike NXNE.
That's what i've read about it too. As usual, corporations get in there, spread some cash around and what once was about new music, turns into maximizing profits and shareholder value.
Another music festival that no doubt will go the way of lollapolooza or the Virgin thing.
Originally posted by darvlayHere in the Allentown area we have the Bethlehem Music Fest, my wife and I played there 5 years in a row in most of the venues there, but they stopped hiring local musicians and went for the big bucks, the Elton John crowd kind of thing, now it attracts a million people each year but it certainly has lost its original charm. I think only in the last couple of years have they hired much in the way of local talent again.
I think it will remain pretty true to clubs and bars around the Austin area and not turn into one of those big open field festivals. They have the Pitchfork Festival, ATP and Coachella for that. I agree with you and Tito about the corporate infusion though. It is an industry event after all, not unlike NXNE.
Originally posted by sonhouseWillie Nelson?! Is that you?!?!?!?!?! 😲
Here in the Allentown area we have the Bethlehem Music Fest, my wife and I played there 5 years in a row in most of the venues there, but they stopped hiring local musicians and went for the big bucks, the Elton John crowd kind of thing, now it attracts a million people each year but it certainly has lost its original charm. I think only in the last couple of years have they hired much in the way of local talent again.
Originally posted by sonhouseHave you seen the movie A Mighty Wind? I always picture you as one of the folkies in that movie, specifically Eugene Levy's character.
Here in the Allentown area we have the Bethlehem Music Fest, my wife and I played there 5 years in a row in most of the venues there, but they stopped hiring local musicians and went for the big bucks, the Elton John crowd kind of thing, now it attracts a million people each year but it certainly has lost its original charm. I think only in the last couple of years have they hired much in the way of local talent again.