In the most musical of cities, SXSW sets the stage for six days of indulgence in everything rhythmic. Artists from all genres come together for the most highly-anticipated music festival of the year, with many hoping to score their big break.
Past SXSW Music discoveries include Hanson, John Mayer and James Blunt. Clearly you never know who you’ll catch on a small SXSW stage before they’re selling out stadiums. The music fest kicks off today, running through March 16th, and we’ve got all the need-to-know information to help you get the most out of the experience.
How to Handle All the SXSW Music Action
With so much going on, it can be difficult to keep everything in order. Here are a few tips that will help.
Plan Out Each Day
Use the SXSW calendar and the app to get your days straight. There’s no way to do it all, but the calendars will help ensure you don’t miss any must-see shows.
Consider Your Transportation Needs
There are plenty of ways to get around Austin, but the influx of thousands of visitors can make transportation difficult. Near hot spots like the Austin Convention Center, the Red River District and East 6th Street, don’t plan on finding a parking spot without circling. The best options to minimize the time you waste driving around and maximize your time jamming out are:
- Greenest – Use the new SXSW bike share program SXCycles, or your own bicycle.
- Cheapest – Utilize the Austin Metro system for buses or the trolley.
- Traditional – Cab it. Just call well in advance.
- Easiest – Hire a private car and invite a few friends along to share the cost.
Grab a Coffee
We don’t suggest you forgo sleep, but we’re guessing that you’ll probably have a few long nights followed by early mornings during SXSW. You could grab a regular cup of Joe at a gas station on the way to the next event, or you could swing by one of these Austin establishments for something a little more original.
- Austin Java – West 2nd Street
- Bennu Coffee – East MLK Boulevard
- Dominican Joe Coffee Shop – South Congress
- Easy Tiger – East 6th Street
- Jo’s – South Congress (bonus for visitors: snap a picture with the iconic “I love you so much” scrawl on the wall of this Austin staple)
- Spider House – Campus-area on Fruth Street
- Summermoon Coffee Shop – South 1st Street
2014 SXSW Music Festival Highlights
Of course there are more concerts going on than any one person could possibly experience, but between sets try to sneak in some of the other SXSW Music events. Here are a few of our top picks.
Interview with Neil Young
The past keynote speaker will sit down for a live interview at the Austin Convention Center.
When: Tuesday, March 11th
Arts & Crafts SXSW Showcase
Head to Swan Dive for one of the most anticipated showcases of SXSW, featuring musicians from Toronto, Canada and presented by indie artist-services company Arts & Crafts.
When: Wednesday, March 12th
Closing Night Showcase and Party
All three portions of SXSW will come together for one huge blowout at the beginning of the music festival.
When: Wednesday, March 12th
Artists that Will be in Austin During the 2014 SXSW Music Festival
Thousands of acts come to Austin for SXSW each year to see and be seen. Some are big names, some are up-and-comers and some are unknown.
- If You Like Indie Pop – Air Traffic Controller
- If You Like Garage Rock – The Pack a.d.
- If You Like Electric Rock – Young the Giant
- If You Like Americana – Jamestown Revival
- If You Like Hip Hop/Rap – Jackie Chain
- If You Like Country – Dale Watson & His Lonestars
If you want to line up sure-fire, swank SXSW transportation, give Royal Executive Transportation a call. We can jet you from show to show in comfort and style.
Original Source: https://www.royalaustin.com/austin-news-events/2014-sxsw-music-festival-backstage-pass/