Wrapping Up SXSW, As If That's Possible
Category: Music & Recording Created on Thursday - 03.31.11 @ 9:31 AM Written by NoDepression.com
No Depression's Kim Ruehl had these observations about SXSW 2011: For all that South by Southwest is – jampacked roaming hipsters and college kids on 6th St., suits at the convention center, artists kicking into gear sometime after midday, BBQ and tacos and the pervasive availability of Shiner Bock and Lone Star (the National Beer of Texas) – it’s also a place where people of all kinds gather around one simple idea: music matters (to borrow a phrase from our friends at KEXP). Amidst all the absolute mayhem and crowds and often overwhelming cacophony pouring from every open door and window, there’s little friction here. People move around each other carefully and considerately. They smack high-fives with passersby who are drunk or friendly enough to oblige. Should a marching band show up and pass through the crowd, they follow behind, clapping and dancing with strangers, laughing.