SXSW has officially begun, pretty much marking the start of a months-long (more like over half of the year) stream of music and interactive festivals that make life bearable. SXSW offers a plethora of emerging talent, yes, but also, if you’re an audiophile, tech enthusiast or simply someone interested in what’s to come, SXSW is a playground that will get you jonesin’ about new gear, activations, people and soon-to-be trends.
For those lucky ones getting away to Austin, here’s what you should check out—RSVP links included.
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If you haven’t heard about iZotope Spire Studio, catch up quick here (we also talked about it here). If you’re too lazy to click, the iZotope Spire Studio is a one-touch mobile recording studio that records high quality sound. At SXSW, Spire Studio’s partnered with NPR and BrooklynVegan to show off some quality recording sessions.
What: NPR music showcase, March 14, 8pm-2am CT
Two stages (outdoor/ indoor) featuring artists such as Okkervil River, August Greene (Common, Robert Glasper, Karriem Rigginsan), Lucy Dacus, Mt. Joy and more + Spire on Tour RV will be onsite for people to check out.
What: BrooklynVegan + Margin Walker Present Lost Weekend 2, March 15 – March 17 (various times)
Attendees are invited on the Spire on Tour RV to record using Spire Studio, free of charge.
Best Day: March 17 (12PM-6PM) featuring Andrew W.K and Gang of Youths. RSVP
RSVP (which also enters you for a chance to win a Spire Studio)
SHOWS & EXPERIENCES
The #Westworld activation at #SXSW has now closed.
The park re-opens tomorrow at 2:00PM. pic.twitter.com/fRc95uHiUa— Westworld (@WestworldHBO) March 10, 2018
What: Westworld recreated @ SXSW. Go inside the fictitious town of Streetwater and chum up to rich folk, cowboys and characters of all sorts in 19th Century fashion.
REVOLT HOUSE
?21+ pic.twitter.com/mMoiSwT3ww
— SXSW HipHop (@SXSWHIPHOP) March 9, 2018
Miguel and Jhene Aiko at #SXSW
Shouts to @tinder
RSVP: https://t.co/AxrXgDlvKr pic.twitter.com/VU5i8GFHP2
— atxconcert (@atxconcert) March 9, 2018
Just leaving this here. See you in Austin. #LostInMusic #SXSW
(@thegreatkhalid @Tinashe @AlejandroChal @iamolivianoelle @noahcyrus @camcountry @caitlynsmith @lomoon @morgansaint @moreaccidentals) pic.twitter.com/vUxzjTS01C— Sony (@Sony) March 9, 2018
— SXSW HipHop (@SXSWHIPHOP) March 8, 2018
What: Fader Fort
When: March 14 – March 16
Once again the Fader Fort will be propped up at SXSW this year featuring artists like SOB X RBE and Soccer Mommy. Note: In order to receive an invite you need to subscribe to The Fader’s email list.
What: Mercedes-Benz me Convention (#createthenew)
Expect live streams, speakers, food, yoga, workshops…you get the drill. Connect, recharge, chill — also make sure to check out the Intelligent Future Track schedule if you’re interested in autonomous cars, 3D printing, cryptocurrency, AI, your brain, etc. There’s some “Mystery Talks” we’re thinking might be cool too.
When: March 9 – March 15
Where: Fairmont Hotel + Palm Park (see above schedules for details)
BEST FILM
Synopsis: Professor Goodman, a psychologist and skeptic, who has his rationality tested when he stumbles across a long-lost file containing details of three terrifying hauntings. He then embarks on a mission to find rational explanations for the ghostly happenings.
When: March 11-15
Based on the stage play, this is a horror film we’ve been eyeing hard and SXSW marks it North American debut. Dubbed as the “Best British Horror in Years” by The Sun, the film features Martin Freeman (aka Dr. John Watson from Sherlock) and is written, directed and executive produced for film by Peaky Blinders‘ actor, Andy Nyman. Author, musician and screenwriter, Jeremy Dyson founded the stage play and is also behind this on-screen production.
Check out these impressive posters for the film.
(Courtesy of Andy Nyman)
TOP SPEAKERS & SESSIONS
The Future and Science of Psychedelics
What Mobile Means for the World’s Biggest Brands
And for those that may be looking in from afar (or don’t feel like getting out of lodging), make sure to check out the live stream.