As a gamer putting on my festival-goer hat, I must share some bummer news: SXSW, one of the grandest outdoor festivals globally, known for launching careers like Phoebe Bridgers, and serving as a vibrant music scene alternative to NYC and LA, is getting a bit smaller. The event is going to be shortened by a good two days from its usual schedule.
NPR discussed the story on their All Music Considered podcast, sharing memories and discoveries from the event, mentioning they could potentially watch as many as 35 bands in a single day. One of the benefits and attractions of this festival is that unlike most outdoor events held in stadiums or open fields, SXSW takes place in a bustling city center. This setup allows smaller venues to accommodate large crowds, contributing to over a quarter of their yearly income.
1987 marked the inception of an event encompassing films, interactive media, and music. However, it’s the music segment that seems to be experiencing the most significant transformation. Factors contributing to this contraction could include the current state of the music industry. Nowadays, a growing number of artists and influencers are sharing their work online on platforms such as TikTok and Soundcloud. This trend is leading to a decrease in the traditional “middle class” within the music industry, suggesting a shift towards digital distribution and self-promotion.
The future of the SXSW remains to be seen
Lately, demonstrations arose concerning the low compensation offered to smaller music groups to cover their costs at the SXSW event. This has sparked debate over the potential commercialization of the festival, with high-profile artists such as Future and Lady Gaga performing in recent times.
Ann Powers suggests that this move could potentially signal progress and healthy evolution for a festival that was experiencing excessive growth, often referred to as “bloat” in the context of the music industry. In essence, she’s pointing out that this change represents one manifestation of the ongoing transformation happening within the music industry.
At festivals, musicians can now be found playing everywhere from arenas to sidewalk curbs, signifying a swift shift in how new music is discovered. Artists no longer rely on major record labels, large audiences, or even established music critics to promote their work. Instead, they’re reaching fans directly through technology, albeit potentially sacrificing the communal aspect of traditional music scenes.
It’s uncertain if Austin will continue to be recognized as a music city in ten years; that’s something we’ll need to wait and find out. The music festival appears to persist, though, and while the role of live music may evolve, it’s undeniable that it will remain an essential aspect of the overall music experience.
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2025-03-30 13:00