With record numbers of attendees of SXSW, 2013 was the year of the crowd. As a 8-year veteran of the festival (or conference, if you’re describing it to co-workers), this year’s annoyance leaning toward claustrophobia couldn’t be higher. That said, there are ways around this for SXSW 2014, and planning is key.
First, plan early. If you are dead set on going to any portion of the festival (Education, Film, Interactive, and Music), make your reservations while you’re wrapping your Christmas or holiday presents 4 months before. Yes, while you’re picking out toys for your nieces, Mom or impossible in-laws, book a room at a hotel or other housing option, then book your flight, all before the New Year.
Next, if you can afford a badge, go for a combo. If you’re an interactive person, bump it up and get the film combo badge. If your dates straddle the music festival (the later part), upgrade so you can attend wonderful indie films and bump into Tony Danza and have a Who’s the Boss flashback (yes, he was there this year).
If you can’t afford a badge, then you should be ready to network and have an Eventbrite account to RSVP for the parties that sound interesting to you (there will be many). It helps if you know people from other companies or have a wingman/woman. Having a badge is optional so don’t fret if you can’t fork out the dough.
The alcohol will be flowing at most parties, but if you’re a teetotaler, have no fear, there are morning coffee meet ups, early speaking panels and go-get-um sunrise runs (the weather is prime for this). Just don’t forget your jogging shoes!
Internet searches will get you everywhere and going to things that interest you will almost ensure you that, even if you are alone, you will have no problem engaging in conversation with the person next to you and exchanging cards or Twitter handles.
And the last tip before we move on to the cool things, BE DIFFERENT. If you are new, don’t be afraid to wear that ridiculous pair of pants you can’t wear anywhere else, or the vintage suit jacket (evenings are chilly), or that prom dress that still fits you perfectly. Anything goes and the more different you are, the greater the chance you have to interact with lovely, interesting people. The reason: You end up finding cool things like the ones we are about to tell you, just because someone likes your bright orange shoes.
—–The cool things—-
While there are so many to note, the ones that stick in your mind as you decompress from your trip are the ones that end up in your dreams. As it happens, we ran into one of the most interesting developers who showed us a video app that sent us to our knees.
I am an avid music fan and the app Luminancer has really pushed the envelope with what video special effects you can have in the palm of your hand. Imagine you are at your favorite band’s concert with great arena sound, but you’re stuck in the back because you don’t wan’t to fight the crowd or just hit the loo. The light shows and video screens are bright and timed to the beat. Pull out your phone, tap on Luminancer and your experience is like a power-up in a video game. The spotlights surge, trailing like the sound in your ears. The rainbow strobes make feel-good bands explode with joy and the vortex effect will spin you into a whoa-frenzy.
Luminancer also does photos and is frequently seen on instagram feeds but it’s primary focus is video. We recommend this for all ages because kids can pull out their iPods and make the dog look like he’s tripping on acid, without the drugs. While it was free for the festival, this app is worth the cost because of it’s uniqueness, tech-driven chops (he used to do virtually reality and make arcade games), and because our humble developer built it with his own two hands. All the proceeds go to more Luminancing, and his chickens, one hilariously named Yolkahontas.
While we were luminancing in our dreams, the soundtrack was a band called The Polyphonic Spree. They are not a hot new discovery band, but one that has made it through the last few decades with flying colors. They are known for their joyful yet intense performances, fully garbed in matching choir-style outfits and their messiah lead singer Tim DeLaughter. They played an impressive 6 shows this time around and although we did not get to see all of them, each set we did attend held the energy and fervor of the one before. Besides the melodious, upbeat music, we really appreciate this band’s dedication to helping others. They recently took a trip to Uganda that’s showcased on the Invisible Children blog.
And if that isn’t enough, The Spree have a new studio album coming out called Yes it’s True out May 28th, along with a concert documentary and live album. If you’re up, down or have a frown, both the Spree and Luminancer will put rainbows in your day.
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Luminancer iOS App
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App Store: http://bit.ly/Luminancer_App
Twitter: @LuminancerApp , #luminancer
Facebook: http://facebook.com/LuminancerApp
YouTube: http://youtube.com/Luminancer
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The Polyphonic Spree
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website: http://thepolyphonicspree.com/
Twitter: @PolySpree , #yesitstrue
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polyphonicspree
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/goodrecordsrecordings