AUSTIN, Texas -- With hundreds of bands playing simultaneously at any given time, South by Southwest can be a musician's wildest dream or a band's worst nightmare. A bad monitor mix can lead to an ear-splitting set; an unfortunate show time or venue can mean playing to a tiny crowd.
Even simple logistics can be crushing: Many bands play multiple sets during the festival, and band members routinely walk down crowded streets carrying heavy amps and trying to avoid tipsy revelers. It gets even worse sometimes: Harlan T. Bobo (pictured above), a Memphis musician and SXSW veteran, said he walked 6 miles, guitar in hand, from his hotel to his Thursday night gig at Barbarella after he couldn't get a cab.
Still, thousands of bands play Austin during SXSW each year, some as part of the official lineup, others gigging at side events timed to cash in on the crowds drawn by the music festival, which is now in its 24th year. It's a golden opportunity to win over new fans, make industry connections and maybe even rack up some buzz. These bands fought the good fight Thursday.
