SXSW FEVER!
And so it begins, the city fills to the brim with "industry types" and "tourists" who clog our streets and hotels and restaurants with that sickening goo of pretention for a week.
Sure, the infusion of all that cash to our economy is nice, but is it worth it in the long run?
Back in the beginning of this thing called SXSW, it was designed to showcase local talent.
Now, it's populated by young up and comers like Joan Jett and Little Richard ( I don't know if you've heard of him yet...but you will ).
I heard a commercial on the radio the other day saying if you wanted to look your best for SXSW this year you should shop at the Texas Clothier, the top item they had to offer was a white.linen.suit. I pulled over and lost my lunch. The Texas Clothier, in San Gabriels Court...The narrative voice has that fake english accent that's like fingernails on a chalkboard, and I assure you, they do not sell the kind of denim and flannel that represents the spirit (long gone, I'm afraid) of this event.
We have gone from "the music capitol of the world" to "let's milk everyone on the idea that we are the musical capitol of the world... and high tech... oh, and what the hell, film". It's really kind of pathetic.
Don't misunderstand me, there's still plenty of good music here. Only most of the new acts are playing at "non SXSW venues" meaning these clubs aren't "sponsored" by the burgeoning machine that has become SXSW.
Once a year it comes, like a plague of locusts, and when it's over Austin feels a little less like it did since the last one.
I think that's sad.