What So Not @ IHEARTCOMIX Showcase

South By South West (stylized: SXSW) is unlike your typical music festival. First off, it’s not just a music festival. It’s three weeks long and split into technology, film, and music sections. The entire downtown of Austin, Texas and its outskirts get overrun by pop-up venues and converted restaurants to allow bands and DJs of all kinds to perform in their city. The best part? The music festival is pretty much free if you’re 21+. Everything is run by RSVPs and waiting in line. All you have to pay for is your flight, stay, and the best BBQ you will ever have in your life.

Every year SXSW cultivates artists from around the world to showcase what the upcoming year holds. Being the first proper music festival of the year, this gives upcoming and established artists alike a chance to create their buzz for the year during festival season. Some of these acts play for sub 500 person venues before performing in front of thousands later on in the year! This provides an insanely special environment for both the performers and fans. Check our top artists after the jump

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My first trip to Texas for this world renowned festival was better than I could have ever imagined. Where to begin? The barbeque? The surprises? The free alcohol? Well first off, it’s not a “music festival” in the same way most of us are familiar with the term. No big fields. No main stage. No ticket necessary. Just so long as you’re ready for an adventure; ready to walk around to the hundreds of restaurants, venues, and bars of downtown Austin, Texas, you are in for a treat. Check after the jump for everything you’d want to know about SXSW and the highlights of 2013.

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