All Songs Considered
Saying 'goodbye' to SXSW Music
Mar 25, 2025
Join Ann Powers, an NPR Music journalist and author, and Stephen Thompson, an experienced music festival reporter, as they reflect on the evolution of the SXSW Music Festival. They discuss the festival's vibrant, community-driven atmosphere and the overwhelming experiences it offers artists and attendees alike. The duo explores the challenges smaller bands face amid corporate influence and the impact of social media on music discovery. Nostalgic memories and standout performances highlight the festival's legacy in a shifting industry.
37:55
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Quick takeaways
- SXSW's drastic reduction and merging with film and interactive segments signify a profound shift away from its historic music-focused charm.
- The commercialization and impact of the pandemic have diminished opportunities for emerging artists to gain visibility at large festivals like SXSW.
Deep dives
The Transformation of South by Southwest
The South by Southwest Music Festival, once the largest music festival in the world, is undergoing significant changes that threaten its essence. Starting next year, the festival will be drastically shortened, merging its music segment with its film and interactive festival, making it feel like a shadow of its former self. This adjustment reflects a departure from its vibrant history, where music discovery was celebrated in numerous unique venues across Austin. Participants lament that the festival's charm, rooted in the Austin music community, is diminishing, changing the landscape of live music in the region.
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