6 Lessons from a Music Festival (South By Southwest – SXSW 2007)

1. Out of Sight Out of Mind- If you aren’t in attendance, chances are someone who does the same thing as you will be. Who do you think will get the call?

2. Meet the Players – For most of the year its hard for a newcomer to get a chance to talk with even one industry heavy hitter, in a festival setting you can chat with as many of these heavy hitters as you care to. They are around to talk after panels, at parties and after performances. But remember they are busy, so respect their time.

3. Party On…in Moderation- Most business transacted at the event will be transacted at the parties. After everyone has a couple of drinks in them, the conversations definitely get more interesting. However, don’t be the one puking over the balcony, moderation is the key, don’t make yourself look foolish, you’ll be known by everyone, but its probably not the kind of introduction you were looking for.

4. Expose Yourself – (Get your mind out of the gutter.) By attending a festival where there are over 1000 bands vying for everyone’s attention, you will really begin to see how similar most bands are. It gives you a great insight into the perspective that record labels and the industry elite are listening from. While your band may be the best band in your hometown, there are probably another 100 bands (if not more) around the country that have a similar sound. Who is working hardest to get to the next level? Well, its pretty evident at the festival and that’s very likely the band that is going to get the record deal.

5. Supply and Demand- Its funny what happens when you bring everyone in the music industry to the same place. There are more people who work for record labels than there are people who don’t. The result, record labels are actually fighting to talk to you. How refreshing!

6. Have Fun- where else is 14 hours a day of music, booze and networking considered work? Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in what you love and have some fun.