We exist in a capitalist world where corporate advertisements harass us daily. We must play the game in order to live in present day society. However, as individuals we have the power to make better decisions to improve our current conundrum: sell out or suffer? Austin was once a sleepy, liberal oasis in the heart of conservative Texas. Even though the city is rapidly changing I believe it’s soul still exists. The general attitude of native Austinites and many others who have lived here for some time is more about supporting independent business rather than big business. As a result, SXSW has grown into a rabid beast of burden for many locals. Swarms of people flock to this city which is taken over by major corporations for almost two weeks. Mega celebrities come to use the greater downtown area as their personal playground. All while hundreds of bands play music to thousands of naive onlookers who waste so much money on wristbands or badges just so they can wait in line for a few hours to maybe catch a glimpse of a gig. This festival has stopped making sense. As a local musician, I feel no need to support it, to be part of the chaos, etc. On the other hand, SXSW does offer a great opportunity for bands and local businesses to capitalize off the general shit show in some way without the aid of corporate sponsorship. I beg to differ when Lady Gaga says people don’t know fuck-all about the state of the music industry when they question her presence at SXSW. Gaga is wrong because she is part of the problem. She made millions of dollars off the Frito Lay corporation so she can maintain her own personal brand. She is not an artist she is her own corporation in the business to make money and be the fame monster she is. The music industry has always been corrupt. In the 1950s the teenager was created to capitalize off the growing number of baby boomers. Rock and roll rose to the charts because it was music for the teenager played by people who appeared to be teenagers. Many of the artists of that time were screwed out of their royalties by their management and ended up broke. It wasn’t until the 70s/80s when independent artists emerged and decided to take control of their own careers. Many of these groups or artists were able to achieve success on their own terms. Some major labels took notice and signed or distributed records by these groups which furthered the careers of these musicians. With the rise of technology record sales have diminished. Musicians make some money off touring if they have a name for themselves but a lot of the time it isn’t nearly enough to pay the bills. This is where corporate interest comes in to play. Any struggling group or artist can sell a song to said corporation and make a years salary overnight. It’s a tempting offer and many people opt to “sell out” so they can continue to do what they love. Mainstream acts, pop stars like Lady Gaga or Beyonce have the option for corporate sponsorships. This is where the real money is. Pop stars can help sell a brand with their own brand and in turn make millions of dollars. The majority of their wealth comes from this. Not from record or ticket sales but from corporate sponsorship. If you’re an independent artist you obviously have to invest your own money into your craft. If you’re lucky a label might offer some support but don’t count on them to cover all your expenses. If I can give any advice I’d say it’s best not to quit your dayjob. If you are an artist and want to make music by all means do so. As long as you believe in your music you will find your audience. Don’t play for money, fame or glory because you will suffer the consequences. Play music because it is your passion and because you need to create. Play because it’s the only thing you have in this world that is yours. Don’t bother with SXSW because it isn’t worth it.
titsay
romaincrisis
yousharknotpass
