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Lil Dicky in the crowd @ Club Red in Phoenix, AZ

#lil dicky #club red #phoenix #concert photography #murmurphotography

#SXSW Virgin

For those of you who haven’t heard of South by Southwest (aka SXSW)...get on it.

I bought a plane ticket to Austin on a whim, in hopes of overwhelming myself in SXSW music heaven (and free tacos + beer). I didn’t buy a badge (do you have a spare $600+?), nor did I get approved for press credentials. So how did I end up being so close to artists like Joywave and Mike Posner at official showcases and shoot?

After building up a small (and arguably strong) reputation for concert photography, I offered my services to various SXSW artists. If you’ve ever been to Austin during SXSW, you know it’s incredibly difficult to choose who you want to see, where you want to go, WHICH FOOD TRUCK TO EAT AT. It’s the true paradox of choice.

It’s the overwhelming nature of SXSW that also gives it its charm. Even though there’s an over saturation of brands pushing themselves on you, its their name and money and need to promote that gives up-and-coming bands an outlet to share their music to so many different crowds. And let me tell you...there are so many different types of people on the streets and in the crowd.

But back to the music. Badge or no badge, you will still get the opportunity to see any given band at any given time (with some free swag, food, and alcohol to boot!). Because SXSW is so brand driven, most entry fees to showcases are usually just signing up for promotional emails or RSVP before you enter. That’s a pretty solid deal for some good tunage and free noms.

Even if you decide not to go to any showcases because you were discouraged by the line or wanted to give your ears a break, there’s more than likely a band standing within 5 feet of you at all times. All you have to do is ask! On top of that, street performers draw massive crowds on every block.

Not having a badge or a pass really gives you the freedom to go about and take the day as it comes. While there were definitely a lot of keynote speakers and films I would have loved to see, my main focus was photography. SXSW gave me opportunities to shoot Austin, portraits, and music. Beyond that, I got to shoot different genres of music, as well.

I even stumbled across an act I never would have stopped for...because I just overheard it while walking. Above is Elliphant. She is so fierce and her energy on stage had the crowd getting lost in her words. It’s an amazing experience when you actually get to witness the artist to crowd relationship. Nothing is ever like it.

Overall, my experience at SXSW was pretty fantastic. I can’t wait for the opportunity to go again next year, with or without a pass. Either way, it will still end up being a great time! Who could say “no” to free food and alcohol, every day of the week?

#sxsw #south by southwest #photography #murmurphotography #concert photography