article/words by: Zoe Cordes Selbin for sxswhat.com

For many this year, SXSW is a no-go. The U.S. economy is huddled in a corner somewhere, shaking, and reminiscing about the 90s…and it ain’t coming out anytime soon. So many musbiz people had to forgo the delights (and stress) of SXSW…unless you were the moveriest and shakeriest of the movers and shakers, in which case, you are probably at one of Austin’s 3 top luxury hotels, which are somehow still booked in spite of it all.
With all this economic turmoil in mind, it can be hard to see how SXSW could be anything great this year. However, I’m going to disagree and say that this SXSW might be the BEST ever. Confused? Allow me to explain…
Now, I adore free stuff as much as the next gal, but there are too many people who come to SXSW just to stand awkwardly in the back of venues and mooch as many free drinks and branded koozies as possible. Most years the streets of Austin are filled with freeloaders who don’t seem to know any of the bands playing, or even why they are there. People come back with little gained knowledge and lots of hangovers.
But this year, it’s a slimmer group, and while I’m sure freeloaders will be abundant, I’m crossing my fingers that this game of elimination has left behind the most devoted music business workers and fans. And maybe some of the open space from the CEOs who just couldn’t make it this year will be filled by actual Austinites—sometimes it feels like I don’t see anyone from Austin the week of Southby.
As a native Austinite, I adore SXSW. In many ways, I don’t want to see it grow smaller; it’s fun to see so many people pour into the city, with different accents and ideas. It’s a great exchange of thoughts, and new music. Bands are busting out of every available space; even Homeslice, one of Austin’s best pizza parlors, is hosting showcases. I never want all that to go away.
But sometimes I think everything gets a little diluted when businesses send people who are more interested in re-living Spring Break ’88 than actually enjoying live music and doing some business. Believe me, I’ll be hitting up the free stuff too, but that’s not the reason I’m there; I want to be a part of this music community. Today I’m going to pick up my badge, and tomorrow starts the next great adventure. So who’s ready for the best SXSW ever?