South By South West is known for being a buzz amplifier. Whether Metallica’s doing a club gig to promote Rock Band,  Tim Ferriss launching the 4 hour week there, Ipad2 launching on SXSW opening day, or  Jay-Z and Kanye doing a secret show for their Watch The Throne project (I don’t know if they are but it seems like a good opp to stoke the buzz that’s already started).

A key factor is having some heat before the convention. If you don’t have any momentum going in, it might be a lot of tougher to have that kind of show amplify it. Bands that don’t have heat may meet people and other bands who could turn out to be great contacts for the future, but an unknown band without any buzz going in will probably need something very unique to get the most out of the experience.

Whatever it is, if you’ve got something interesting, word will get out.  I personally am excited to have my mind blown by some tech launch or band I’ve never heard of before.  I can’t wait to experience my first SXSW and my first visit to Austin.

If you’re going to be at SXSW, let’s hook up for beer/shows/good times ! tweet us @newrockstarbook

Music Consciousness
Hoover