The Red and Black

You couldn't have put it more perfectly and beautifully, however I don't think the answer lies only within Athens...

I've never been to Athens, but I have those types of relationships that help you remember why you do what you do.

Just sayin...

unfortunatly, right on the money w/your comments.

I went to scout indies and unsigned for our small film/tv licensing company, but was overwhelmed with what has become a giant promotional scene for signed bands and major lables.

This is a really, really great wrap-up of the whole event, and I can vouch for the corporate presence (read: stranglehold) that was pretty ubiquitous at SXSW. And I can agree that when it was at it's best, the festival was about the glory and joy of music, and then and only then, everything else faded to the background (however briefly).

However, it's worth noting that beyond the badge-brandishing madness of the showcases, some of the best music I saw in Austin was at the day parties, which were by and large free...and sponsored. I think that when bands (particularly ones who play challenging, oft-marginalized music) play these sponsored events, they're "cheating the system" as well: playing to people who might otherwise never hear of them, for free, and getting Miller Lite or whoever to foot the bill. It allowed me to hear a lot of great new bands, which is sort of my nerdy emotional equivalent to getting a slam dunk.

I'm as cautious and protective of my commercial intake/branding exposure as the next guy, but there often was a silver lining to the whole gross mess. Not all the time, but sometimes. Just saying.