SXSW (aka South By Southwest) is fast approaching, and here in Austin this is a rather crazy time of year. (I mean, aside from the freak snowstorm we experienced yesterday!) Locals are trying to snap up wristbands to get into events, hotel owners are jacking up prices in anticipation of the rabid hoardes of film and music fans descending upon the city, and new venues are being slapped together literally at the last second to hold all of the shows that’ll fit into the space between March 12 and 21.

Just one example of some of the weird things you'll see at SXSW (photo by Scott Beale / Laughing Squid)

While I’ve, personally, never been a huge fan of attending live music events (call me crazy, but I like listening to music alone in the dark through my headphones), the SXSW festival is the best of three very different worlds: music, film and interactive technology (i.e. computer and video game nerdiness). So, really, there’s a little something for everyone.

While my husband has been getting psyched about all the neat experimental musicians who will be in town for the event (including the excellent neo-classical/avant cellist Zoë Keating), I’ve been poring over the lists of films that are going to be shown at this year’s festival. Man, there are a ton of good ones! How will I ever be able to see them all?!

Sad to say, since I do have to work for a living, I definitely won’t get to see everything on my list. However, if you’re trying to organize your SXSW schedule and make sure you check off every single item on your to-do list, I thought I would point you in the direction of a few good sites that will help you do exactly that.

1. The official website, SXSW.com, is obviously a good place to start. It’s got all the official news, announcements, lists of parties and performances, and the insane schedule for absolutely everything going on between March 12 and 21. Try not to be intimidated by the massive amount of things going on and pick one sub-section to focus on at a time (music, film, interactive) to avoid being overwhelmed.
2. Do512.com is another good place to cruise, especially in terms of the music side of things. They’ve got all of the musicians playing at SXSW listed alphabetically, by popularity, and even by hometown, so you’ll easily be able to locate all your favorites as well as some new finds. Current favorites on the site are Toronto’s Broken Social Scene, Austin’s own Spoon, and New York City’s We Are Scientists.
3. Angrysong is the blog of an Austin-based computer programmer named Donald Mason, who also happens to be a very dedicated SXSW-er. His suggestions on how to pick bands to see at the fest, as well as the very useful link to the Home of the Unofficial SXSW Torrents (which he says he sifted through in its entirety to devise his personal fest schedule), will definitely come in handy when your eyes start crossing and you begin mumbling “But… who… are all of these people?!” With 15 years of SXSW-ing under his belt, I think this is definitely news we newbies can use!
4. Need more good advice on where to go, what to do, and which bands to see? Check out this blog by Bob Knoxious, entitled “My 2-cents of Bad SXSW Advice,” where another 15-year veteran of the fest advises you to avoid shelling out for wristbands, refuse to “go easy” or “take it slow,” and try to cram as much fun and as many freebies into your SXSW experience as possible. Rock on!
5. Film lovers should absolutely check out Film School Rejects‘ extensive SXSW previews, especially those looking for advice on which flicks truly must not be missed. Shun the typical and figure out what’ll really fry your noodle, with the help of some true movie junkies who don’t give a darn about the hotshots from Hollywood.
6. And finally, SXSW Baby! is the festival’s unofficial blog, run by longtime fans and participants with lots of advice on the fest, as well as the city outside the fest. (Huh? There’s life in Austin outside of 1,800 bands, a buttload of movies, and all the computer geeks you can handle?!) They’ve even got links to ride and room shares that’ll help you save money on transportation and sleeping accommodations (y’know, if you actually plan on sleeping). Very wise indeed.

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