16 Reminders For #SXSW 2016
Rapper Kosha Dillz provides a list of reminders for how attendees to this year's SXSW should conduct themselves in order to get the most out of their time at the festival without burning out.
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Guest Post by Kosha Dillz
Hey guys SXSW is next week and if you are like me, you are completely losing your mind or at least gotten sick from preparing for 50 other things besides spring break aka SXSW 2016 aka how the hell am I gonna pull this off. I made a list of reminders for SXSW that are just 16 of the many you need. I'm sure I'll write another 16 for next week, but here are 16 for now.
1. Make fliers or business cards
Chances are a million people won't be calling you, but if you make just enough, you can strategically place them everywhere people will see you and be curious.
2. Create a schedule for the day
Creating a schedule gives you purpose. Purpose gives you inspiration. Make a schedule and meet people while they aren't drunk.
3. Stand in front at the shows
When you attend shows, be there for the artist. Don't be the guy schmoozing in the back. Artists will respect you and be grateful. They are playing for free and industry people so give them some energy.
4. Portable Charger for Phone
If you can manage to spend 20 – 40 bucks and have some battery packs with you, your pitch won't mean anything. If you can give anyone a nice battery pack for their phone, I guarantee they will call you back if you want one.
5. CDs still work
Don't feel bad investing money in some CDs. Lots of people drive to SXSW, so give them a CD they can drive to. Give them a great CD, and they will keep it in their car forever. Sincerely, the guy with a CD player in his car. The same goes for Tapes. If you have tapes, bring em.
6. Go to the Film things for music
Stop limiting yourself to music only. Lots of money is invested in film, and the tech part of SXSW is even huger. Music is needed everywhere, and one of my meetings at Sundance led to some SXSW sponsorship for me from a film company. What are you waiting for? There are great films to go see and good people to meet there, and they all need music. Hip Hip Hooray and Carnage Park will be my films to attend.
7. Meet people and actually go to their shows
So much promotion is happening and so much quick 30 second to 2 minute meetings will happen to you. Imagine if you invited someone to your show with the quickness in panic and being overwhelmed, and they actually came! Not actually, but they came with 10 people and they bought all your merch! Please do this for even one band. It'll mean the world to them. Don't be afraid to show up for someone and expect nothing in return. It is the true reward of SXSW.
8. Buy someone a coffee or muffin or pizza
Want to get someone's attention? Why not be giving. The nicest thing about SXSW are those long lines you spend your time standing in. Turn around and take some $$ and say hey, today is your lucky day. Not only will it make you and them happy, but your story will travel throughout SXSW for years to come and the rest of the year.9. SnapChat collaborations
Wanna grab some great content and use it for later? Snapchat everyone and everything you meet and promote them. It only lasts 24 hrs and you will be able to save it and make a youtube video out of it. This is a great way to make people happy and feel like they are getting value out of the project!!
10. Buy a Go-Pro or similar Cam
For 150 bucks you can get one of those spinoffs of Go-Pro. This will give you all the content in the world of networking and domination and SXSWisdom.
You will randomly bump into all your favorite artists and techies and agents and managers and label people and random drunks and now you have it all on camera because you weren't so cheap and you got one of those mini-cams.
11. RSVP to things
I never RSVP to things but this year I am. I forget where to go, and now, it seems to be an awesome way to remember to do things when my schedule will fly out the window. RSVP! That way people can contact you in the future. RSVP to the small things. You already have enough Fader and Hype Hotel emails.speaking of RSVPs, hit my March 17th show (oyveysxsw2016.eventbrite.com) and my March 18th show (sxshabbatfest.eventbrite.com)
12. Find a good place to park and develop relationship with parking people
Parking is a good thing to do. SXSW can be a b$%ch for that, so find a good place that is close to Empire Auto Garage. It is a popping area, and you can also use a nice cool off to hang out at if you are living far away during the week. Parking is usually cheaper around there.
13. Call your mom and dad
All the liars and bullshitters will eventually get to you Atl east call your parents so they will tell you the truth. They will say, "Stop being so cheap Rami, go buy a hotel and get some rest. It is worth it." This is well needed advice.
14. Go to the Gym at least once next week for a shvitz.There is a 24 hr fitness in Austin that will be really useful. You can get a day pass for 24 hrs and it is necessary to sweat a little bit so you feel somewhat human after eating so many tacos and BBQ. No seriously. Steam room and sauna can be really revitalizing.
15. Hire someone back home and ask for help on your normal work.
I usually book lots of things by myself and also have an agent. Everyday I need to check in with them and forward over stuff, especially when opportunities happen. Every year I lose all my room cards and things from SXSW. If i had someone helping me maintain it, I would be able to capitalize on opportunities. Do you have a manager or assistant or intern? Hit them with $100-$200 bucks and organize it all. You will be exhausted!
16. Enjoy yourself and gratitude list
If you made it this far in the article, I really applaud you. This is one is specifically for the depressed music industry worker or musician. We work so hard on our craft and can't figure out why we aren't satisfied. The other day I was kicking freestyles and today i went to the dentist and can pay for a root canal. We are blessed to make money in a field that our high school friends don't even think exists. SXSW should be our spring break. Enjoy yourself down there and don't quite before the miracle happen. I give this advice to myself as well.
Is that a good list? I have a bunch more coming. Anything else? Please let me know.
Kosha Dillz is an official SXSW artist that loves to share his knowledge with the people and help others. He booked Kool Keith
to headline his official OY VEY SXSW showcase on march 17th and also will be attending films likeCarnage Park and Hip Hop hooray.
His last music video featuring Murs is called We Are Different and produced by Jesse Shatkin. Email him at rapperfriends@gmail.com
to connect with him at SXSW.
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