So I'm finally back from SXSW and fully rested. I'd like to say that the past few days have helped me gather the proper words to encapsulate the event but I can't quite perfectly articulate what's going on down in Austin anymore. Something about the latest incarnation of SXSW Music feels wrong and I'm not talking about the corporate sponsorships from Pepsi, Doritos, Monster Energy, etc. I can deal with some corporate funding to help an event go smoother but it seems like a good deal of the entire undertaking is shifting its gaze from giving independent artists a leg up to showcasing huge acts. How is it possible that the likes of Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Mystikal and Counting Crows are all playing?

Because any surface in Austin can be turned into a music venue (not true for film screenings) it seems like the conference has reached the tipping point. Supersaturation has been accomplished. What good does it even do a band to play down there? Sure it's a good resume builder but when you're competing with hundreds of other shows are you really going to reach anyone?

Long story short, I think we're going to start seeing a change down there. I had a blast hanging out with my friends but something's gotta give!