SXSW

It’s been about a month and I’ve finally had time to sit back and reflect a bit on South by Southwest (SXSW).  Attending this conference was an amazing experience and I definitely plan to go back again next year.

I’ve seen a few great recaps on the networking/biz dev side of things, and two of my favorites are from Kyle York of Dyn Inc. and Jake Cacciapaglia of  Dart Boston:

SXSW Interactive Redux

The Perfect Storm for Power Networking

It’s hard to describe SXSW because it’s different from any other conference I’ve ever attended.  There is also a clear distinction between the interactive portion of the week and the days that are dedicated to music.  Film is also mixed in, but I didn’t have a chance to take part in any of those festivities.

If you only attended the interactive portion of the week, I highly recommend sticking around for one or two days of music in the future.  Not only is it a completely different experience, but there is also a lot to learn from a marketing and technology perspective during music.

A comprehensive recap of the week would go on for way too long, so here are some of my favorites from interactive, music and a cross between the two.

Interactive:

Nutshell Mail – This tool provides a summary of your social networks to your email inbox.  I’ve been using this service for a while and I’m a big fan.  I had a chance to catch these guys pitch at the Microsoft Biz Spark Accelerator as well.

Sticky Bits – Attach digital content to real-world objects using bar code technology and camera phones.  This is fun and we’ve only scratched the surface of what this technology can do.  Scan a bottle of Poland Springs for example, and you’ll find a picture of a few of my  colleagues recording the GY&K Podcast.

Simple Geo – Turnkey geolocation infrastructure to make apps location aware.  Not only does Simple Geo provide the location technology for Sticky Bits (mentioned above), but they also know how to throw a great party (one of the keys to a successful SXSW showing for any company trying to make a splash).

Revision 3 – I’ve been a fan of this company and their Web-based TV shows for a while.  The live Diggnation party they threw at Stubbs Bar-B-Q was simply amazing.

Capture Your Flag – Interviews with talented people on the rise.  1-2 minute clips divided into 100 common themes shaping “uncommon leaders.”  Very cool concept and solid content that is inspiring and “snackable” (short, quick, easy to navigate).

Dart Boston – Boston-based entrepreneurs that host events to connect and educate young people interested in start-ups.  Props to the Dart Boston team for pulling off a live show from the road.   This also gave the Boston tech/start-up scene a great place to meet for an afternoon beer in Austin.

Tech Meets Music:

Mugasha (Music. Gather. Share.) – On demand streaming of electronic and dance music, DJ sets and podcasts

Roots Music – Comprehensive Facebook widget for Bands

Hello Music – “Digital scout team” pairs independent artists with industry opportunities

Web Celeb – Artists and fans share in revenue from downloads

Seattle’s Show Gal – Seattle based blog that serves up new bands, concert info and media-rich posts

Music:

Distant Relatives – Hip-hop royalty meets Marley.  This was a great show.

Matt Morris – We were fortunate to attend a private showcase for this artists at the Driskill.  Bonus – the event was hosted by Justin Timberlake’s 901 tequila.

Mariachi El Bronx (aka The Bronx) –  These guys are like two bands in one, and they took the stage in their full Mariachi duds for the Media Temple interactive closing party.  Big thanks to Media Temple, a SoCal Web hosting company, for throwing this party and a great little bbq the day before.

Joe Purdy – Extremely talented singer-songwriter.

Movits – Swedish swing mixed with hip hop.

Band of Skulls – Caught this awesome rock band at bar on 6th Street.  They could probably hold their own in an arena, so the small venue made this one of my favorites.

Surfer Blood – This band is getting a ton of buzz on the Web.  I didn’t think they quite delivered in person but you might dig them.

Mayer Hawthorne – This guy is a total throwback to the 50’s and 60’s.  Pop and soul, you can’t help but dance.

Raphael Saadiq – The ultimate showman.  Kudos to my friend Eryn for making me go see this one.  She was right, as always when it comes to new music suggestions.

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears – Rock. Horns. Dancing feet.

Chew Lips –  Wow. This girl owns the stage.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – No wait, THIS girl owns the stage!

Lauren Zettler –  Lauren is a good friend and talented singer songwriter based in NYC.   She put on a great show in the most unique venue of the week; a mechanics garage.  That’s hustle!

What did I miss?  Let me know what you loved about SXSW this year.