SXSW has become the premiere festival for tech entrepreneurs, filmmakers and musicians. Rolling out traveled to Austin, Texas, to attend the music portion of the two-week festival.
Although tragedy struck after an aspiring artist killed two people and injured 23 during a DUI incident, most attendees and performers were able to remain positive during the last days of the event.
Here is a look at our 36 hours in Austin for SXSW.
March 12
2:00 p.m.
Diddy Serves as a keynote speaker at Austin Convention Center
Sean “Diddy” Combs served as a keynote speaker and discussed his past, present and future ideas on business. Diddy provided keen insight to inspiring musicians and entrepreneurs. “If I was looking to find employment today, I would be scared,” Diddy said. “Everyone is starting at the bottom and no one is helping to pull other people up. But that’s why we have so many entrepreneurs today and there is a revolution going on. Everyone is taking responsibility for their future. You take a chance and chase your dream. It won’t be easy, but you have to outwork everyone else.”
8: 00 p.m.
Jay Z and Kanye West takeover Austin Music Hall
Jay Z and Kanye West surprised attendees of SXSW by announcing their concert just two days before the event. Sponsored by Samsung, the event was available to Samsung users via an app and others had to win a lottery. Rolling out was able to secure passes to cover the concert which featured Jay Z and Kanye West performing their hits for two straight hours. Diddy and Tyler the Creator were both spotted in the crowd.
March 13
Noon
Hours after the tragedy on 6th Street, there was a bit of a somber mood for attendees of SXSW. But as the day progressed, the crowds began to regain energy and enjoy the festivities.
8:00 p.m.
Wiz Khalifa and Steve Aoki
Wiz Khalifa and Steve Aoki served as headlining acts for the “SXSW Takeover” concert. Held at the Austin Music Hall, the concert featured crowd rafting, cake throwing and a lot of herbs. The concert was sponsored by Pink Dolphin and Thissongissick.com.
March 14
2:00 p.m.
DJ Drama shares his SXSW journey while driving a 2014 Chevy Tahoe
DJ Drama revealed the importance of SXSW while driving through Austin in a 2014 Chevy Tahoe. He discussed how the festival helps predict what will occur in music next year. He also checked out the features in the 2014 Chevy Tahoe.
3:30 p.m.
Lil Wayne Interview at Austin Convention Center
Lil Wayne sat down with Elliot Wilson for the CRWN series. Lil Wayne discussed his rise with Cash Money, how he almost signed with Jay Z and why he would never challenge Kendrick Lamar to a rap battle.
9:00 p.m.
B.o.B and Future bring the ATL sound to Mass Appeal’s showcase at the Austin Music Hall
B.o.B opened his set by showing off his guitar and vocal skills. He eventually went into straight hip-hop mode and bought out fellow Atlanta rapper Future. The two took the crowd to another notch with their hit “Ready.”
11:00 p.m.
Nas keeps hip-hop alive at Mass Appeal showcase
Nas proved that he can still connect with a youthful audience 20 years after releasing his debut album, Illmatic. Nas was the headliner at the Mass Appeal concert at SXSW.
Held at the Austin Music Hall, Nas took the crowd on a journey through his hip-hop career by performing hits from his eight album discography.
Words and Photos: A.R. Shaw
