SXSW (2023) in retrospect

Hey everyone 👋

In this post, I'm going to talk about a recent trip myself and some colleagues from Sunderland Software City took to Austin for the annual South by South West (SXSW) conference. The event is a huge spread of talks, tech showcases, film premieres, music gigs and way, way more varying and eclectic goings-on. For me, there was a huge scope of things to be interested in, so preparation and scheduling ahead of time were essential if I was going to see things all the things I was eager for. Luckily, I was able to split my time between personal and professional interests along the way.

If you're interested in reading some of the tech talks and insights I gathered at SXSW on topics like generative media and data rights, I'll have another blog post published soon over on the Sunderland Software City website here. For now, I'm gonna chat over some of the exciting things I got up to over the course of the conference.

First up, an unexpected invite from one of the curators of the Museum for Graffiti to a gig with Dj Mase (a.k.a Maseo from De La Soul) for our first taste of music on the trip. The museum itself was packed with history from numerous eras of hip-hop which quickly yielded to an all-out back yard event. We were given free Tequila breezers (shockingly strong ones to boot!) and tall cans of spring water (weird) as we joined the throng of mostly locals who'd come to hear Maseo play a set from De La Soul's discography. The show was extremely intimate whilst remaining energetic, with frequent references made to Trugoy the Dove, a member of the group who had recently passed away and was being commemorated with a stunning work of graffiti for the show (pictured above, right).

Being a huge foodie, I couldn't skip over the fact that we all enjoyed some flippin' spectacular food whilst we were visiting. I am now utterly saddened that Tex-Mex food isn't something that isn't just around the corner from where I'm staying and I am eager to visit Texas again for this reason alone. Of particular note was a place called Veracruz, a Mexican hole-in-the-wall which served tacos and quesadillas that were phenomenal and unlike any Mexican cuisine that the likes of our local Zapatista could replicate. It was extremely telling how good this place was that I stood shoulder to shoulder with locals and celebrities alike whilst queuing on the pavement for another bite.

Last but not least was my personal highlight from the trip, a chance to listen to Matt Mercer and Marisha Ray talk about storytelling and worldbuilding after their years of experience as cast members and creative directors of the hit show, Critical Role. There are very few forms of media for which I consider myself a true fan, but this multi-media fantasy epic has inspired millions worldwide to become the affectionately termed 'critters', myself included, who tune in weekly to watch eight friends play a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG).

In their talk, they discussed what it means to be digital storytellers across many different platforms, the significance of creativity in an age when generative media tempts people to subvert it and the importance of a community that shares a collective narrative which can empower fantasy worlds to feel more real than our own. If you'd like to listen to Matt and Marisha's talk, you can do so on this link (I even summoned the courage to ask a question at the 54:30 timestamp).

And yes, I rushed to the exit after the talk to grab a picture with them both despite the fact that my introversion usually makes me unwilling to bother strangers in this manner (pictured above, right). My cool demeanour in the photo begets the anxiety I felt asking for the photo and the intense tightness in my chest I had lasting up to an hour afterwards which was equal parts nervousness and glee. 😅

After all that, I can resoundingly say that my week in Austin was truly special. If you're ever lucky enough to get the chance to attend a future SXSW conference, take it! There are plenty more stories I could share from the event, but too many for a chat here. So, you'll just have to ask me in person instead next time we meet!

Until then, be seein' ya 🤠