SXSW 2014

In Austin, Texas, the month of March is a special month, jam-packed with noteworthy events. From the always strange and unpredictable weather patterns, to the incredible and memorable state high school basketball tournament, to the stimulating and astonishing livestock show and rodeo, there is never a dull moment in Austin. But there is one event that easily takes over all Austinites' lives for 10 intense days each March: South by Southwest.

South by Southwest (SXSW) is a Music Conference and Festival which was first held in Austin in 1987. In 1994, SXSW added a film conference and festival along with an interactive media conference to form a Texas-size event. Over the years, the Music portion of SXSW has grown into the largest music festival of its kind in the world, with over 2,200 acts performing in over 100 venues. But that is only a portion of the music that can be found in Austin during this time. There are probably as many unsanctioned music events taking place as those scheduled by the SXSW organizers. It seems like every artist known to man wants to be performing in Austin for SXSW. Pop up venues and shows occur all over town and the surrounding area.

This year from March 7 through March 16, Austin played host to thousands of mega-talented individuals, traveling from all parts of the globe, all wanting to be heard by the world.  It would be impossible for one person to see even a tenth of the awe-inspiring individuals participating in SXSW.

That being said, here are just a few of the artists Limelight Images had the great fortune to catch over just three days of the festival while covering the Berklee College of Music’s SXSW Showcase, the MTV U Woodie Awards, The Grammy U Artist Showcase and Perez Hilton’s annual “One Night In Austin” party. Some of the acts are probably familiar to you, such as Blondie, Lil Wayne, American Authors, and Aloe Blacc, while others are rising stars, like Lindsey Stirling, Sam Smith, Betty Who, and Kesington Kross.

The mtvU Woodie Awards and Fest 

SXSW Event 

March 13, 2014

Zac Barnett of the alt rock band, American Authors performs at the mtvU Woodie Awards and Fest

Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX perform during the MTV Woodie Awards during SXSW

Lil Wayne makes a surprise appearance during MTV's Woodie Awards Show

London Grammar perform at the mtvU Woode Awards and Fest during SXSW 2014 in Austin, Texas

Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter of Phantogram perform during the mtvU Woodie Awards and Fest

Shailene Woodley and Theo James announce awards during the MTV Woodie Awards 

Perez Hilton's One Night In Austin 

Austin Music Hall

March 14, 2014

Blondie

LIZ

Juliette Ashby

Kesington Kross

Lindsey Stirling

Perez Hilton

Grammy U Artist Showcase at Gibson Guitar Showroom

March 14, 2014

Aloe Blacc

Aloe Blacc

Allen Stone

Allen Stone

Grammy U Songwriter's Workshop 

at Gibson Guitar Showroom

 March 15, 2014

Grammy Award winning songwriter James Fauntleroy conducting writers workshop

James Fauntleroy

James Fauntleroy and band conduct Grammy U Songwriters' Workshop during SXSW

If you love incredible music and music festivals, but have never been to SXSW, put this event on your schedule for next year. You won’t be disappointed.