Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Now's your chance to have a say during SXSW PanelPicker® Community Voting. The polls are still open but not for long! Voting closes on Sunday, August 20 at 11:59pm PT.

All session proposals received during the PanelPicker entry period are eligible for your vote to help shape the 2024 Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.

How to Vote

Ready, set, vote! To participate in the voting process from August 8-20, visit panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote and sign in or create an account.

Once you are signed in, filter proposals by conference (SXSW or SXSW EDU), format, title, description, tags, and speakers in the search field.

Each voter can vote once per proposal – selecting "arrow up" for yes or "arrow down" for no. Have a question for the organizer? The Comments section is a great place to post all of your questions and leave constructive comments about the proposals you vote on.

Cast Your Votes

Inside the PanelPicker Process

Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the March event. Community votes make up 30% of the final programming decision. Plus, input from the SXSW Staff (30%) and PanelPicker Evaluators (40%) helps ensure that lesser-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

PanelPicker Evaluators consist of 200+ industry experts from around the globe and make up 40% of the PanelPicker final programming decision. Evaluators provide feedback on all submitted proposals. SXSW Staff input comes in at 30% with a goal to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers. Together these percentages help determine the final Conference lineup announced later in the season.

Pro tip: Subscribe to the Conference Community Newsletter to stay in the SX know.

Promote Your Idea

During Community Voting, it’s important for anyone who submitted a proposal to rally online support for your idea and encourage voting.

For more information about the Community Voting process, read the PanelPicker FAQ and visit the SXSW PanelPicker page.

Get your votes in before the final deadline on August 20 at 11:59pm PT.

Go To PanelPicker

See You in 2024

Join us for the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, TX from March 8-16. Register to attend early and book your hotel through SXSW Housing & Travel for the best Austin rates and locations.

Stay tuned for more event updates and programming announcements throughout the season.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for the latest SX news.

Photo (top): Futuring Food Systems: A Seat at the Chef's Table – SXSW 2023 – Photo by Chelcie Parry
Teaser photo: Periods on Tiktok: Using Content to Crush Stigmas – SXSW 2023 – Photo by Keira Lindgren

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Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for global professionals and discovery. During SXSW 2024 take your company to the next level while saving big on registration rates for groups of 10 or more.

From March 8-16, experience Conference sessions and Keynotes, Music showcases, Film & TV screenings, world-class networking, Exhibitions, and the unexpected discoveries that are always a part of SXSW.

Connect your team with the latest professional development tools and new collaborators amid endless networking opportunities.

• Keynote and Featured Speaker Presentations – Powerful presentations from some of the world’s most inspired thinkers during the SXSW Conference.

• Professional Development – Sharpen your professional skills from curated sessions to networking opportunities, all geared toward providing in-depth and specialized education.

• Panels – Industry experts will offer deep dives into targeted topics from the ever-evolving worlds of tech, film, music, and more.

• Exhibitions – Meet some of the world’s most innovative companies and watch product demonstrations at SXSW Exhibitions.

• Mentor Sessions – One-on-one coaching by professionals from all areas of the tech, film, and music industries.

• Meet Ups – Seek out inspiration and find collaboration opportunities across a wide range of industries, interests, and groups.

• Film & TV Festival Events – Exclusive SXSW Film & TV premieres, Q&As, and screenings including Features, Shorts, Episodics, XR Experience, and more.

• Music Festival Events – New, developing, and established artist showcases curated by the SXSW Music Festival in collaboration with record labels and booking agencies.

• And Beyond! – Stay tuned for programming announcements throughout the season.

Fill out the Group Registration Form below to join us March 8-16, 2024! If you haven’t decided who will be attending yet, you can still purchase group registrations and assign names later once you assemble your SX squad. The more people you bring, the more you can save – making SXSW the perfect professional development and team building opportunity for your entire team.

See You at SXSW 2024

Assemble your SX squad today to join us for the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 8-16 in Austin, Texas.

Check out our Schedule Overview for a daily snapshot of programming. In the Fall, the SXSW Schedule will launch with all confirmed programming. Stay tuned for more announcements throughout the season on our News feed.

Flying solo? Early registrants also benefit from great discounted rates. Enrolled students planning to join us in March can also apply for a special discounted rate.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and SXSW News to stay current with all things SXSW.

Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Bring Your Team to SXSW and Save with Group Registration Rates appeared first on SXSW.

Field trip! Learning goes beyond the classroom at SXSW and positions you in front of potential future employers, mentors, and creative collaborators.

SXSW is offering students a special registration rate for the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 8-16 in Austin, TX. If you are currently enrolled as a college undergraduate, postgraduate, or in high school grades 9-12, read on!

Find inspiration in powerful presentations by diverse visionaries at the Conference. Featuring a variety of programming tracks and session formats, the Conference explores what’s next in the worlds of film, culture, music, and technology.

Lay the groundwork for your career with expert advice and one-on-one coaching by professionals at Mentor Sessions. Connect with other students and the larger creative community moving the conversation forward across a wide range of industries, interests, and groups during Meet Ups and other networking opportunities throughout the event.

Discover what's next – from buzz-worthy film and tv screenings and tech startup competitions to future-focused exhibitors and global emerging artists. Whether you're looking to find what career is right for you or to connect with creatives from around the world, SXSW programming is aimed at fostering creative and professional growth.

Check out our event timeline for a daily snapshot of programming. In the Fall, stay tuned for the SXSW Schedule.

Explore the latest announcements, programming highlights, and event updates on the SXSW News feed. Stay tuned for more big announcements throughout the season including RSVPs for Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and more professional development opportunities.

Currently enrolled students may apply today to join us March 10-19, 2023 at a special rate. Check our the current student rates for Interactive, Film & TV, and Music Badges, while supplies last.

Complete the SXSW Student Discount Application form and attach a valid copy of your official transcript from your registrar's office. After we receive and verify proof of enrollment, you will be sent an email with a registration coupon. When you are registering, please note the Company Name that is printed on the badge will be the school you are affiliated with.

Don't miss the opportunity to join us from March 8-16, 2024 at an exclusive student rate!

Apply Now

More Ways to Attend

Bringing a group of 10 or more? Learn more about our Group Registration deals. If you haven’t decided who will be attending yet, you can still purchase registrations using placeholder names.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook for the latest SX coverage.

Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Exclusive SXSW Badge Discount for Enrolled Students appeared first on SXSW.

Join us for SXSW 2024 from March 8-16 in Austin, TX to experience Conference sessions, Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, world-class Exhibitions, tech competitions, Awards ceremonies, and much more. Plus, vast networking and learning opportunities, inspiring programming, a wonderland of tacos, and more unexpected discoveries. Register and book your hotel today for the best savings of the season!

Badge Access

The Platinum Badge is your key to everything SXSW has to offer with primary access to all events.

Each of the other SXSW Badges – Interactive, Film & TV, and Music – grant you primary access to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type as well as entry into Exhibitions and Comedy Showcases.

You'll also have secondary access to other tracks and events outside of your badge type for the opportunity to experience programming and connect with creatives across the many industries that SX serves. All registrants receive access to SXSW's online programming.

Check out the SXSW Timeline for a snapshot of daily programming from March 8-16 including Conference tracks, Festivals, and Exhibitions. Stay tuned for programming announcements throughout the season including the launch of the SXSW Schedule in Fall 2023.

New for 2024, you can buy now and pay later with PayPal. Just use the PayPal option when checking out in the SXSW Cart.

Exclusive Savings

Bringing a team of 10 or more? Explore our exclusive group rates. Connect your team with the latest professional development tools and new collaborators amid endless networking opportunities at SXSW.

Learning goes beyond the classroom at SXSW with student badge discounts. Currently enrolled students – college undergraduate, postgraduate, or high school grades 9-12 – may apply for this special offer while supplies last.

Book Your Hotel

After you're registered, book your Austin stay! SXSW hotel rooms and rates are available exclusively to registered attendees through SXSW Housing & Travel. Explore the Hotel Availability page to see all available hotels from a wide selection of downtown Austin options at the lowest rates.

The post SXSW 2024 Registration and Housing Now Open appeared first on SXSW.

The SXSW Pitch Competition continues to be one of the most impressive culminations of skill, creativity and ingenuity brought together on one stage. March 9-10, 2024 SXSW will feature 40 interactive technology companies from 8 different categories, to pitch their industry game-changer in front of a panel of judges and audience of event attendees. While participants compete for funding options with investors, media exposure, coaching by industry experts; registrants can catch a glimpse of the future in tech and innovation unfold in front of their eyes.

WHY APPLY

Opportunity for product validation and funding options with investors.
Take advantage of media exposure during the SXSW event.
Polish your elevator pitch with pre-event coaching by industry experts.
Sharpen your skills and gain lasting connections while doing it.
Read more about What Makes A Good Startup Pitch.

DATA

Of the 572 companies that participated in SXSW Pitch between 2009 and 2020, over 82% received funding, with combined funding over almost $14.5 billion (does not include undisclosed grants, angel and seed funding). Of these 572 companies, 17% have been acquired by Google, British Telecom, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable, Constant Contact, and Harmon. Some of our prestigious alums you may know include Klout, ICON, Hipmunk, Wildfire, Tubemogul, Siri, Foodspotting, and Tango.

For more inspiration, explore the SXSW Pitch Archive to browse winners, finalists, and other participants from previous seasons.

Browse Archive

ELIGIBILITY

The company's product and / or service must have been conceived no earlier than March 11, 2021. Each company may only enter one product or service to SXSW Pitch.
A company that enters more than one product or service will not be eligible to participate in SXSW Pitch.
Each applicant is only eligible to present in one of the SXSW family of startup innovation events (SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovation Awards, or SXSWEDU Launch). If you would like to apply for SXSW Pitch and Innovative Awards, please note you will only be eligible to participate in one.
Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership in the company.
The company must not have raised over eight (8) Million Dollars in funding from combined funding sources.
The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories.

For questions about eligibility and the selection process, read the FAQ before you begin your application to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.

APPLY NOW

Think your Startup has what it takes? Do you happen to be available March 9-10, 2024? Does your team have a pension for breakfast tacos? You belong at the SXSW Pitch 2024. – apply early to save on applications fees!

Application Deadlines:
Early Deadline: September 11, 2022
Final Deadline: November 13, 2022
All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay in the SX know throughout the season.

2023 SXSW Pitch – Photo by Miguel Esparza

The post How to Become the Next Big Thing – Apply to SXSW Pitch 2024 appeared first on SXSW.

Something bright is peeking over the SXSW horizon, ready to shine a creative light on what's next – and that includes you! Applications for SXSW 2024 are now open.

Deep in the heart of SXSW, the creative pulse from our community keeps us going long after the March event ends. Across the globe, the conversations continue, the music plays on, the films roll, the tech advances, and y'all keep on creating, problem-solving, inventing, and sharing stories that connect us. (Can we get a "yee-haw" for that?)

It's time to once again assemble for another historic event packed with discovery (and tacos). We are calling on YOU – the industry pioneers, artists, innovators, storytellers, and doers – to showcase your amazing projects and ideas at SXSW 2024 from March 8-16 in Austin, TX.

A new season kicks off with multiple ways to participate at the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals. Applications are now open for Music Festival Showcasing Artists and two tech-centered competitions, SXSW Pitch and Innovation Awards.

This is your chance to be a part of one of the most diverse, collaborative, and inventive communities in the world. Take a further look at these participation categories below and stay tuned for more information on deadlines, eligibility requirements, and tips.

Film & TV Festival submissions are set to open on August 1, 2023 along with SXSW 2024 registration and housing. Keep your eyes on SXSW News and subscribe to our newsletters for the latest 2024 SXSW event updates.

PanelPicker Community Voting

SXSW PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform for the Conference. We encourage creative thinkers to enter speaking proposals that reveal ahead-of-the-curve solutions to these problems, as well as present win-win outcomes and unexpected discoveries about the resilience of the human condition.

Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the 2024 events. During Community Voting from August 8-20, browse proposals, leave comments, and vote for sessions. Learn more and get ready to cast your votes!

Music Festival

The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry leaders, and music lovers from around the world to celebrate the magic of live music – from legendary performers to the most exciting new talent.

Apply for the opportunity to perform at the 2024 SXSW Music Festival taking place from March 11-16. As a Showcasing Artist, you’ll gain unparalleled access to an audience of industry professionals, international media, and new fans.

Music Festival Deadlines:

• Early Entry Deadline: Friday, August 25

• Final Deadline: Friday October 27

All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

Film & TV Festival

The SXSW Film & TV Festival is known for launching a high caliber and diverse program of film, TV and XR projects before enthusiastic and influential audiences that drive conversation and buzz for months to come.

Applications for the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival are open now through October 3. Check out this years screening categories, premiere status and eligibility for more information on how to become an Official Selection.

Film & TV Festival Deadlines:

• First Deadline: Tuesday, August 29

• Second Deadline: Tuesday, September 19

• Final Deadline: Tuesday, October 3

All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

SXSW Pitch

SXSW Pitch returns for its 16th year to showcase some of the global startup ecosystem's most exciting, innovative, and cutting-edge technology.

SXSW Pitch provides an outlet for companies to present the latest ideas to a panel of industry experts, early adopters, and representatives from the Venture Capital / Angel Investor community. 2024 categories include Artificial Intelligence, Voice & Robotics; Enterprise & Smart Data; Entertainment, Media & Content; Extended Reality and Web3; Future of Work; Food, Nutrition & Health; Innovative World Technologies; and Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability.

SXSW Pitch Deadlines:

• Early Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 10

• Final Deadline: Sunday, November 12

All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

Innovation Awards

The SXSW Innovation Awards recognize the most exciting creative developments in the connected world, celebrating the ever-widening variety of technological advancements, achievements, and discoveries.

Five finalists in each category will be chosen to exhibit their projects at the seventh annual Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase during SXSW 2024, where the Finalist Judges will determine the winner in each category and the Best of Show. SXSW audiences attending the Finalist Showcase will also vote to determine the winner of the People’s Choice award.

Innovation Awards Deadlines:

• Early Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 10

• Final Deadline: Sunday, November 12

All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

Festival participants and competition finalists are announced after applications close later in the season. During SXSW in March, various ceremonies are held to celebrate these creatives and announce the winners. Explore our Awards page for a complete list of awards categories and take a look back at 2023 winners.

Save the Date

Get ready to get involved and join us at SXSW 2024! Register to attend and book your hotel beginning on August 1, 2023. Stay tuned for more information on SXSW Badges, housing, and additional application categories.

While you await the 2024 SXSW season launch, relive exciting 2023 Keynotes, Featured Sessions, Film & TV Festival red carpets, Music Festival showcases, and more on our official YouTube Channel.

Journey further back through SXSW Iconic Moments to watch even more exclusive content from the SX archives.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. Subscribe to event newsletters and check out SXSW News for the latest SX coverage.

Teaser Photos (top-bottom): SXSW Arrow - Photo by Ann Alva Wieding; 2023 SXSW Panel - Photo by Jakayla M. Canaday; 2023 Showcasing Artist, Dream Wife - Photo by Nick Piacente; 2023 SXSW Pitch - Photo by Sabrina Macias; and 2023 SXSW Innovation Awards Winners - Photo by Andy Wenstrand.

The post 2024 SXSW Applications Now Open: Music Festival, SXSW Pitch & More appeared first on SXSW.

PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform developed to encourage the community to pitch their proposals for our Conference programming for SXSW 2024 from March 8-16. This easy, two-step process allows the SXSW community to have a voice in what creative and thought-provoking programming is selected. Visit panelpicker.sxsw.com to login or create a new profile and then begin your proposal. All ideas received will be posted online for Community Voting..

Review the resources and tips below to get started on your PanelPicker proposal and enter by July 23, 2023 at 11:59pm PT.

Tips for PanelPicker Success

• Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and more valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

• Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, and film. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

• Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

• Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in PanelPicker, so it’s important for your title to be direct and explanatory. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct. Tip: Avoid using ALL CAPS in your title and proposal.

• Diversity matters. All panels (3-4 person sessions) must include diversity in gender, race, location and employment of speakers, and diversity in thought and opinion.

• Include a video with your proposal. Your speaking abilities matter and we’d like to see them. No fancy production required – recording from your webcam or phone works just fine.

• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Did we mention proofread? Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are extremely important. Once you have completed your draft idea and clicked “Enter My Proposal,” you will NOT be able to edit your idea. Be sure you have reviewed your proposal carefully.

• Meet the deadline. The final deadline to enter your application is Sunday, July 23 at 11:59pm PT.

Enter Your Idea

Mark your calendars – registration and housing for SXSW 2024 open on August 1, 2023.

The post Speak at SXSW 2024: PanelPicker® Applications Open Through July 23 appeared first on SXSW.

Reddit's Chief Operating Officer Jen Wong explores the evolving expectations of digital interactions, the demand for more meaningful online experiences, the growing influence of online communities, and the opportunities this presents for brands.

Presenting this year's Design in Tech Report, Vice President of Design & AI at Microsoft, John Maeda, takes us on a captivating journey into the realm of artificial intelligence and sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of design.

Trend curator and author Rohit Bhargava helps us get ready for the future by identifying and exploring non-obvious trends that anticipate what's going to become the new normal.

Simran Jeet Singh, Executive Director of the Religion & Society Program at the Aspen Institute and acclaimed author of a national bestseller, provides profound insights into discovering hope amidst despair by sharing personal experiences and principles of Sikh philosophy.

Explore more sessions from the SXSW Conference archive as we honor AAPI creatives from the worlds of tech, film, music, government, healthcare, and beyond.

The post Celebrating AAPI Creatives at SXSW appeared first on SXSW.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm outlined the many incentives available for individuals to embrace clean energy initiatives for today, tomorrow, and beyond. Her message was clear that transitioning to a clean energy future is not only critical for the planet's survival, but it's also the key to creating a more peaceful world, as she puts it,"Perhaps moving to a clean energy future is the greatest peace plan the world will ever know."

Climate change is an ever-growing concern for our planet, with its potential to cause significant harm. Award-winning author, political scientist, and climate expert Dr. Leah Stokes offered valuable insights on navigating the complex world of clean energy policy, emphasizing the critical role of cutting ties with fossil fuels.

As a result, experts are continuously exploring ways to tackle this global issue and find sustainable solutions that can help mitigate its effects. Ben Lamm, the CEO and Co-founder of Colossal, offers a unique perspective on de-extinction that has the potential to address climate change and push the boundaries of what's possible in clean energy solutions. Through his diverse perspective and innovative ideas, Lamm highlighted the potential for de-extinction to play a role in creating a more sustainable future.

As the world grapples with the threat of climate change, young climate activists actively bring hope through their efforts to become influential agents of change on a global scale. Hear from Alexis Ohanian investor and founder of Seven Seven Six, Lissie Garvin the Director of the 776 Foundation and two of the fellowship program’s bright young minds Maya Penn and Rostam Reifschneider, as they discuss the urgency for climate action and why they all believe our next generation holds the key to unlocking the solutions

The SXSW Conference showcased an array of innovative ideas that promise to transform the way we power our world. The future of our planet is looking more promising than ever, thanks to the incredible advancements in clean energy solutions. Let's continue the conversation, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of clean energy.

The post Exploring the Future of Clean Energy: SXSW 2023 Highlights appeared first on SXSW.

From RZA transitioning his hip-hop career into one that converges with film to Karen Civil, DJ Rosegold, and Naomi Wright teaching us the importance of influence in getting people to buy into your brand. The Music Careers track is a spectrum within SXSW and itself.

Whether you choose to stream from our YouTube channel or plug in the AUX to listen to the recordings via the 2023 SXSW Schedule, these Music Careers sessions offer wisdom, advice, and stories for full immersion into the industry.

The Revolutionary Power of Creativity

“Everyone has a gift who's on the planet and everyone has some magic to share...all cultures have some magic to share.” – Valerie June

Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Memphis, Tennessee Valerie June and Beggars Group US President and author Nabil Ayers speak on the act of creating being a revolutionary act. Listen in and find out how the two dreamers use an array of artistic paths to inspire and create sunshine in a sometimes shadowy world.

Listen Here

Introducing Michael: The Man Known as Killer Mike

“Killer Mike is the product of the imagination of a nine-year-old kid, a 12-year-old rap enthusiast, and a 15-year-old battle rapper.” – Michael Render

Killer Mike gets recognized for many things - being an Outkast protege, a member of rap powerhouse Run The Jewels, one of Atlanta’s biggest advocates, a Bernie Sanders whisperer, and, perhaps most importantly, a voice of reason in an increasingly insane world. Some might know one or two of those sides of Mike, but he is finally ready to introduce the world to the totality of Michael Render.

Listen Here

The Art of Creating Influence 101

“People look out for people who they see themselves in. People who they connect with, who they can identify with. For me, I had to walk into rooms and put that out of my brain. I had to tell myself that I belong and that I have something to add by being in those rooms.” – Naomi Wright

In this crash course, women who are trailblazing in their field will offer real and fresh viewpoints on how to navigate a career in entertainment, media, and marketing while building your own brand. Join Karen Civil, DJ Rosegold, and Naomi Wright in the conversation with Tallie Spencer about all things in creating influence.

Listen Here

36 Chambers of the RZA

“Do you. Be yourself. Stay pure to your art. I know that’s what I do.” – RZA

With the final season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga airing on HULU; RZA starring in Problemista, which debuted at SXSW; and the next leg of the NY State of Mind tour about to roll out, Evan Narcisse chats with RZA about his relentless creative output, crossing between stage and screen, new music, and creating a lasting cultural and community impact.

Listen Here

Enjoy More Featured Sessions from the Music Careers Track

• How Music, Entrepreneurship, & Independence Intersect
• Music and a Movement: A Conversation with the Indigo Girls
• The Blog Era: Hip-Hop's Wild Wild West
• The J Dilla Effect: Breaking Barriers Through Beats
• True Grit: 3 Stories of Overcoming Life's Challenges To Make It In The Music Business
• Music Publishing in the New Songwriter Economy

Watch SXSW On-Demand

Continue to relive SXSW 2023 before we see you again March 8-16 in Austin, TX for the 2024 SXSW Conferences & Festivals.

You can find all of the exciting 2023 Keynotes, Featured Sessions, SXSW Studio interviews, and more via on-demand content on our YouTube channel.

Stay tuned for more 2023 recaps as well as information about 2024 registration and participation opportunities coming later this summer. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

The post How to Thrive in the Music Industry: SXSW 2023 Sessions appeared first on SXSW.

At the 2023 SXSW Conference, comedian, television host, and best-selling author, Chelsea Handler, sat down with former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC Sunday series host, Jen Psaki, to tackle some of the most pressing issues being faced by women today, from abortion rights to self-care and toxic workplace culture.

"I feel like it's my duty to help other women in the industry. I just really like sticking up for women...I like being a voice for people to know they belong here. Every single person belongs here." – Chelsea Handler

Known for her outspoken criticism of the toxic work environment that many women face in the comedy industry, Handler spoke openly about the sexism and discrimination she's faced throughout her 20+ year career. Handler shared how she's made it her mission to create opportunities for other women in the field. "Any marginalized person who is not seen or heard, it's a big passion of mine to make sure they feel seen and they feel heard" – echoing the importance of being an advocate for each other in and out of the workplace.

Psaki went on to discuss the ongoing battle for women's rights in the U.S. following the rollback of Roe v. Wade. Handler passionately criticized the anti-abortion policies in Texas, expressing: "Leave our bodies alone." She encouraged the audience to "stay strong and adamant about fighting" for women's rights.

The conversation then shifted to the topic of self-care. Handler and Psaki discussed the need to take a few minutes every day to focus on one's well-being – and pause the doom-scrolling. "Even if it's just five minutes of sitting with yourself, do it!" stated Handler.

The Featured Session was a refreshing dose of levity and vulnerability. Psaki and Handler brought their A-game and sharp wit, captivating the room by demonstrating the transformative power of laughter in navigating life's complexities. If there's one takeaway, it's that being a strong advocate for women and one's self is all about speaking your truth, supporting others, and not taking yourself too seriously.

“There’s something funny about everyone, there’s humor in everything.”

Watch the entire 2023 Featured Session of Chelsea Handler and Jen Psaki.

Never miss an update on all things SX – subscribe to SXSW Event Updates and explore SXSW News. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

The post Chelsea Handler and Jen Psaki on Sticking Up for Women – SXSW 2023 Featured Session appeared first on SXSW.

“The ultimate Manchester band.”

A big introductory statement about New Order and its home city made by the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, at the SXSW 2023 Festival. It’s a statement some may disagree with, but Burnham backs it up with a challenge of naming artists and/or bands whose music from 40 years ago is as current today as when it was written. A short list with New Order’s name on it.

PAST

The Keynote conversation begins with a fond memory of 12-year-old Hodgkinson hearing New Order’s music for the first time (yes, it was Blue Monday). “It sounded to me like, obviously it sounded like the future but it was so deep with emotion and a kind of sadness and yet it was this kind of machine music… It sounded like the future then and the incredible thing is, New Order still sounds like the future now.”

Going all the way back to the members’ childhoods, there was a collective experience in the educational system and growing up in Manchester. There were no promises to go beyond working the mill nor finding encouragement in being creative. Fortunately, punk music was there to help with self-expression. Stephen Morris, the band’s drummer, attempted to start his musical journey with a guitar but he said luckily for him, “there’s a rule in rock and roll that the worst guitarist becomes the drummer.”

From one legendary band, came another. It was the tragic death of Joy Division’s lead vocalist that caused the band to dissolve in 1980, but from its ashes rose New Order. It was not an easy transition and it came with trials and tribulations, however, it triumphed and carried on with its own sound.

“By necessity we had to reinvent ourselves because we couldn’t be Joy Division Mark 2, it just wouldn’t work without Ian… We’d made a huge statement with Joy Division and we couldn’t keep repeating that statement, so we had to do something radically different.” — Bernard Sumner

Some say that New Order invented the 80s by taking electronic sounds and making it into dance music. When the band would go to dance clubs, they started hearing that the music was made with regular instruments. Then they got the idea that you can make that kind of music using electronic instruments. Although bands were already doing that, they weren’t really making dance music. The idea came up to specifically make dance-oriented music with it and eventually that led to Blue Monday.

The conversation continues into the experimentation and learning that came from using the synthesizer and different technology as it was created. Sumner explains some of the process of manually entering notes into a hardware sequencer and the difficulty of it all. He said they even had a scientist come in to design equipment and took him on tour in case something broke down.

The culture of music in the city of Manchester was brought on by the bleakness of its industrialisation, de-industrialisation and rain. The lack of creative outlets caused its people to create their own and many of those were bands. “Because it was kind of ugly on the outside, it made you turn inside for beauty,” said Sumner.

PRESENT

All of New Order’s history has proved to have longevity. What keeps inspiring them and what keeps it interesting at this stage in their career?

“There's something in what you’re doing that you enjoy very much. Otherwise, you wouldn’t carry on doing it… Music is a great form of self expression and for us it’s the same thing. It was freedom to do what you wanted and it’s still that today.” — Stephen Morris

Sumner carries on to say that the band was alway in a state of “worse for wear” when they partied a bit much in their early days. “One gig could be brilliant and then the next one could be terrible.” Now, the band moves in a more sensible way which makes their gigs more fun with less of a pain aspect. The energy of their audiences provides a non-egotistical boost that comes from being in the same room enjoying the same music.

FUTURE

The legends continue to set goals and look forward to the future. Beyond The Music, is an international music festival being launched in Manchester. Although in its early stages, there is a vision for the festival to be a sort of multimedia hub with visual arts, film and music to provide a window for young musicians to break through the barriers. Sumner makes a point about how difficult it is to release music especially as a young artist in a world of streaming.

“There’s no money in releasing music. It’s ok for us, established musicians, but not for young musicians and it was alway difficult. When we started Joy Division it was difficult as hell but it’s incredibly difficult now.” — Bernard Sumner

Watch the full 2023 SXSW Music Keynote featuring New Order followed by an audience Q&A and further get to know the music legends. Learn more from our official SXSW YouTube Channel for more videos from Keynotes, sessions, film premieres, and more. For the latest SX coverage and upcoming 2024 announcements, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, https://www.tiktok.com/@sxsw, and SXSW News.

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