The Snooty Guide to SXSW: For Badgeholders Only

We don't have the hard numbers in front of us, but we're reasonably sure that SXSW is powered by three sources of energy - the impossibly huge hopes of bushy-tailed rock bands, the enormous cash flow from clueless suckers our welcome visitors, and a smug feeling of better-than-you superiority that smothers the downtown area in a morass of hazy esteem like so many Best Wurst burps. It's not worth your while or ours to debate about whether or not it's better to run badge-less and free through east Austin or to pony up your credentials/hard-earned cash for a guarantee to all things SXSW. But we will say this - we have a badge, and we intend to use it. Here are some of our picks for official SXSW showcases.

Speakeasy - ONErpm Showcase

Consider it a missed opportunity if you attend SXSW without seeing at least one band from outside the States. Latin music is the name of the game at Speakeasy, with electronics leading the way. We're impressed with the busy oddball dance of De Juepuchas and then you've got the "electro Caribbean hip-hop" and more of Bituaya. Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil represent!