The cancellation of SXSW last week matters for many reasons. It matters because the City of Austin depends on the money the conference brings with it — over $350 million by 2019’s count.
It matters because SXSW is a vital part of our music culture — whether the general music-consuming public realizes it or not.
Indie artists depend on the exposure that comes with playing SXSW. I am intimately aware of this fact; I played at SXSW many times, and was signed there 25 years ago.
So yes, for me, it’s personal. I agree with the City of Austin and its decision to put a stop to the event; I’m glad that health is a priority.
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