Once upon a time, SXSW was a sweaty badge of honor—where unknown bands melted faces in dive bars, record deals were whispered over cheap beer, and you might accidentally discover your new favorite artist while standing next to a guy who hadn’t showered since 2003.
Now?

It’s a branded tote bag with legs.

This week on Jackalope Tales, Charles and Lisa dig into the slow, corporate embalming of South by Southwest—how a scrappy music festival turned into a networking convention for tech bros, movie studios, and companies that somehow think a panel about “the future of synergy” counts as rock ‘n’ roll.

Charles mourns the golden era—when the only thing being sold was your dignity for drink tickets. Lisa follows the money trail, where once-grimy venues got replaced by influencer lounges, sponsored stages, and VIP sections so exclusive even the bands can’t get in.
From legendary surprise shows… to standing in line for an hour to get a free energy drink branded by a cryptocurrency you don’t understand.
It’s the story of how SXSW went from South By Southwest… to South By Sponsored Content.

So grab your wristband, scan your QR code, and enjoy a festival experience carefully curated by a marketing department that has never heard of a guitar.

Because nothing says “indie spirit” like a panel hosted by a bank. [Ep 131]

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Produced by: Charles Mooney
Executive Producers: Charles Mooney and Lisa Umbarger

Original Music by: Charles Mooney and Lisa Umbarger

Kazoo Solo by: Courtney Mooney