SXSW: Tom Bradbeer’s Austin odyssey – Day 2
Tom Bradbeer, a Digital Creative and Copywriter at Longtail, is in Austin for SXSW Interactive and reporting for Campaign Brief.
All bets are off on what happens next.
You know that circus trick where they squeeze 23 clowns into a tiny car? Well that’s SXSW, but it’s probably closer to 40 clowns and each one is crazier than the last.
Day two kicked off and I started my day with a seminar on creativity and meditation, what more could a guy ask for after a night of unhinged adventures. I closed my eyes, became aware of my feet, legs, hips, chest, shoulders and head. The last of which I really didn’t want to become aware of at such an early hour, but in true SXSW style I sucked it up and got involved. As I sat there in a state of relaxed alertness, I thought back to the night that had been. How one tiny conversation over a nourishing nut bar I’d brought all the way from Australia, turned into a night time drive through Austin, a doughnut burger and a tour around the HomeAway offices.
For those who don’t know, HomeAway is an online service for luxury holiday homes and I can safely say their office is a true reflection of their product. With a model birdhouse that spans two stories and a beautiful rooftop garden for employees, this place is a coders heaven, and a eye opening display of America’s idolisation of tech-based companies.
Luxury is all well and good but there were more pressing matters to deal with, like what was to come after this hour of zen. A look at my schedule showed a handful of options, but with the weather in a state of uncharacteristic Texas fashion, I opted for the one with the least amount of walking. So it was off to The LOLs of Nations: Understanding Global Memes, where I learnt how Memes are increasingly being used in politics as an outlet for collective action.
After a quick lunch at a tucked-away taco joint I dived back into the seminars. Arriving early, I thought I’d take the chance to catch up on some writing. However, that was short lived once I found out Neil Degresse Tyson was being live streamed in the room of my next session. In under 20-minutes I was taken to a whole new level of perception. My words simply cannot describe his capacity to make you feel so small and insignificant in relation to the universe, yet inspired by our ability to wonder and simply be curious.
It’s things like this that you can never plan. Scheduling is important, but so is the ability to deviate from the path. So, instead of staying for the next session I ran over to the Hilton to wait in line to see a live podcast of Harmontown. My decision could not have been better.
I got to see Dan Harmon, the creator of the television show Community, and his band of misfits embark on a 2 hour, completely unplanned, interactive, profanity filled theatrical experience. He rapped, he ran, he got emotional and painfully honest. I came out the other end with my 5 seconds of fame and a ticket to that night’s premiere of his documentary.
I was blown away how this self proclaimed asshole could win over a crowd with painstakingly honest truths, about himself and the people around him. It’s also a big testament to the power of the internet and proof that people yearn for a sense of belonging. If you’re not familiar with Dan Harmon’s story, he was kicked off Community, his own show, due to conflicts with the studio and certain members of the cast. The podcast, which was his downfall, turned into his saving grace. He used this online medium as an outlet to vent, and in doing so, built a cult following of fans. His refreshing honesty, which resonated with an audience fed up with contrived content, was allowed to shine, something that’s virtually impossible to achieve through other mediums.
All in all, I finished up the second day feeling energised and inspired. Already I’ve seen so much and met so many amazing people, I thought the intensity would be wearing me out but in fact it’s had the completely opposite effect. Although bed does sound fantastic right now.
Why aren’t you over here yet?!
Until next time,
Tommy