Nerds Overtake Hipsters at SXSW with Corporate America

SXSW Interactive Technology Part of the Music Festival

South by Southwest (SXSW) used to just be a music festival mainly for independent musicians free from the chains of huge companies. Now, the nerds and geeks have invaded, kicked the indi hipsters to the curb and the huge technology and music companies invaded.

Austin, TX during the SXSW – Interactive festival has become the spring break party destination for many in the techie elite for the past 13 years.

“Yeah, we’re at a bar right now. I think everyone’s on their first or second or third beer and it’s noon. So, you know, I think we’re doing well,” said Allie Danziger, owner of Houston’s Integrate Public Relations, Tuesday to Doug Magditch of CW33 KDAF Dallas/Fort Worth.

Downtown Austin, Texas During 2012 SXSW

“Maybe it’s a little bit like our spring break, but it’s nice to disconnect and see what’s out there and then come back to work next week fully charged,” said Danziger.

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“The atmosphere is pretty epic,” said Lisa Weeks, Marketing Director from Filter.

John Boitnott of Hasai Marketing said to the reporter that it is a “once-a-year prom” for geeks.

“It’s almost past your bandwidth to find out what party you want to go to that day, because there’s 20 parties going on at the same time all over the place,” said Boitnott.

SXSW’s independent music lineup has been polluted by big companies’ “product” musicians, such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen and Kenny Rogers this year.

Big technology companies also ruined the spirit of the festival with Apple launching the iPad 2 last year.

This year Napster’s CEO Sean Parker gave a speech with former Vice President Al Gore Monday, and they called for an Occupy Democracy online.

Very “indy” names and companies, right?