SXSW kinda sucks. It's never worth the price of admission as all the bigger acts cost more money. Too many douchy music executives and way too many douchy hipster fans. |
Maybe you're going to the wrong shows.
Tons of bands that are featured on this website do TONS of free shows throughout sxsw. I've never paid for a badge and I've seen everyone I've wanted at SXSW for the past 5 years.